The import duty on Indian spices depends on three things: your country's tariff, the exact HS code of the product and whether a trade agreement or preference applies to goods of Indian origin. Duty on whole spices is often low or nil in many markets, but it varies by product, form and country.
Rates and additional tariffs can change at short notice. Always check the current rate in your official tariff, or ask your customs broker, before you agree a price.
Where to look it up
- EU: the TARIC database of the European Commission gives the duty for each code and origin.
- UK: the UK Trade Tariff on GOV.UK.
- US: the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, published by the US International Trade Commission. Check also any additional duties that apply to goods from India.
- Gulf and other markets: the national customs authority's tariff, or your broker.
What changes the rate
- The HS code. Whole and ground forms, mixtures and seasonings can fall under different codes and rates.
- Origin. A preference only applies if the goods qualify as Indian origin and you hold proof, such as the right certificate of origin.
- Trade agreements. A new agreement can cut duty in stages over several years.
- Trade measures. Some countries add extra duties for a period, outside the normal tariff.
- Processing. A blended seasoning made with imported ingredients may be treated differently from a single spice.
Duty is not the only charge
On top of duty, you will usually pay import VAT or sales tax, broker fees, port handling and any official control or inspection fees. In the EU and UK, VAT on food may be at a reduced rate, but that is a national question. Your landed cost estimate should include all of these, not just the duty line. Ask your broker for a written estimate on your first shipment, then compare it with the final bill.
Duty is usually charged on the customs value, which in many countries is based on the CIF value of the goods. That is one reason the Incoterm matters, as explained in FOB, CFR, CIF and DAP.
Preferences and agreements
Preference schemes and trade agreements with India can reduce duty, but they have rules on origin and paperwork. See which preferential duty schemes apply to Indian agri products and how the India-UK and India-EU trade agreements affect duty on spices. This is general guidance, not tax or legal advice.
How we help
We make sure the supplier describes the product precisely on the invoice and provides the certificate of origin your broker needs to claim any preference. Your broker then confirms the rate. Ask for a free sourcing review to plan your landed cost.