Key facts
- India exported US$689 million of ayush & herbal products in FY2024-25 (pharmexcil.com).
- Largest destinations by value: unavailable
- 2 production clusters mapped, in Telangana; Maharashtra; Tamil Nadu; AP; Meghalaya, Gujarat; Rajasthan.
- Market guides for 17 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, HACCP, ISO 22000, Halal certificate, Kosher certificate and more.
- Typical minimum order: 25 kg (typical).
Product overview
India is the world's largest turmeric producer, and turmeric spice exports rose about 51% in FY2024-25 (Spices Board). Curcumin extract is made by solvent extraction of turmeric into oleoresin, followed by crystallisation to 95% total curcuminoids. Most extraction capacity is in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Supplement brands buy 95% powder, often with piperine or in bioavailability-enhanced formats. Food makers buy curcumin as the natural colour E100.
Key buyer checks are the HPLC assay (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin), residual solvents, heavy metals and, for EU food use, compliance with the E100 specification.
HS note: When sold as a food colour (E100) curcumin is often classified under 3203 (colouring matter of vegetable origin). Confirm with your broker based on the intended use.
Specifications
| Total curcuminoids | ≥ 95% by HPLC (typical) |
|---|---|
| Curcuminoid split | Curcumin ~70-80%, demethoxycurcumin ~15-25%, bisdemethoxycurcumin ~2.5-6.5% of total (typical) |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 2% (typical) |
| Residual solvents | Ethyl acetate/acetone/ethanol within ICH Q3C / EU additive limits (typical) |
| Heavy metals | Pb ≤ 2 ppm; As ≤ 1 ppm (typical buyer spec) |
| Mesh | 80 mesh, orange-yellow crystalline powder (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Curcumin 95% (supplement)
Standard HPLC-tested grade for capsules and tablets.
Water-dispersible / bioavailable
Formulated grades (e.g. with emulsifiers or cyclodextrin), via partner plants.
Colour grade (E100)
For food colouring; supplied as powder or oil/water-soluble liquid.
Turmeric oleoresin
Intermediate (30-45% curcumin) for colour and flavour.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre drum | 25 kg fibre drums with double LDPE liners | — |
| Small packs | 1 kg / 5 kg aluminium bags | — |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP ~8-10 MT · 40' HC ~14-18 MT. Mostly LCL or air; light-sensitive, keep in opaque packaging
Customisation: Curcumin-piperine blends, granulated or DC grades, finished capsules via partner GMP plants
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Kerala
Ernakulam, Thrissur
Oleoresin and extract plants (ASSUMPTION - trade knowledge)
Tamil Nadu
Erode, Coimbatore
Erode turmeric market; extract units
Telangana
Nizamabad
Major turmeric-growing district
Maharashtra
Sangli, Hingoli
Sangli turmeric (GI)
Market requirements by region
European Union
As a colour, curcumin (E100) must meet the EU additive specification (Reg. (EU) 231/2012); as a supplement ingredient, member-state rules on botanicals apply.
United States & Canada
Largest market for curcumin supplements; buyers expect HPLC-tested 95% with a full heavy-metal and solvent panel. FDA has issued import alerts on lead-chromate adulteration of turmeric, so supply-chain testing matters. US duty on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026 (per our compliance research, secondary legal analysis): MFN rate plus a 10% Section 301 tariff in force since 24 Jul 2026; Section 232 goods (steel, aluminium, copper, autos/parts) pay the 232 rate instead. Re-verify before quoting landed cost.
Australia & New Zealand
India-Australia ECTA (in force 29 Dec 2022) gives zero duty on most tariff lines with a preferential certificate of origin. Complementary medicines need TGA listing by the sponsor.
East Asia
Japan and Korea are established markets for turmeric-based functional foods; documentation in local formats is needed.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • HPLC assay CoA per batch
- • Residual solvents, heavy metals, microbials and pesticide screen
- • Third-party verification on request
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • Halal certificate
- • Kosher certificate
- • India Organic (NPOP)
- • USDA Organic (NOP)
- • WHO-GMP
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading / airway bill
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Certificate of analysis
- • Safety data sheet
- • Allergen / non-GMO statement
- • Organic certificate where applicable
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: AYUSH & herbal products | 688.9 | verified | pharmexcil.com |
Top destinations: unavailable
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
What does '95%' refer to?
Total curcuminoids (curcumin + demethoxycurcumin + bisdemethoxycurcumin) by HPLC, not curcumin alone.
Which solvent is used?
Usually ethyl acetate or acetone for extraction, with ethanol crystallisation. Ask for solvent-specific residual tests.
Can you supply a bioavailable form?
Yes, through partner plants making water-dispersible or complexed grades. These carry different assay claims.
Is curcumin the same as turmeric oleoresin?
No. Oleoresin is an earlier stage of extraction with about 30-45% curcuminoids plus volatile oils. Curcumin 95% is the purified crystal.
Do you test for lead?
Yes. Heavy metals are on every CoA, and independent lead testing is recommended because of past adulteration cases in turmeric.
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