Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: kiwifruit needs a plant-quarantine import permit and phytosanitary certificate, FSSAI FICS clearance and entry via notified ports. MFN duty: verify on ICEGATE (not checked this session). NZ origin: India-NZ FTA from 20 Oct 2026 — 0% in-quota above min CIF US$1.80/kg, quota administered by DGFT (volumes reported inconsistently). Sources: https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9884034/india-sets-import-quotas-and-tariffs-for-new-zealand-apples-and-kiwifruit/; https://ppqs.gov.in; https://fics.fssai.gov.in.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing kiwifruit 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
Apples USD 417.6 mn CY2024, 558,000 t FY25 (GTRI); kiwi >43,000 t FY24 vs ~18,160 t domestic; DGFT 'Fruits & vegetables' group 3,268 -> 3,824 (+17%)
Where Indian buyers are
Maharashtra — Mumbai (Vashi APMC), Pune. Main port of entry and modern-trade buyers
Delhi — Delhi (Azadpur Mandi). North-India wholesale
Karnataka — Bengaluru. Quick-commerce and supermarket demand
Tamil Nadu / Telangana — Chennai, Hyderabad. South-India wholesale and modern trade
West Bengal — Kolkata. East-India wholesale
Frequently asked questions
Is New Zealand kiwifruit duty-free in India?
Under the India-NZ FTA in force from 20 October 2026, in-quota NZ kiwifruit pays 0% duty if its CIF value is at least US$1.80/kg. Quota volumes are reported inconsistently, so check the DGFT notification.
Which countries supply kiwi to India?
Iran supplies the most volume, followed by New Zealand, Chile and Italy.
What approvals are needed to import kiwifruit?
A plant-quarantine import permit and phytosanitary certificate, FSSAI clearance on FICS, and entry through a port notified for fresh fruit.
When is imported kiwi in season in India?
New Zealand fruit from about April to October; Iranian, Italian and Greek fruit in autumn and winter; Chilean fruit overlaps the NZ season.
Import routes
Source kiwifruit for India
Tell us specification, volume and delivery city in India.