The Italy market for Indian ashwagandha root extract & powder
Denmark banned ashwagandha in food supplements in 2023; the Netherlands and France have issued warnings, and EU-wide restrictions were under discussion in 2026. Check the target member state before quoting.
Ashwagandha Root Extract & Powder specification for Italy orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Withanolides | 1.5%, 2.5%, 5% by HPLC, or higher by gravimetric method; state the method (typical) |
| Plant part | Root only (preferred for EU/US) or root + leaf (typical) |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 5% (typical) |
| Mesh | 80 mesh (typical) |
| Heavy metals | Pb ≤ 3 ppm, Cd ≤ 1 ppm, As ≤ 2 ppm, Hg ≤ 0.1 ppm (typical buyer spec) |
| Microbiology | TPC ≤ 10,000 cfu/g; yeast & mould ≤ 1,000 cfu/g; E. coli and Salmonella absent (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Italy requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Italy
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Border control & pre-notification | Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE | CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP |
| GMP & API written confirmation | EMA / national agencies | EU-GMP; Written Confirmation for APIs (issued by CDSCO) |
| Notification | DG GROW (Reg. 1223/2009) | CPNP notification; EU Responsible Person; PIF; safety assessment |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping ashwagandha root extract & powder to Italy
Typical sea transit from India: 15–20 d to Genoa/La Spezia via Suez (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days.
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~8-10 MT in 25 kg drums, 40' HC ~14-18 MT.
Quoted on FOB, FCA, CIF, CIP, DAP; CIF Italy is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Italy
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna | Ravenna (Adriatic, nearby) / La Spezia / Genoa (inland; Interporto Bologna) · Bologna Gugl | cosmetics (Cosmoprof), Packaging & engineering goods buyers, ceramics/tile industry (Cersaie) |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import ashwagandha root extract & powder into Italy?
Key requirements: Border control & pre-notification — Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE (CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP); GMP & API written confirmation — EMA / national agencies (EU-GMP; Written Confirmation for APIs (issued by CDSCO)); Notification — DG GROW (Reg. 1223/2009) (CPNP notification; EU Responsible Person; PIF; safety assessment). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Italy take?
Typically 15–20 d to Genoa/La Spezia via Suez (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days at sea (estimate).
Does Italy have a trade agreement with India?
EU competence — India–EU FTA concluded 27 Jan 2026, not yet in force [S7][S8]; India graduated from EU GSP for 2026–2028 (Reg. (EU) 2025/1909) so MFN duties apply until the FTA enters into force (expected 2027) [06 §C.4] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to ashwagandha root extract & powder from India?
Usually HS 130219. Italy applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
HPLC or gravimetric - which withanolide figure should I ask for?
HPLC measures specific withanolides and gives lower numbers; gravimetric measures a broader fraction and gives higher numbers. Specify the method in the purchase order.
Root only or root and leaf?
Many EU and US buyers ask for root-only extracts, partly because of the Danish risk assessment. Leaf-containing extracts are cheaper.
Is ashwagandha allowed in the EU?
It depends on the member state. Denmark bans it in food supplements; elsewhere it is sold with warnings. Check before you buy.
Related guides
Request a quote: ashwagandha root extract & powder to Italy
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Italy. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.