The Netherlands market for Indian castor oil & derivatives
Netherlands, France and Germany buy FSG and derivatives for oleochemicals and polyamide 11; REACH applies to derivatives (chemically modified substances).
Castor Oil & Derivatives specification for Netherlands orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Acid value (FSG) | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g (typical) |
| Moisture & volatiles | ≤ 0.25% (typical) |
| Hydroxyl value | 160-168 (typical) |
| Iodine value | 82-90 (typical) |
| Saponification value | 176-187 (typical) |
| Colour | Gardner ≤ 3 for FSG; lighter for pale pressed (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Netherlands requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Netherlands
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Border control & pre-notification | Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE | CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP |
| REACH | ECHA | Registration >=1 t/yr via Only Representative; SVHC art.33; Annex XVII restrictions |
| Classification & SDS | ECHA (CLP 1272/2008) | CLP labels; 16-section SDS in local language |
| Increased official controls | DG SANTE (Reg. (EU) 2019/1793 as amended by 2026/1206) | Official certificate + lab results for Annex II items; CHED; identity/physical check at set frequency |
| Ethylene oxide | DG SANTE / RASFF | EtO MRL 0.1 mg/kg (sum) for spices; Spices Board pre-export testing |
| Notification | DG GROW (Reg. 1223/2009) | CPNP notification; EU Responsible Person; PIF; safety assessment |
| GMP & API written confirmation | EMA / national agencies | EU-GMP; Written Confirmation for APIs (issued by CDSCO) |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping castor oil & derivatives to Netherlands
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Rotterdam: 18-24 via Suez; 28-35 via Cape days. Cape routing adds ~10 days (US DIA Jun-2024 figure cited on Wikipedia Red Sea crisis page)
Supply window: Indian castor oil & derivatives is mainly produced or harvested First flush Mar-Apr; second flush May-Jun; rains Jul-Sep; autumnal Oct-Nov (ASSUMPTION - standard flush calendar); First flush Mar-Apr; second flush May-Jun; autumn Oct-Nov (ASSUMPTION). Allow 18-24 via Suez; 28-35 via Cape days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Netherlands customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' Flexitank ~20-22 MT; drums 80 x ~190 kg ≈ 15 MT, 40' HC Not normally used (20' preferred for weight).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF; CIF Rotterdam is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Netherlands
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | Port of Rotterdam (Europe's largest seaport; Maasvlakte I/II deep-sea container terminals) | chemicals/pharma distributors, Freight forwarders/3PLs and bonded-warehouse operators, commodity importers (rice |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import castor oil & derivatives into Netherlands?
Key requirements: Border control & pre-notification — Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE (CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP); REACH — ECHA (Registration >=1 t/yr via Only Representative; SVHC art.33; Annex XVII restrictions); Classification & SDS — ECHA (CLP 1272/2008) (CLP labels; 16-section SDS in local language); Increased official controls — DG SANTE (Reg. (EU) 2019/1793 as amended by 2026/1206) (Official certificate + lab results for Annex II items; CHED; identity/physical check at set frequency). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Netherlands take?
Typically 18-24 via Suez; 28-35 via Cape days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Rotterdam, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Netherlands 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 castor oil & derivatives from India?
Usually HS 151530. Netherlands applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is FSG castor oil?
First Special Grade: the benchmark industrial specification (low acid value and moisture, light colour) used in most contracts.
Is castor oil hazardous to ship?
No. Castor oil is not classified as dangerous goods. The toxic ricin stays in the seed meal, not the oil.
When is the new crop?
Castor is harvested in Gujarat from roughly January to April, so new-crop oil flows from early spring (ASSUMPTION - varies by season).
Related guides
Request a quote: castor oil & derivatives to Netherlands
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Netherlands. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.