At a glance
- Incoterms
- FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA, DAP
India's menthol crystals & mint oils export trade
India exported US$417.8 mn of mint products in FY2024-25 according to indianspices.com. That statistical line covers more than menthol crystals & mint oils; a product-level figure is not published.
Largest destinations by value share: China; USA; Singapore (Apr-Jan 2022-23 ranking, tier 7 - not FY25)
Export markets we serve
| Market | What matters there | Sea transit from India |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Facility registration (FDA); Advance notice of each shipment (FDA) | 24-30 via Suez; 32-40 via Cape days |
| Canada | Importer licence & controls (CFIA (SFCR)); Labelling (CFIA / Health Canada) | 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days |
| Germany | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 21-27 via Suez; 31-38 via Cape days |
| Netherlands | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 18-24 via Suez; 28-35 via Cape days |
| France | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 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) |
| Italy | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 15–20 d to Genoa/La Spezia via Suez (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) |
| Spain | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 15–20 d to Valencia/Barcelona/Algeciras via Suez (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) |
| Belgium | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 19-25 via Suez; 29-36 via Cape days |
| Poland | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 28–35 d to Gdańsk (direct Asia–Baltic loops or via Hamburg/Rotterdam feeder) (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) |
| Sweden | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 28–35 d to Gothenburg via Hamburg/Rotterdam feeder (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) |
| Denmark | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 28–35 d to Aarhus/Copenhagen via Hamburg feeder (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) |
| Singapore | Importer licence & permit (SFA) | 7-12 days |
| Malaysia | Halal (JAKIM); Quarantine (MAQIS / DVS) | 8-12 days |
| Indonesia | Product registration (BPOM); Mandatory halal (BPJPH) | 11-16 days |
| Vietnam | General import clearance | 11-16 days |
| Japan | General import clearance | 18–25 d to Tokyo/Yokohama/Kobe via Singapore (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) |
| South Korea | General import clearance | 16–22 d to Busan via Singapore (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) |
| China | General import clearance | 14–20 d to Shanghai/Ningbo; 12–16 d to Shenzhen via Singapore/Colombo (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) |
| Ireland | Border control & pre-notification (Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE); REACH (ECHA) | 25–32 d to Dublin via Rotterdam/Antwerp/UK feeder (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) |
| Thailand | General import clearance | — |
Transit times are typical port-to-port estimates; regulatory items are the main product-specific requirements, not an exhaustive list.
Where menthol crystals & mint oils is sourced in India
Uttar Pradesh — Barabanki, Sitapur, Rampur, Sambhal, Bareilly, Badaun, Moradabad. Mentha belt; Chandausi is a key trading and processing hub
- Barabanki (distillation) / Sambhal-Chandausi-Rampur (menthol processing) (Uttar Pradesh (~75-95% of crop, source range)) · ships via Nhava Sheva · season: Sowing Jan-Mar; harvest/distillation Jun-Jul; second cut Sep (ASSUMPTION)
Typical export specification
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Menthol assay | ≥ 99.0% L-menthol (typical, IP/BP/USP) |
| Melting range | 41-44 °C (typical) |
| Specific optical rotation | -45° to -51° (typical, pharmacopoeial) |
| Mentha arvensis crude oil | Total menthol ~70-80% (typical) |
| DMO | Menthol ~30-40% after crystallisation (typical) |
| Crystal size | Bold, medium, fine/flakes (typical) |
Agreed per contract and confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Export documentation
Documents we prepare or arrange for each shipment:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / airway bill
- Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- Certificate of analysis (GC)
- Safety data sheet
- Certificate of origin
- Kosher/halal certificates where requested
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for menthol crystals & mint oils exported from India?
Menthol Crystals & Mint Oils is usually classified under HS 290611 (Menthol (cyclanic alcohol)). Mint oils are classified under 3301.24 (peppermint, Mentha piperita) and 3301.25 (other mints, including Mentha arvensis and DMO).
Where is menthol crystals & mint oils produced in India?
Main clusters: Barabanki (distillation) / Sambhal-Chandausi-Rampur (menthol processing), Uttar Pradesh (~75-95% of crop, source range).
Which documents are needed to export menthol crystals & mint oils?
Commercial invoice, Packing list, Bill of lading / airway bill, Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies), Certificate of analysis (GC), Safety data sheet, Certificate of origin. Destination-specific registrations are listed on each market page.
Is Indian menthol natural?
Yes. Indian menthol crystals are crystallised from Mentha arvensis oil, unlike synthetic menthol made from petrochemical or other feedstocks.
When is the new crop?
Mentha is planted in early spring and distilled from about May to July, so new-crop oil arrives around June (ASSUMPTION - varies by season).
Why do menthol crystals cake?
Menthol melts at 41-44 °C and sublimes, so heat during transit or storage can fuse crystals. Store below 25 °C.
Market guides
Get a quote for menthol crystals & mint oils
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