The France market for Indian ghee
EU entry of milk products requires India to be listed for the commodity and an EU-listed establishment with TRACES NT certificates - check current listing status before quoting.
Indian community in France (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 109,000 (PIO 90,000 + NRI 19,000; excludes Réunion/overseas departments if counted separately).
Ghee specification for France orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Milk fat | ≥ 99.5% (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.3-0.5% (typical; FSSAI limit 0.5%) |
| FFA (as oleic) | ≤ 1.4-3.0% (FSSAI; typical) |
| RM value | ≥ 24-28 per FSSAI state standards (typical) |
| Adulteration | No vegetable fat / animal body fat (Baudouin and sterol tests) |
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 |
| Health certificate & listed establishment | DG SANTE / EIC-EIA (India CA) | EU model health certificate (TRACES NT); establishment on EU approved list |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping ghee 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.
Supply window: Indian ghee is mainly produced or harvested Year-round; Flush season Nov-Mar (ASSUMPTION). Allow 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 plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and France customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 16-18 MT (tins/jars), 40' HC about 22-24 MT.
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 ghee into France?
Key requirements: Border control & pre-notification — Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE (CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP); Health certificate & listed establishment — DG SANTE / EIC-EIA (India CA) (EU model health certificate (TRACES NT); establishment on EU approved list). 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 ghee from India?
Usually HS 040590. France applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Is ghee shelf-stable?
Yes, properly made ghee keeps 12-18 months at ambient temperature in sealed jars or tins.
What is the difference between cow and buffalo ghee?
Cow ghee is golden and granular; buffalo ghee is whiter with a different flavour and is preferred in some markets.
How do you ensure ghee is not adulterated?
Batches are tested for RM and Polenske values, sterols and the Baudouin test to detect vegetable or animal body fat.
Related guides
Request a quote: ghee to France
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in France. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.