The France market for Indian dried curry leaves
Curry leaves from India have historically been listed under EU increased official controls for pesticide residues (Reg. 2019/1793) - check the current annex and supply residue-tested lots.
Indian community in France (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 109,000 (PIO 90,000 + NRI 19,000; excludes Réunion/overseas departments if counted separately).
Dried Curry Leaves specification for France orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 8-10% (typical) |
| Colour | Green to dark green (typical) |
| Foreign matter / stems | ≤ 2% (typical) |
| Microbiology | Salmonella absent; TPC per buyer spec (typical) |
| Pesticide residues | Within EU/destination MRLs |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the France requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in France
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Border control & pre-notification | Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE | CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP |
| 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 |
| Aflatoxin & Sudan dyes | DG SANTE (Reg. 2023/915) | Aflatoxin B1 5 / total 10 ug/kg; Sudan dyes zero tolerance |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping dried curry leaves to France
Typical sea transit from India: 20–25 d to Le Havre; 15–20 d to Marseille-Fos (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 3-5 MT whole (volume-limited); about 8-10 MT powder, 40' HC about 7-10 MT whole.
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA; CIF France is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in France
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Le Havre (HAROPA Port) via Seine; inland (Gennevilliers / Bonneuil river ports) · Paris Ch | South Asian grocery & spice importers (La Chapelle / Passage Brady), HORECA, Rungis-based food wholesalers |
| Marseille | Grand Port Maritime de Marseille-Fos (France #1 port by tonnage; Fos-sur-Mer container ter | HORECA, Freight forwarders/shipping lines, Mediterranean & North African re-export traders |
| Lyon | Marseille-Fos via Rhône (Port Édouard Herriot inland port) / Le Havre; inland · Lyon-Saint | HORECA (gastronomy capital), South Asian grocery wholesalers, Pharma/API distributors |
| Toulouse | Marseille-Fos / Barcelona (inland) · Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS) | HORECA, South Asian grocery importers, Aerospace & precision-engineering component buyers |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import dried curry leaves into France?
Key requirements: Border control & pre-notification — Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE (CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP); 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); Aflatoxin & Sudan dyes — DG SANTE (Reg. 2023/915) (Aflatoxin B1 5 / total 10 ug/kg; Sudan dyes zero tolerance). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to France take?
Typically 20–25 d to Le Havre; 15–20 d to Marseille-Fos (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days at sea (estimate).
Does France 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 dried curry leaves from India?
Usually HS 121190. France applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
How are curry leaves dried?
At low temperature or by freeze-drying to keep the green colour and aroma; sun-drying is avoided for export grades.
Do Indian curry leaves face EU checks?
Fresh curry leaves from India have historically been under EU increased pesticide controls, so dried leaves for the EU are residue-tested before shipment.
What forms are available?
Whole dried leaves, crushed flakes, powder and freeze-dried leaves.
Related guides
Request a quote: dried curry leaves to France
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in France. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.