cardamom

What are the HS / HSN codes for Indian (green) cardamom for export/import?

Think of your gorgeous green cardamom as a valuable traveler going global. The first, most critical piece of luggage it needs is its passport. That passport is the HS (Harmonized System) code. Without the right one, your spice is stuck at customs, and the whole journey stops before it even begins.

For that whole, beautiful green cardamom (specifically the prized Elettaria variety), the general category code is 0908, grouping it neatly with other aromatics like nutmeg and mace.

But we need to get specific! The most common eight-digit code you’ll use for small, unprocessed green cardamom heading overseas is 09083120.

Which Countries Import Indian Cardamom — What Are the Major Export Markets and Demand Centres

Our Indian cardamom is a star, and the world knows it. It’s coveted for its flavour profile—complex, clean, and utterly distinctive. So, where should you be focusing your energy?

Right now, the most ravenous markets are the Middle East and the GCC countries—places like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. They treat cardamom like currency! They import huge volumes, not just for their legendary coffee houses and kitchens, but often to re-export, acting as vital trading gateways.
But the demand stretches far beyond:

  • North America: The USA is increasingly sophisticated. They want premium, top-shelf quality for their specialty spice shops and gourmet bakeries.
  • Europe & Asia: We see consistent, strong demand from the UK, Canada, Japan, and Malaysia. Cardamom isn’t just a spice there; it’s a versatile ingredient used in everything from tea blends and medicines to high-end food manufacturing.

You can’t just throw a dart at a map. Exporters need eyes on the ground and reliable connections to find those importers who are serious, long-term partners.

That’s precisely where we step in. We use our years of networking to ensure your exquisite Indian cardamom lands in the hands of verified buyers who truly understand and will pay for its premium quality.

What Documentation, Certifications, and Regulatory Clearances Are Required to Export Indian Cardamom from India

Think of this part as building an impenetrable shield around your shipment. Exporting cardamom means navigating a crucial compliance checklist to prevent any legal snags or logistical heartache.

Here’s the essential paperwork you’ll need, presented impeccably:

  • Phytosanitary Certificates: This is your guarantee that the spice is healthy, clean, and absolutely pest-free. It’s non-negotiable for agricultural products.
  • Quality Certificates: This is your badge of honour—verification that your spice meets those stringent, non-negotiable international food-safety standards.
  • Core Export Documentation: The usual suspects: the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, the vital Certificate of Origin, and those crucial customs declarations.

Special Certifications: For those high-end or sensitive markets, you might need extra layers of assurance—think specific Organic certifications or residue-free compliance papers to satisfy the most demanding buyers.

Look, we know paperwork is soul-crushing. That’s why we take the burden off your shoulders. JK International guides you through every single form, checking and re-checking every line to align perfectly with the destination country’s quirky, unique regulations. Our mission is simple: to make sure your shipment reaches the buyer without any unexpected turbulence.

How Can I Find Reliable Global Buyers/Importers for Indian Cardamom — Verified Contacts, Import Data, Frequent Buyers

Finding a genuine, trustworthy buyer is the foundation of repeat business. You don’t want to waste time chasing shadows.

Smart, savvy exporters use these strategies to find their people:

  • Export Data Platforms: These tools are like having a crystal ball. You can see who bought what, when, and how much, letting you track shipping trends and identify those importers who are reliably buying large volumes.
  • Trade Associations & Networks: Get out there! Join industry bodies. They often act as matchmakers, facilitating warm introductions to importers who have already been vetted.
  • Direct Buyer Verification: Before shaking hands (or sending that first container), you must check their licenses, verify their payment history, and gauge their reputation in the market. Never risk a large shipment on a hunch.

We cut through the noise for you. JK International uses its expertise to provide curated connections to established, reputable buyers. We minimize your risk and dramatically accelerate your path to solid global trade opportunities.

What Are Typical Shipment Volumes, Pricing Trends, and Export Statistics for Indian Cardamom

How much cardamom are we talking about? Millions of kilograms leave India annually! For a new client, shipments might start small—a few tons for a specialized niche. But once you scale, you’re looking at significant bulk consignments for those major distributors.

And pricing? Oh, that’s where the market gets dramatic! Prices are constantly moving, fluctuating based on:

  • The specific quality and grade of your pods (size and colour consistency command a premium).
  • The delicate balance between international demand and the success of seasonal harvests.
  • The economic pulse within those key importing countries.

Because we’re glued to the export data and sensitive to market dynamics, JK International can advise you on setting a price that is both fiercely competitive and ensures strong profitability, helping you build those profitable, long-term relationships.

What Quality Standards, Grading, Packaging, and Handling Requirements Must Be Followed to Ensure Cardamom Export Meets International Norms

Let’s be clear: when you ship cardamom, you’re shipping luxury. Quality isn’t a suggestion; it’s a global expectation.

  • Grading: You have to sort your pods perfectly—by size, colour, and that crucial aroma strength. Consistency is your brand promise.
  • Packaging: This spice needs a fortress. Use only food-grade, moisture-proof materials, often vacuum-sealed, and ensure every package is clearly labeled with the batch details, net weight, and origin.
  • Handling: From the farm to the port, you need rigorous hygiene, constant pest control, and careful moisture management. You’re fighting to preserve every single molecule of that exquisite aroma and extend the shelf life.

When you trust us, we become your quality watchdog. JK International ensures that every single batch meets these exacting international standards, guaranteeing that your buyers receive the absolute finest, export-ready cardamom possible.

Conclusion

Exporting green cardamom successfully is an art form—a blend of careful classification, uncompromising quality control, and strategic market connections. It’s complex, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. With

JK International, you gain a partner who expertly handles the entire process: from the sticky HS codes and the mountain of documentation to buyer verification, shipment logistics, and the quality assurance.

We ensure your prized Indian cardamom reaches tables worldwide in its freshest, most aromatic, and most profitable form.

Share this post: