The Canada market for Indian henna powder
In the US, henna is an approved colour additive for hair only, not for direct skin application (21 CFR 73.2190); body-art products sold for skin are at regulatory risk. Retail packs also fall under MoCRA.
Indian community in Canada (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 3,247,980 (PIO 1,859,680 + NRI 1,388,300).
Henna Powder specification for Canada orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Lawsone content | 1.5-3% depending on crop and grade; higher for body-art quality (typical) |
| Fineness | 150-200 mesh; triple-sifted for body art (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ 8-10% (typical) |
| Sand / silica | ≤ 2% (typical) |
| Colour | Green to khaki-green powder; dye result orange-red to deep red (typical) |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification / licence | Health Canada | Cosmetic Notification Form; NHP product licence |
| 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 henna powder 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 henna powder is mainly produced or harvested Mustard flow Dec-Feb; litchi Apr; eucalyptus/multiflora Mar-May (ASSUMPTION; ICRIER lists mustard/litchi/eucalyptus as main flows). 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' ~14-18 MT in 25 kg bags, 40' HC ~22-25 MT (weight-limited).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA; 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), apparel & home-textile importers, pharma/generics |
| 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 |
| Surrey | Port of Vancouver (Deltaport & Fraser Surrey Docks adjacent) · Vancouver International (YV | Indian (Punjabi) diaspora grocery/restaurant supply - largest Punjabi community in Canada, apparel & jewellery, agri-food |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import henna powder into Canada?
Key requirements: Notification / licence — Health Canada (Cosmetic Notification Form; NHP product licence); 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 henna powder from India?
Usually HS 140490. Canada applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is lawsone and why does it matter?
Lawsone is the dye molecule in henna leaves. A higher lawsone percentage gives a stronger, darker stain.
Do you supply black henna?
No. 'Black henna' usually contains PPD, which causes severe skin reactions and is banned for skin use in many countries. For darker hair shades we supply declared henna-indigo blends.
When is fresh crop available?
Leaves are harvested after the monsoon, so fresh-crop powder is generally available from about October (ASSUMPTION - season varies).
Related guides
Request a quote: henna powder to Canada
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Canada. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.