IMPORT GUIDE

How to import spices from India to the USA

Bibhakar Spices, a Ghaziabad, India exporter, explains the six steps a US importer follows to bring in spices from India: confirm the supplier FDA registration, set up an FSVP, file the Importer Security Filing, confirm FDA Prior Notice, check APHIS rules and clear customs. Each step links to the official source.

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WHO DOES WHAT

Roles in a US spice import

Last updated 25 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with your customs broker.

ExporterRegisters the facility with the FDA, packs and labels the goods, issues the commercial invoice, packing list, phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin, and sends the shipping data.

US importerHolds the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), acts as importer of record, pays duties and receives the goods.

Customs brokerFiles the entry with US Customs and Border Protection and usually the Importer Security Filing and FDA Prior Notice.

TIMELINE

The import timeline, in order

Before you order: confirm the supplier facility is registered with the FDA, ask for the number, and set up your FSVP file.
At booking: give your broker the cargo details so the ISF is filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the Indian port.
Before arrival: FDA Prior Notice must be confirmed at least 8 hours before a sea shipment reaches the US port, and can be filed up to 15 days ahead in the FDA online system.
On arrival: customs entry, duty payment, and release unless the FDA or CBP selects the shipment for inspection.

We follow this order on every US shipment. See the USA export page for our supplier facts and terms.

DOCUMENTS

Documents for a US spice shipment

Commercial invoice and packing listFrom the exporter; used for customs entry.

Bill of ladingFrom the shipping line; links the ISF to the cargo.

Phytosanitary certificateFrom the exporter; plant-health proof. Some seed-type spices have extra APHIS requirements.

Certificate of originFrom the exporter; states where the goods come from.

Spices Board export documentsFrom the exporter; Indian export formalities.

Prior Notice confirmationFrom the filer; confirms the FDA received the notice.

WHERE SHIPMENTS GET HELD

Four common reasons for delay

No adequate FDA Prior Notice: the food can be refused and held at the port or in secure storage.
A late, incomplete or inaccurate ISF: CBP can issue liquidated damages of $5,000 per violation and may hold the cargo or order it not to be loaded.
A facility registration that was not renewed: a lapsed registration can lead to detention or refusal of the goods.
Seed-type spices without the right plant-health papers: APHIS requirements depend on the commodity and country of origin.

Duty depends on the product tariff classification and current US trade rules, which can change, so ask your broker to confirm the rate for your product before you order. Freight and insurance depend on the Incoterm; we quote FOB or CIF. For general customs rules see CBP Basic Importing and Exporting.

IMPORT FAQ

Questions about importing spices from India

Short answers for US importers.

Does the USA import spices from India?Yes. US importers buy Indian spices for retail, food manufacturing and private label, and every shipment must meet FDA and CBP rules.

Does an Indian spice exporter need to register with the FDA?Yes, if the facility manufactures, packs or holds food for consumption in the USA. Registration is renewed every even-numbered year.

How early must the Importer Security Filing be filed?For ocean cargo, at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the vessel at the foreign port.

How early must FDA Prior Notice be confirmed?At least 8 hours before a sea shipment arrives at the US port, and up to 15 days ahead when filed in the FDA online system.

Importing spices from India?

Tell us the product, pack size and US port. We quote FOB or CIF with the documents your broker needs.

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