Key facts
- India imported US$1,000 million of tree nuts: almonds, pistachios, walnuts in FY2024-25 (freshplaza.com).
- Sourced from 3 origin countries: US, TR, IR.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, BRCGS Food Safety, Halal certificate and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 40' container per grade from packers; smaller lots via Indian importers (typical).
Product overview
India imports about 40,000 t of in-shell pistachios a year (USDA via research file); the USA supplies roughly 84%, with Iran the other main source. Turkey's Antep green kernels serve the confectionery and mithai trade.
Demand comes from roasted-and-salted snack packs, mithai and ice-cream makers (who prize bright-green kernels), confectioners and festive gifting. In-shell nuts are usually roasted and salted in India.
Iran is a traditional source, but US sanctions restrict banking channels and Iran-India trade has fallen sharply (Reuters, Aug 2026). The house should treat US and Turkish supply as primary and buy Iranian product only through established importers with compliant payment routes.
HS note: Shelled pistachios are 0802.52; roasted/salted pistachios are usually 2008.19.
Specifications
| Size (in-shell) | Nuts per ounce, e.g. 18/20, 21/25, 26/30 (typical) |
|---|---|
| Split rate | ≥ ~90–95% naturally open for roasting grades (typical) |
| Kernel colour | Green kernel grades for confectionery (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ ~6% (typical) |
| Aflatoxin | Tested against FSSAI limits; lab report per lot |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
In-shell naturally open
For roasting and salting in India.
Green kernels
Premium bright-green kernels for mithai, ice cream and confectionery.
Shelling stock / closed shell
For mechanical shelling and manufacturing uses.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk | ~22.68 kg (50 lb) or 25 kg bags/cartons (typical) | Repacked in India for retail |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP ~10–14 t in-shell (volume-limited, typical) · 40' HC ~18–20 t (typical). Ambient/ventilated
Customisation: Roasted/salted and flavoured packs under importer's brand via Indian 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
Fresno, Bakersfield (Kern County), Madera, Oakland (port)
About 84% of India's pistachio imports; large, consistent in-shell supply.
TR
Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa
Antep pistachios and bright-green kernels for confectionery and mithai.
IR
Kerman, Rafsanjan
Traditional source of Akbari, Kalleh Ghouchi and Fandoghi types; US sanctions restrict banking — use only compliant channels.
Origin market notes
United States & Canada
California dominates supply to India; crop size alternates between on- and off-years, which drives price. The Feb 2026 US-India framework signalled tariff reductions on some US nuts; no implementing notification for pistachios was found.
Other markets
Turkey supplies green kernels for confectionery. Iran: US sanctions restrict banking channels and Iran-India trade fell sharply in 2026 (Reuters via MarineLink, Aug 2026); payment channels can freeze without warning. Treat Iranian supply as opportunistic and only through established, compliant routes.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Trade policy note
As of 2026-11: pistachios are 'Free' to import with FSSAI Central licence, FICS clearance and a phytosanitary certificate. Duty: check ICEGATE for HS 0802.51/0802.52 (rate not verified this session). Iran-origin trade is not prohibited by India, but US sanctions restrict banking and shipping channels — conduct sanctions screening and use only compliant payment routes. Sources: https://fics.fssai.gov.in; https://www.marinelink.com/news/uae-trade-pause-us-sanctions-threaten-542383; research/02-indian-imports.md.
Quality control
- • Aflatoxin and moisture lab report per lot
- • Size/split-rate inspection
- • Origin inspection certificate
- • Sanctions screening of counterparties and payment route (Iran-origin)
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • BRCGS Food Safety
- • Halal certificate
- • Kosher certificate
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)
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
Can I import pistachios from Iran into India?
India does not prohibit Iranian pistachios, but US sanctions restrict the banking and shipping channels used to pay for them, and trade has fallen sharply in 2026. Use only established, compliant payment routes and screen all counterparties.
Which countries supply most pistachios to India?
The USA supplies about 84% of India's imports; Iran and Turkey are the other main sources.
What approvals are needed to import pistachios?
An FSSAI Central licence, FSSAI clearance on FICS per consignment, a phytosanitary certificate and compliant retail labels.
What pistachio grades suit Indian sweet makers?
Bright-green kernels, often Turkish Antep or specially graded US kernels, are preferred for mithai, kulfi and ice cream.
Request a quote for Pistachios (In-shell & Kernels)
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