Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: cocoa products are 'Free' to import with FSSAI Central licence and FICS clearance per consignment; cocoa beans also need a phytosanitary certificate and plant-quarantine clearance under the PQ Order 2003 (confirm whether an import permit is needed for your origin). Duty: check ICEGATE for chapter 18 lines and any AITIGA preference (rates not verified this session). Sources: https://fics.fssai.gov.in; https://ppqs.gov.in; research/02-indian-imports.md.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing cocoa beans, cocoa butter, powder & liquor 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
Comtrade ch.33 USD 1.52 bn CY2025 (finished + ingredients); cocoa from Indonesia USD 0.68 bn CY2025; ingredient-only and food-ingredient totals unavailable
Where Indian buyers are
Maharashtra — Pune, Thane, Mumbai. Chocolate, bakery and beverage plants
Karnataka — Bengaluru, Mangaluru. Confectionery, craft chocolate, cocoa processing
Himachal Pradesh / Punjab — Baddi, Moga. FMCG confectionery and dairy-beverage plants
Andhra Pradesh — Sri City. Multinational confectionery manufacturing
Delhi NCR — Delhi, Noida, Gurugram. Bakery chains and confectionery makers
Frequently asked questions
What approvals are needed to import cocoa beans into India?
An FSSAI Central licence, FSSAI clearance on FICS per consignment, a phytosanitary certificate and plant-quarantine clearance under the PQ Order 2003. Processed cocoa products need FSSAI clearance but not plant quarantine.
Which countries supply cocoa to India?
Indonesia is the largest supplier, followed by Malaysia (grinder products), Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
Should I import cocoa beans or cocoa powder?
Only buyers with grinding plants import beans. Most bakeries, beverage makers and confectioners buy cocoa powder, butter or liquor from grinders.
How are cocoa prices set?
Usually against ICE (New York or London) cocoa futures plus a differential or ratio for the grade and origin, so prices can move sharply.
Import routes
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