Complete Guide to Cumin Seeds Export From India (Grades, Pricing, HS Code & Quality Standards)

India is the world’s largest producer, processor, and exporter of cumin seeds—supplying more than 70% of the global cumin demand. With its strong agricultural ecosystem, well-developed cleaning facilities, and stringent quality practices, India remains the preferred sourcing hub for spice importers, wholesalers, food manufacturers, and seasoning brands.

Among all Indian spice-producing states, Gujarat and Rajasthan dominate the cumin industry, known for producing aromatic, high-oil-content cumin seeds with a distinct profile. As global demand continues to rise, exporters like Vad Industries have strengthened their capabilities in sourcing, cleaning, grading, sterilization, packaging, and international logistics.

This complete guide covers everything global buyers and importers need to know—grades, HS codes, pricing trends, quality standards, certifications, packaging options, and export documentation.
A perfect reference for B2B procurement managers, spice traders, and food manufacturers seeking reliable cumin suppliers in India.

1. Overview of the Global Cumin Market

Cumin (Botanical Name: Cuminum cyminum) is among the top spices traded internationally due to its application across:

• Food processing companies
• Spice blends & masala manufacturers
• Ready-to-eat (RTE) & ready-to-cook (RTC) food brands
• Nutraceuticals & herbal supplement makers
• Seasoning, snack, and flavoring companies
• HORECA industry (Hotels, Restaurants, Catering)
  
  

India’s cumin exports have shown steady growth year-on-year due to:

Key Market Drivers:

• Rising demand in the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S.
• Increased usage in savory snacks & seasonings
• Expansion of ethnic food culture globally
• Improved sterilization and processing capabilities
• Strong supply chain in Gujarat & Rajasthan
  
  

This makes India the #1 source for consistent quality cumin seeds in the international market.

2. Cumin Seeds HS Code

For import-export documentation, the following HS Code is used:

 HS Code for Cumin Seeds: 09093000

Category: Seeds of cumin (whole cumin)

This code is universally accepted for global customs clearance and trading documentation.

3. Major Cumin Seed Varieties Exported From India

India exports different forms of cumin depending on the buyer’s usage requirements:

1. Whole Cumin Seeds (Machine Clean / Sortex Clean / Extra Bold)

• Most demanded grade for global buyers
• Used by spice processors, masala companies, wholesalers
  
  

2. Cumin Powder

• Processed by grinding premium-quality seeds
• High demand in food processing and retail packaging
  
  

3. Organic Cumin Seeds

• Grown without chemicals
• Certified as per NPOP, USDA, EU Organic Standards
  
  

4. Sterilized Cumin Seeds (ETO / Steam Sterilized)

• Used by companies with strict microbial requirements
• Ideal for U.S., Canadian, and European buyers
  
  

Vad Industries supplies all variants with strict quality control and tailored packaging.

4. Cumin Seeds Grades (Buyer’s Quick Reference)

Cumin seeds are exported in different grades based on purity, size, and cleaning standards.

1. Machine Clean (MC) — 98% Purity

• Economical grade
• Suitable for spice blenders, masala mills, wholesalers
  
  

2. Semi-Sortex / 99% Sortex

• Fewer impurities
• Widely demanded by international importers
  
  

3. Full Sortex (100% Clean)

• Premium export-grade quality
• Free from stones, dust, and foreign matter
  
  

4. Extra Bold Cumin Seeds

• Larger seeds
• Preferred in Middle Eastern markets
  
  

5. Organic Cumin Seeds (Certified)

• High commercial value
• Requires organic certification and audits
  
  

Which grade should you import?

• Food processing companies: 99%–100% Sortex
• Wholesalers/traders: Machine Clean or Semi-Sortex
• Premium spice brands: Extra Bold or Organic
  
  

Vad Industries supplies all grades with detailed COA, specifications, and test reports.

5. Quality Standards for Cumin Seeds Export

International buyers primarily evaluate cumin seeds based on:

A) Physical Parameters

B) Microbial Standards

Common tests include:

• Total Plate Count (TPC)
• Yeast & Mold
• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Aflatoxin Levels
  
  

C) Chemical Standards

• Pesticide residues
• Heavy metals
• Volatile oil content (0.5–2.5%)
  
  

Countries like the U.S. and Europe mandate strict compliance with microbial & pesticide limits.
To meet this, Vad Industries provides ETO / Steam Sterilized cumin upon request.

6. Cumin Seeds Pricing (2025 Trend Analysis)

Cumin prices fluctuate depending on:

• Harvest yield in Gujarat/Rajasthan
• Export demand from UAE, Vietnam, USA, Europe
• Domestic consumption
• Weather conditions
• Crop disease outbreaks (e.g., wilt or blight)
  
  

Trend Summary:

• Prices likely to remain stable with slight upward movement
• Organic cumin commands 20–30% premium
• Bulk contracts (3–6 months) ensure better pricing

Vad Industries offers long-term supply contracts to help buyers lock stable pricing.

7. Major Global Importers of Indian Cumin Seeds

India exports cumin seeds to more than 90 countries.
Top importers include:

• Vietnam (for re-export & processing)
• UAE
• Bangladesh
• USA
• UK & Europe
• Saudi Arabia
• Egypt
• Brazil
• Morocco
• Sri Lanka
  
  

Growing demand in Latin America, Africa, and East Asia is pushing exports further.

8. Packaging Options for Cumin Seeds Export

Depending on buyer needs, Vad Industries provides:

Standard Export Packaging:

• 25 kg PP Bags
• 50 kg PP Bags
• 40 kg Jute Bags
  
  

Premium Packaging:

• Paper/laminated bags
• Vacuum packaging
• Bulk container liners
• Palletized shipments
  
  

Buyers can request custom packaging with barcode, batch, origin, and COA details.

9. Cumin Seeds Export Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Procurement

Sourced directly from farmers and APMC markets in Gujarat & Rajasthan.

2. Cleaning & Sortex Processing

Dust removal → Gravity separation → Sortex color sorting.

3. Grading

Divided into purity & seed size-based grades.

4. Quality Testing

Lab tests for moisture, purity, microbial parameters, and pesticides.

5. Sterilization (Optional)

ETO / Steam / Gamma as per buyer requirements.

6. Packaging

Customized export packaging with precise labelling.

7. Export Documentation

Includes:

• Invoice
• Packing List
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Certificate of Origin
• Bill of Lading
• Fumigation Certificate
• Test Reports
  
  

8. Shipping & Logistics

Handled via Nhava Sheva, Mundra Port (closest for Gujarat exports).

10. Why Importers Worldwide Prefer Indian Cumin Seeds

✔ High volatile oil content

✔ Strong aroma & flavor consistency

✔ Lower microbial load compared to other origins

✔ Abundant availability

✔ Competitive pricing

✔ Well-established supply chain

Countries like Syria, Iran, Turkey, and China also produce cumin—but Indian cumin remains the global standard due to its consistent aroma profile and availability.

11. Why Choose Vad Industries as Your Cumin Seeds Supplier?

Vad Industries is a leading spice exporter from India, known for supplying premium, fully traceable cumin seeds to global buyers.

✔ 100% Sortex Clean Quality

Advanced processing facilities ensure consistent purity.

✔ Sterilized Cumin Available

ETO/Steam sterilization for markets with strict microbial norms.

✔ All Grades Available

Machine Clean, Semi-Sortex, Full Sortex, Extra Bold, Organic.

✔ International Certifications

• FSSAI
• ISO
• APEDA

✔ Customized Packaging & Labelling

Buyer-specific branding and export packaging.

✔ On-Time Delivery Across All Ports

Strong logistics network via Mundra & Nhava Sheva.

✔ Competitive FOB & CIF Prices

Transparent pricing with long-term contract flexibility.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the HS Code for cumin seeds?

HS Code: 09093000

2. What purity grades are available?

• 98% (Machine Clean)
• 99% (Semi-Sortex)
• 99.5–100% (Full Sortex)
  
  

3. Do you provide sterilized cumin seeds?

Yes, Vad Industries supplies ETO and Steam Sterilized cumin for global markets.

4. What is the standard moisture level?

Below 10% for export-quality cumin.

5. What is the shelf life of cumin seeds?

Typically 18–24 months, depending on storage.

6. Which countries import cumin seeds from India?

Vietnam, UAE, USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bangladesh, Europe & more.

7. What packaging is used for exports?

25–50 kg PP bags, jute bags, vacuum packs, and custom packaging.

13. Source Premium Cumin Seeds From Vad Industries

If you’re a global importer, wholesaler, spice processor, or food manufacturer looking for high-quality, consistent, and reliable cumin seeds supply Vad Industries is your trusted partner.

📞 Contact Vad Industries for Bulk Cumin Seeds Supply

Website: vadindustries.com
Email: info@vadindustries.com
Availability: All grades | Custom packaging | Sterilized cumin | Global shipping