Key facts
- Largest destinations by value: unavailable
- 1 production cluster mapped, in Bihar.
- Market guides for 11 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, HACCP, ISO 22000, Halal certificate and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 40' HC container for bulk; mixed-grade LCL from about 500 kg (typical).
Product overview
Makhana is the popped seed of Euryale ferox, an aquatic plant cultivated in ponds and fields of north Bihar. Mithila Makhana received a GI tag in 2022, and Bihar accounts for nearly all Indian production; the Darbhanga-Madhubani pond belt and the Purnia-Katihar field belt are the main clusters. Official export statistics are not available because there is no dedicated HS line.
The seeds are harvested, sun-dried, roasted and hand- or machine-popped. Makhana is marketed globally as a light, high-protein, gluten-free snack and is sold raw (popped) to snack brands or roasted and flavoured in retail packs.
Grades are expressed in 'suta' (the traditional size measure) or millimetres: 6 suta and above are the premium bold grades. Makhana is extremely light, so freight is priced per container rather than per tonne.
HS note: There is no dedicated HS line for makhana; raw popped makhana is often classified under 1212 or 0813 and flavoured snacks under 2008 19 or 1904 10. Confirm with your broker.
Specifications
| Moisture | ≤ 8% (typical) |
|---|---|
| Size (6 suta) | ≥ 19 mm (typical) |
| Size (5 suta / 4 suta) | about 16-19 mm / 12-16 mm (typical) |
| Unpopped / black seeds | ≤ 1-2% (typical) |
| Aflatoxin / microbiology | Per destination limits (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
6 Suta (≥ 19 mm)
Premium bold grade for retail and gifting.
5 Suta (16-19 mm)
Standard retail grade.
4 Suta (12-16 mm)
Snack manufacturing and flavoured lines.
Broken / small (lawa)
For flour, kheer and porridge mixes.
Roasted and flavoured
Peri-peri, cheese, salt-pepper etc. via partner processors.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk | 5-10 kg in PP/LDPE-lined cartons | Low density - cartons not bags |
| Retail | 50 g-1 kg pouches | Nitrogen-flushed for flavoured lines |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 2.5-4 MT (volume-limited) · 40' HC about 5-8 MT (volume-limited). Derived in research/06 E.4 from 76.2 cbm x 80% fill x assumed 0.08-0.13 kg/L bulk density - price freight per box
Customisation: Retail pouches 50 g-1 kg, flavoured roasted lines via partner processors
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Bihar
Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul
GI tag: Mithila Makhana (2022)
Market requirements by region
United States & Canada
USA: the packing facility needs FDA Food Facility Registration, every shipment needs FDA Prior Notice, and the US importer must run FSVP supplier verification. US tariff treatment of Indian goods changed several times in 2025-26 (reciprocal tariffs, product exemptions, a Feb-2026 India-US framework and later court rulings) - verify the current duty for the HTS line before quoting landed cost. Makhana is positioned in the US and Canada as a healthy snack; Canadian importers need an SFC licence.
United Kingdom
UK: the India-UK CETA entered into force on 15 July 2026 (reported) - claim preference with proof of origin; higher-risk food needs IPAFFS pre-notification. UK health-snack brands buy popped makhana for roasting and flavouring.
Gulf (GCC)
UAE: Dubai Municipality FIRS requires the importer to register the company and each food item (label assessment) before arrival; Arabic/English labelling per GSO 9; India-UAE CEPA preference with a CEPA certificate of origin. Diaspora demand plus growing health-snack retail in the UAE.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia: check the DAFF BICON case for this commodity (permit, treatment, inspection) and FSANZ labelling/country-of-origin rules; imported food is inspected under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. Check BICON for seed/nut import conditions; processed popped product is usually lower-risk than raw seed.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • Pre-shipment inspection by SGS/Bureau Veritas/Intertek on request
- • Lab report for moisture, aflatoxin, microbials
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • Halal certificate
- • India Organic (NPOP)
- • Geographical Indication (GI)
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
- • FSSAI licence copy
- • Lab analysis report
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Makhana (fox nut) | unavailable | unavailable | — |
Top destinations: unavailable
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
What is makhana?
The popped seed of the aquatic plant Euryale ferox, grown mainly in north Bihar; it is sold as a light, gluten-free snack.
What does 6 suta mean?
Suta is the traditional size measure for makhana; 6 suta is the boldest commercial grade, typically 19 mm or larger.
Why is freight costly for makhana?
Makhana is extremely light - a 40-foot high cube holds only about 5-8 MT - so freight is priced per container.
Is makhana GI-tagged?
Yes, Mithila Makhana received a Geographical Indication tag in 2022.
Do you supply flavoured makhana?
Roasted and flavoured makhana can be produced in retail packs through partner processors.
Request a quote for Makhana (Fox Nut / Popped Lotus Seed)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
