The Canada market for Indian indian tea - assam ctc and orthodox, darjeeling, nilgiri
USA: the packing facility needs FDA Food Facility Registration, every shipment needs FDA Prior Notice, and the US importer must run FSVP supplier verification. US tariff treatment of Indian goods changed several times in 2025-26 (reciprocal tariffs, product exemptions, a Feb-2026 India-US framework and later court rulings) - verify the current duty for the HTS line before quoting landed cost. The USA is a named destination; US tariff exemptions for tea were reported in late 2025 - verify current treatment.
Indian community in Canada (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 3,247,980 (PIO 1,859,680 + NRI 1,388,300).
Indian Tea - Assam CTC and Orthodox, Darjeeling, Nilgiri specification for Canada orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 6-7% (typical) |
| Total ash | 4-8% (ISO 3720 / FSSAI; typical) |
| Water extract | ≥ 32% (ISO 3720 minimum) |
| Crude fibre | ≤ 16.5% (ISO 3720 maximum) |
| Residues | Within EU/destination MRLs (EU buyers test anthraquinone, pesticides) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Canada requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Canada
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Importer licence & controls | CFIA (SFCR) | SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements |
| Labelling | CFIA / Health Canada | Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts |
| Phytosanitary | CFIA | Import permit/PSC per AIRS; ISPM-15 |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping indian tea - assam ctc and orthodox, darjeeling, nilgiri to Canada
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Montreal: 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days. Halifax alternative gateway; +1-3 days rail Montreal/Halifax to Toronto; St Lawrence winter restrictions
Supply window: Indian indian tea - assam ctc and orthodox, darjeeling, nilgiri is mainly produced or harvested Harvest Dec-Feb (ASSUMPTION); First flush Mar-Apr; second flush May-Jun; rains Jul-Sep; autumnal Oct-Nov (ASSUMPTION - standard flush calendar). Allow 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Canada customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 10-14 MT (CTC); about 6-9 MT (leaf orthodox), 40' HC about 18-24 MT (CTC).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA, DAP; CIF Montreal is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Canada
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Montreal / Halifax / Port of Toronto (minor), inland; also rail from Vancouver/Prince Rupe | Indian diaspora grocery/spice distributors (largest in Canada), HORECA, apparel & home-textile importers |
| Montreal | Port of Montreal (St Lawrence container port) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL); Montréal-Mirabel ( | Indian diaspora grocers (Parc-Extension), HORECA, aerospace & engineering-component buyers |
| Calgary | Vancouver / Prince Rupert, inland (rail via CPKC/CN) · Calgary International (YYC) - cargo | Indian (Punjabi/Gujarati) diaspora grocers in NE Calgary, oilfield & engineering goods buyers (pipes, valves) |
| Mississauga | Montreal / Halifax / Port of Toronto (minor), inland · Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) | Indian diaspora grocers, pharma/generics importers, 3PL/air-cargo forwarders |
| Vancouver | Port of Vancouver (Canada's largest port; Deltaport, Centerm, Vanterm) · Vancouver Interna | Indian (Punjabi) diaspora grocers & restaurants, lumber/pulp traders, apparel |
| Brampton | Montreal / Halifax / Port of Toronto (minor), inland; CN Brampton Intermodal Terminal · To | Indian (Punjabi/Gujarati) diaspora grocery & restaurant supply - one of the highest South Asian shares in Canada, apparel/sarees & jewellery, pharma |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import indian tea - assam ctc and orthodox, darjeeling, nilgiri into Canada?
Key requirements: Importer licence & controls — CFIA (SFCR) (SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements); Labelling — CFIA / Health Canada (Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts); Phytosanitary — CFIA (Import permit/PSC per AIRS; ISPM-15). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Canada take?
Typically 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Montreal, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Canada have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. India–Canada CEPA negotiations relaunched March 2026 (2nd round May 2026; aim to conclude by end-2026) [S7]. Canada's GPT preferences apply to many Indian goods. CONFLICT: 06 §C.7 says talks 'paused'; S7 (28 Oct 2026) reports relaunch and rounds in 2026 — S7 is newer A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to indian tea - assam ctc and orthodox, darjeeling, nilgiri from India?
Usually HS 090240. Canada applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is the difference between CTC and orthodox tea?
CTC (crush-tear-curl) produces small granules that brew strong and fast, ideal for tea bags and milk tea; orthodox tea keeps whole or broken leaves for more nuanced flavour.
Is Darjeeling tea protected?
Yes, Darjeeling Tea was India's first Geographical Indication (2004) and is also protected as a certification trademark by the Tea Board.
Can I buy through Indian tea auctions?
Teas can be bought at the Kolkata, Guwahati, Siliguri, Coonoor and Kochi auctions through registered buyers, or by private sale from estates.
Related guides
- Indian Tea - Assam CTC and Orthodox, Darjeeling, Nilgiri — product specifications
- Indian Tea - Assam CTC and Orthodox, Darjeeling, Nilgiri exporter from India
- India–Canada trade guide
- Indian Tea - Assam CTC and Orthodox, Darjeeling, Nilgiri supplier in Ontario
- Indian Tea - Assam CTC and Orthodox, Darjeeling, Nilgiri to Oman
Request a quote: indian tea - assam ctc and orthodox, darjeeling, nilgiri to Canada
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Canada. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.