The Canada market for Indian sugar
India's US raw-sugar TRQ allocation was 8,606 MT raw value for Oct 2025-Sep 2026 (reported); TRQ exports were exempt from the May-2026 prohibition.
Indian community in Canada (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 3,247,980 (PIO 1,859,680 + NRI 1,388,300).
Sugar specification for Canada orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| ICUMSA colour | ICUMSA 45 (refined); about 100-150 for S-30 / M-30 plantation white; 600-1,200 raw (typical) |
| Polarisation | ≥ 99.8° refined/white; 96-99° raw (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.04-0.1% white; ≤ 0.15% raw (typical) |
| Ash | ≤ 0.04% refined (typical) |
| Grain size | S-30 small / M-30 medium crystal (Indian grading) |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Importer licence & controls | CFIA (SFCR) | SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements |
| Labelling | CFIA / Health Canada | Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts |
| 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 sugar 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 sugar is mainly produced or harvested Crushing season Oct-Apr; export quotas announced per season (ASSUMPTION on season; quota VERIFIED). 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' about 25-26 MT, 40' HC about 26-27 MT (weight-limited).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FAS; CIF Montreal is the common choice for first orders.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import sugar into Canada?
Key requirements: Importer licence & controls — CFIA (SFCR) (SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements); Labelling — CFIA / Health Canada (Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts); 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 sugar from India?
Usually HS 170199. Canada applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Can sugar be exported from India now?
Sugar exports are tightly controlled. DGFT prohibited sugar exports from 13 May to 30 September 2026 (Notification 16/2026-27); the 2026-27 season policy must be confirmed with DGFT before any contract.
Do you sell ICUMSA 45?
Only when export is permitted and a refinery allocation is available; India's main export grades are S-30/M-30 plantation white and raw sugar.
What are EU and US sugar TRQs?
Small duty-preferential quotas India holds for the EU and US markets, allocated through DGFT/APEDA; these shipments were exempt from the May-2026 prohibition.
Related guides
Request a quote: sugar to Canada
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