Key facts
- Market guides for 14 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, ISO 22000 and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 20' container (about 16-20 MT) or LCL (typical).
Product overview
India is the world's largest producer of tamarind, collected largely from roadside and forest trees in Karnataka (Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur), Tamil Nadu (Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem), Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. A tamarind-specific export value is not available in the sources used.
After harvest in roughly January-April, pods are de-shelled and de-seeded, and the sticky pulp is pressed into blocks (wet tamarind), or processed into paste, concentrate and powder. Tamarind is a souring agent essential to South Indian, South-East Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American cooking, and an ingredient in sauces (including Worcestershire-type sauces), chutneys and beverages.
Demand comes from diaspora retail, food service, sauce manufacturers and Middle Eastern buyers. Quality is defined by seed and fibre content, colour (brown to dark brown) and moisture; pulp is hygroscopic and should be stored cool to avoid darkening and fermentation.
HS note: Tamarind paste and concentrate are usually 2007 / 2008; tamarind kernel powder (TKP, industrial) is 1302 / 1106 - classify per product.
Specifications
| Seed content (seedless grade) | ≤ 1-2% (typical) |
|---|---|
| Fibre | ≤ 2-3% (typical) |
| Moisture (pulp blocks) | 18-25% (typical) |
| Tartaric acid | about 8-14% (typical) |
| Concentrate Brix | about 60-70 °Brix (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Seedless tamarind blocks
Pressed pulp in 200 g-1 kg blocks or 10-20 kg bulk.
Tamarind with seeds (wet)
Lower-cost traditional form.
Tamarind paste / concentrate
Ready-to-use for food service and sauces.
Tamarind powder
Spray-dried with carrier for seasonings.
Tamarind kernel powder (TKP)
Industrial gum for textiles and paper (separate grade).
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | 200 g-1 kg blocks in PE wrap/cartons; paste jars | Private label |
| Bulk | 10-25 kg blocks in cartons; concentrate in drums | Cool storage recommended |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 16-20 MT · 40' HC about 24-26 MT. Dense product; reefer at about 10-15 °C is sometimes used in hot seasons (ASSUMPTION)
Customisation: Seedless blocks, paste, concentrate, powder; retail packs
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Karnataka
Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur, Kolar
Large tamarind markets
Tamil Nadu
Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Dindigul
Processing and trading
Andhra Pradesh
Anantapur, Chittoor
Tamarind collection
Chhattisgarh
Bastar, Dantewada
Forest tamarind (minor forest produce)
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. Diaspora and Latin American food-service demand (agua de tamarindo).
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. Sauce makers and diaspora retail buy blocks and concentrate.
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. Gulf diaspora retail and Middle Eastern cooking (tamarind drinks and sauces).
Southeast Asia
Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia use tamarind (asam) widely; Thailand is itself a major producer of sweet tamarind, so Indian sour tamarind competes on price.
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
- • Accredited (NABL) lab report for moisture, aflatoxin, pesticide residues and microbials
- • Pre-shipment and loading photographs, container seal record
- • Seed and fibre check
- • Microbiology (yeast/mould) for paste
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • Halal certificate
- • Kosher certificate
- • India Organic (NPOP)
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 (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • Certificate of analysis
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
What tamarind forms do you supply?
Seedless pressed blocks, tamarind with seeds, paste, concentrate and powder.
How should tamarind be stored?
Cool and dry; tamarind pulp darkens and can ferment in heat, so cool storage is recommended.
When is tamarind harvested?
Roughly January to April in south India.
Is tamarind kernel powder available?
Industrial tamarind kernel powder for textiles and paper can be sourced separately.
Request a quote for Tamarind (Seedless Pulp Blocks, Paste and Concentrate)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
