Key facts
- India exported US$43 million of fenugreek seed in FY2024-25 (indianspices.com).
- Largest destinations by value: unavailable by country
- 1 production cluster mapped, in Rajasthan; Gujarat; MP.
- Market guides for 18 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, Spices Board CRES, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, ISO 22000 and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 20' container (about 18-20 MT) or LCL (typical).
Product overview
India is the world's largest fenugreek producer. Spices Board production data show Rajasthan (129,809 t), Madhya Pradesh (98,454 t) and Gujarat (15,101 t) as the main states, and exports of US$ 43.23 million in FY2024-25.
Fenugreek seed is used in curry powders, pickles and spice blends, and increasingly in nutraceuticals (galactomannan fibre, saponins). Dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) from Nagaur are a separate, aromatic product for Indian cooking.
Export grades are defined by purity (98-99%+), colour and seed boldness; machine-cleaned, sortexed lots are standard for Europe and North America.
HS note: Dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) are often shipped under 0910 99 or 1211 90; confirm with your broker.
Specifications
| Purity | 98-99.5% (typical) |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 10% (typical) |
| Total ash | ≤ 5% (typical) |
| Damaged / discoloured | ≤ 1-2% (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Machine-cleaned 98-99%
Standard export grade.
Sortexed 99.5%
Premium for EU/US retail and nutraceuticals.
Fenugreek powder
Ground, steam-sterilised on request.
Kasuri methi (dried leaves)
Aromatic dried leaves from Nagaur.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk | 25-50 kg PP bags | |
| Retail | 50 g-1 kg pouches | Private label |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 18-20 MT · 40' HC about 25-26 MT (weight-limited). Dense seed
Customisation: Purity grade, powder, kasuri methi, retail packs
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Rajasthan
Nagaur, Jodhpur, Sikar, Chittorgarh
Largest producer; Nagaur kasuri methi
Madhya Pradesh
Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam
Second-largest producer
Gujarat
Mehsana, Banaskantha
Unjha trading
Market requirements by region
European Union
EU: ethylene oxide is effectively not permitted (MRL 0.1 mg/kg sum for spices) and Spices Board runs mandatory EtO testing for EU/UK-bound spice consignments; pesticide MRLs under Reg. 396/2005 are the main rejection cause - test against the EU Pesticides Database before shipping. EU fenugreek imports carry historical sensitivity (the 2011 Egyptian fenugreek E. coli outbreak led to sprouting-seed controls) - supply microbiologically tested lots.
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. US nutraceutical buyers ask for organic and steam-treated lots.
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 spice grinders.
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
- • Ethylene oxide (EtO) test certificate for EU/UK lots
- • Steam sterilisation on request
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • Spices Board CRES
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • BRCGS Food Safety
- • 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 (EtO, pesticides, aflatoxin, Sudan dyes where relevant)
- • Spices Board quality certificate where required
- • Fumigation certificate (if specified)
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Fenugreek seed | 43.2 | verified | indianspices.com |
Top destinations: unavailable by country
Frequently asked questions
What is fenugreek seed used for?
Curry powders, pickles and spice blends, and nutraceutical products based on its soluble fibre.
What is kasuri methi?
Dried fenugreek leaves, traditionally from Nagaur in Rajasthan, used as an aromatic herb in Indian cooking.
What purity do you supply?
Machine-cleaned 98-99% and sortexed 99.5% grades are standard.
Can you supply organic fenugreek?
Organic lots are available from certified grower groups subject to season and quantity.
Request a quote for Fenugreek Seed (Methi) and Fenugreek Powder
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
