Key facts
- India imported US$1,000 million of tree nuts: almonds, pistachios, walnuts in FY2024-25 (freshplaza.com).
- Sourced from 2 origin countries: CL, US.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, BRCGS Food Safety, Kosher certificate.
- Typical minimum order: One 40' container per grade from exporters (typical).
Product overview
India grows walnuts in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh but imports about 70,000 t a year (USDA via research file), mainly from Chile and the USA. Imported Chandler-type walnuts have thinner shells and lighter kernels, which appeal to retail and bakery buyers.
Buyers are dry-fruit wholesalers, modern trade, bakery and confectionery makers, and health-snack brands. Demand peaks in the festive and winter season. Chile's Southern-Hemisphere harvest (Mar–May) complements California's (Sep–Nov), giving year-round supply.
Indian duties on walnuts have historically been high (research file) and are politically sensitive because of domestic growers in Kashmir. A US-India trade framework in Feb 2026 signalled lower duties on US walnuts, not yet confirmed as implemented.
HS note: Shelled walnuts (kernels) are 0802.32.
Specifications
| In-shell size | Jumbo (≥ 34 mm), Large (≥ 32 mm), Medium (typical) |
|---|---|
| Kernel colour | Extra light, light, light amber (USDA colour chart) (typical) |
| Kernel style | Halves, halves & pieces, pieces (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ ~8% in-shell (typical) |
| Aflatoxin / rancidity | Lab tested; peroxide value for kernels (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
In-shell Chandler / Serr
Thin-shell, light-kernel retail walnuts.
Light halves (LH)
Premium kernels for retail.
Pieces / amber
For bakery, confectionery and ice cream.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk | ~22.68 kg (50 lb) bags for in-shell; 10 kg vacuum cartons for kernels (typical) | Kernels nitrogen-flushed or vacuum-packed |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP ~8–10 t in-shell (volume-limited, typical) · 40' HC ~16–19 t in-shell; kernels reefer recommended (typical). Kernels prefer refrigerated transport to avoid rancidity
Customisation: Retail repacking in India under importer's brand
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
CL
Santiago (Metropolitan Region), Rancagua (O'Higgins), Valparaíso/San Antonio (ports)
Leading walnut supplier to India; Chandler-type in-shell and kernels; harvest Mar–May.
US
Stockton, Modesto, Chico (Sacramento Valley), Oakland (port)
California in-shell and kernels; harvest Sep–Nov.
Origin market notes
United States & Canada
California walnuts compete on price and quality; the Feb 2026 US-India interim framework outlined a path to lower Indian tariffs on US walnuts, not yet confirmed as implemented.
Other markets
Chile is India's main walnut origin, with a Mar–May harvest that complements California; transit is long (~35–45 days, ASSUMPTION) and freight via the Pacific/Atlantic routes.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Trade policy note
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.
Quality control
- • Colour and size inspection
- • Aflatoxin, moisture and peroxide lab report
- • Phytosanitary and fumigation records
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • BRCGS Food Safety
- • 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
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.
Request a quote for Walnuts (In-shell & Kernels)
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