Key facts
- India imported US$1,000 million of tree nuts: almonds, pistachios, walnuts in FY2024-25 (freshplaza.com).
- Sourced from 2 origin countries: US, AU.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, BRCGS Food Safety, Kosher certificate and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 40' container per variety/grade from packers; smaller lots via Indian importers (typical).
Product overview
India is among the largest almond markets in the world: imports exceed US$1 bn a year, about 93% from the USA (USDA via FreshPlaza, research file), with a USDA forecast of about 190,000 t for MY2024/25. Australia is the second source, helped by a tariff-rate quota under the India–Australia ECTA.
Most almonds arrive in-shell because India's specific duty is much lower per kg in-shell than for kernels. They are cracked and graded in Delhi, Amritsar and other centres. Buyers include dry-fruit wholesalers, snack and confectionery makers, D2C nut brands, mithai makers and modern trade.
The research file rates tree nuts 4/5: a clean B2B channel with low non-tariff friction. The main variables are US crop size and price, the rupee, and trade-deal changes to US almond duties.
HS note: Shelled almonds (kernels) are 0802.12. India's specific duties differ sharply between in-shell and shelled, which is why most imports arrive in-shell and are cracked in India.
Specifications
| Varieties | Nonpareil, Independence, Carmel, Monterey, California type; Australian Nonpareil, Carmel, Price (typical) |
|---|---|
| Kernel size | Count per ounce, e.g. 18/20, 20/22, 23/25, 25/27, 27/30 (typical) |
| Grade | USDA grades (e.g. Extra No.1, Supreme, Select Sheller Run) or Australian equivalents |
| Moisture | ≤ 6% (typical) |
| Aflatoxin | Tested against FSSAI limits; lab report per lot |
| Crack-out ratio (in-shell) | Varies by variety; agreed in contract (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
In-shell
Most Indian imports; cracked and graded locally.
Kernels – Extra No.1 / Supreme
Premium whole kernels for retail and gifting.
Manufacturing grades
Sheller run, chips, splits for confectionery, bakery and paste.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk in-shell | Bags or bulk-bags; ~22.68 kg (50 lb) cartons for kernels (typical) | California kernels standard in 50 lb cartons |
| Retail | Repacked in India in 100 g–1 kg packs (typical) | FSSAI and Legal Metrology labelling |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP ~15–19 t kernels (typical) · 40' HC ~18–20 t kernels; in-shell is volume-limited (typical). Ambient or ventilated; avoid heat and humidity
Customisation: Repacking under importer's brand in India; roasted/flavoured lines through local processors
Where Indian buyers are
Main Indian demand centres we distribute to.
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
Sourcing origins
US
Modesto, Fresno, Sacramento, Oakland (port)
California's Central Valley supplies about 93% of India's almond imports; in-shell and kernels in all major varieties.
AU
Mildura, Robinvale, Riverland (Renmark), Adelaide (port)
Second-largest supplier; benefits from an ECTA tariff-rate quota (34,000 t at a 50% cut from 2023 per Almond Board profile).
Origin market notes
United States & Canada
California supplies ~93% of India's almonds. A Feb 2026 US-India interim framework outlined a path to lower Indian tariffs on US almonds and walnuts, but we found no notification implementing new rates as of 2026-11; the 2019 retaliatory duties were removed in Sept 2023.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia's ECTA tariff-rate quota (34,000 t at a 50% cut, from 2023) makes Australian almonds competitive; quota availability and shipment timing (Southern Hemisphere harvest Feb–Apr) matter.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Trade policy note
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/.
Quality control
- • Origin inspection certificate (e.g. USDA/AMS or Australian authority)
- • Aflatoxin and moisture lab report per lot
- • Pre-shipment inspection of grade and size
- • Pest/fumigation records
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • BRCGS Food Safety
- • Kosher certificate
- • USDA Organic (NOP)
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading
- • Certificate of origin
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • Lab analysis report (aflatoxin, moisture, pesticide residues)
- • FSSAI import NOC (obtained in India via FICS)
- • Inspection/grade certificate
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India importsLine: Tree nuts: almonds, pistachios, walnuts | 1,000 | verified | freshplaza.com |
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
Import routes
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.
Request a quote for Almonds (In-shell & Kernels)
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