The Oman market for Indian makhana
UAE: Dubai Municipality FIRS requires the importer to register the company and each food item (label assessment) before arrival; Arabic/English labelling per GSO 9; India-UAE CEPA preference with a CEPA certificate of origin. Diaspora demand plus growing health-snack retail in the UAE.
Indian community in Oman (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 678,837 (NRI 676,781 + PIO 2,056).
Makhana specification for Oman 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, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping makhana to Oman
Typical sea transit from India: 3–5 d Mundra/Nhava Sheva → Sohar/Muscat; 4–6 d Salalah (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days.
Supply window: Indian makhana is mainly produced or harvested Harvest Aug-Oct; sowing Nov-Dec (VERIFIED APEDA crop calendar). Allow 3–5 d Mundra/Nhava Sheva → Sohar/Muscat; 4–6 d Salalah (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Oman 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 Oman is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Oman
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Muscat | Port Sultan Qaboos (Muttrah; now mainly cruise/tourism, cargo shifted to Sohar) / Port of | Indian diaspora grocery & restaurants (Indians largest expat group), LuLu/Nesto-type hypermarket chains HQ, HORECA |
| Salalah | Port of Salalah (APM Terminals; major transshipment hub, Arabian Sea) · Salalah Internatio | Indian grocery, transshipment-linked logistics & re-exporters to East Africa/Yemen, free-zone manufacturers (inputs) |
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from India to Oman take?
Typically 3–5 d Mundra/Nhava Sheva → Sohar/Muscat; 4–6 d Salalah (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea (estimate).
Does Oman have a trade agreement with India?
India–Oman CEPA signed 18 Dec 2025, in force 1 Jun 2026 (zero duty on ~99% of Indian export lines per S10) [S7][S9][S10] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to makhana from India?
Usually HS 200819. Oman 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
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