The Australia market for Indian makhana
Australia: check the DAFF BICON case for this commodity (permit, treatment, inspection) and FSANZ labelling/country-of-origin rules; imported food is inspected under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. Check BICON for seed/nut import conditions; processed popped product is usually lower-risk than raw seed.
Indian community in Australia (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 845,800 (PIO 719,897 + NRI 125,903).
Makhana specification for Australia orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 8% (typical) |
| Size (6 suta) | ≥ 19 mm (typical) |
| Size (5 suta / 4 suta) | about 16-19 mm / 12-16 mm (typical) |
| Unpopped / black seeds | ≤ 1-2% (typical) |
| Aflatoxin / microbiology | Per destination limits (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Australia requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Australia
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Imported Food Inspection Scheme | DAFF | Risk food vs surveillance food inspection rates |
| Standards & labelling | FSANZ | Food Standards Code; CoOL; allergens |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping makhana to Australia
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Sydney: 20-28 days. Via Singapore/Port Klang/Colombo; 2-4 days shorter from Chennai; BICON conditions + AFAS fumigation
Supply window: Indian makhana is mainly produced or harvested Harvest Aug-Oct; sowing Nov-Dec (VERIFIED APEDA crop calendar). Allow 20-28 days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Australia customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 2.5-4 MT (volume-limited), 40' HC about 5-8 MT (volume-limited).
Quoted on FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP; CIF Sydney is the common choice for first orders.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import makhana into Australia?
Key requirements: Imported Food Inspection Scheme — DAFF (Risk food vs surveillance food inspection rates); Standards & labelling — FSANZ (Food Standards Code; CoOL; allergens). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Australia take?
Typically 20-28 days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Sydney, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Australia have a trade agreement with India?
India–Australia ECTA in force 29 Dec 2022; CECA (full agreement) under negotiation [S7][S8] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to makhana from India?
Usually HS 200819. Australia applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is makhana?
The popped seed of the aquatic plant Euryale ferox, grown mainly in north Bihar; it is sold as a light, gluten-free snack.
What does 6 suta mean?
Suta is the traditional size measure for makhana; 6 suta is the boldest commercial grade, typically 19 mm or larger.
Why is freight costly for makhana?
Makhana is extremely light - a 40-foot high cube holds only about 5-8 MT - so freight is priced per container.
Related guides
Request a quote: makhana to Australia
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Australia. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.