Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: almonds are 'Free' to import with FSSAI Central licence, FICS clearance and a phytosanitary certificate. India's MFN duty is a specific rate — historically ₹35/kg in-shell and ₹100/kg shelled (tariff database; verify current rate on ICEGATE). Australian almonds have an ECTA TRQ of 34,000 t at a 50% cut (2023). A Feb 2026 US-India framework signalled lower duties on US almonds, not confirmed as implemented. Sources: https://eximguru.com/indian-customs-duty/08021100-almonds-in-shell.aspx; https://almonds.com/sites/default/files/2024-09/2024GTRA0009_%20Market%20Profile_India_Sep2024.pdf; https://www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2026/02/16/us-india-trade-deal/.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing almonds into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Import clearance NOC | FSSAI | FICS NOC after Bill of Entry; FSSAI Central licence |
| Import permit before shipment | DPPQS (Plant Quarantine) | Import permit PQ-01/PQ-02; PSC with additional declarations |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
Almonds > USD 1 bn (~CY2024, 93% USA); 190,000 t MY2024/25 forecast; pistachios 40,000 t; walnuts 70,000 t (USDA via press); USA ch.08 exports to India USD 1.37 bn CY2025
Where Indian buyers are
Delhi — Delhi (Khari Baoli), Narela. India's largest dry-fruit wholesale market; in-shell cracking and grading units
Maharashtra — Mumbai (Vashi APMC), Pune. West-India wholesale, modern trade and D2C brands
Punjab — Amritsar. Historic dry-fruit trading centre
Gujarat — Ahmedabad, Surat. Wholesale and festive gifting demand
Karnataka / Tamil Nadu — Bengaluru, Chennai. Snack brands, confectionery and modern trade
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on almonds in India?
India charges a specific duty per kg — historically ₹35/kg for in-shell and ₹100/kg for shelled almonds. Australian almonds get a 50% cut within an ECTA quota. Confirm the current rate on ICEGATE because a US-India deal may change it.
Why does India import almonds mainly in-shell?
The duty per kg is much lower for in-shell almonds, so it is cheaper to import in-shell and crack and grade them in India.
What approvals are needed to import almonds?
An FSSAI Central licence and FSSAI NOC through FICS for each consignment, a phytosanitary certificate from the origin country, and compliant labels on retail packs.
Which countries supply almonds to India?
The USA (California) supplies about 93%; Australia is the second source.
What size grades are traded for almond kernels?
Kernels are sized by count per ounce — for example 23/25 or 25/27 — and graded to standards such as USDA Extra No.1 or Supreme.
Import routes
Source almonds for India
Tell us specification, volume and delivery city in India.