India to USA · sector guide
Exporting spices from India to the USA
The US imported $339M of spices from India in 2025, 19.3% of its imports of the main products in this sector. Pepper, chillies, turmeric, cumin, cardamom and other spices from India go to US food manufacturers and grocery importers. India is the second-largest spice supplier to the US, after Vietnam.
- US imports from India, 2025
- $339M
- Jan–Aug 2026 vs last year
- -5.3%
- India's share
- 19.3%
- Average duty paid
- 1.3%
- Shipped by sea
- 97%
Five-year trend
US imports of spices from India
Jan–Aug 2026: $236M, down 5.3% on the same months last year.
Top products
What the US buys most
| Product | HS | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Black Pepper & Chillies | 0904 | $166M |
| Ginger, Turmeric & Spices | 0910 | $78.8M |
| Cumin, Coriander & Fennel Seeds | 0909 | $65.2M |
| Nutmeg, Mace & Cardamom | 0908 | $18.4M |
US ports
Where it enters the US
| US port | Share |
|---|---|
| Newark, NJ | 39.3% |
| Baltimore, MD | 11.3% |
| Los Angeles, CA | 8.7% |
| New York, NY | 8.3% |
| Norfolk-Newport News, VA | 6.2% |
| Houston, TX | 5.9% |
Requirements
US rules for spices
- FDAThe food facility must be registered with the FDA, and every shipment needs FDA prior notice before it arrives. FDA can sample food at the border and refuse entry.
- FDAFDA samples imported spices for salmonella and pesticide residues; repeat failures put a supplier on an import alert, with detention without physical examination.
- CBPAn Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
- CBPGoods and their retail packaging must show the country of origin in English, for example "Made in India".
On the Indian side
- Register with the Spices Board, which spice exporters need.
- Steam sterilisation and pre-shipment testing reduce the risk of FDA detention.
Packing and shipping
- Spices ship in 20-foot dry containers; keep moisture down with liners and desiccants to avoid mould.
Questions
Spices from India to the USA: FAQs
How much spices does the US import from India?
$339M in 2025, led by black pepper & chillies, ginger, turmeric & spices, cumin, coriander & fennel seeds. Jan–Aug 2026: $236M, down 5.3% on the same months last year.
What US rules apply to spices from India?
FDA: The food facility must be registered with the FDA, and every shipment needs FDA prior notice before it arrives. FDA can sample food at the border and refuse entry. FDA: FDA samples imported spices for salmonella and pesticide residues; repeat failures put a supplier on an import alert, with detention without physical examination. CBP: An Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India. CBP: Goods and their retail packaging must show the country of origin in English, for example "Made in India".
What do Indian exporters of spices need to do?
Register with the Spices Board, which spice exporters need. Steam sterilisation and pre-shipment testing reduce the risk of FDA detention.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau international trade data (general imports, and duty calculated on imports for consumption), 2021–2025 and Jan–Aug 2026. Requirements summarised for guidance; check the agency rules for your exact product.
Exporting spices to the USA?
Atmavaan books the container, handles the export paperwork and can file the ISF and clear US customs for your buyer.
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