Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: walnuts are 'Free' to import with FSSAI Central licence, FICS clearance and phytosanitary certificate. Duties have historically been high (100% on in-shell per research file) — verify the current rate on ICEGATE; the US-India interim framework (Feb 2026) signalled reductions for US walnuts but no implementing notification was found. Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2026/02/16/us-india-trade-deal/; https://www.icegate.gov.in.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing walnuts 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 walnuts in India?
Walnut duties have historically been high (the research file notes 100% on in-shell). A 2026 US-India framework signalled reductions for US walnuts but we found no implementing notification, so check ICEGATE before contracting.
Which countries supply walnuts to India?
Mainly Chile and the USA, which together supply most of India's roughly 70,000 tonnes of annual imports.
When are imported walnuts available?
Chilean walnuts arrive after the March–May harvest and Californian walnuts after the September–November harvest, giving supply through most of the year.
What approvals are needed to import walnuts?
An FSSAI Central licence, FSSAI clearance on FICS per consignment, a phytosanitary certificate and compliant retail labels.
Import routes
Source walnuts for India
Tell us specification, volume and delivery city in India.