Import black pepper from India: Malabar and Tellicherry, whole and ground
Malabar Garbled and Tellicherry black pepper from Kerala and Karnataka, graded by bulk density and quoted FOB or CIF, whole, crushed or ground.
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What is black pepper from India, and where is it grown?
Black pepper from India is grown mainly in Kerala and Karnataka and traded in grades named Malabar Garbled and Tellicherry, which are set largely by bulk density in grams per litre. Vats Consultancy supplies pepper whole, crushed or ground, in retail jars or bulk export bags, FOB or CIF, with steam-sterilised lots and lab tests available for markets that ask for them.
| Also called | Kali mirch, Malabar pepper, the king of spices |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Piper nigrum |
| Customs code (HS, indicative) | 0904.11 (whole) and 0904.12 (crushed or ground) |
| Main growing areas | Wayanad, Idukki and the Malabar coast (Kerala); Kodagu and Chikmagalur (Karnataka); the Nilgiris and nearby hills (Tamil Nadu) |
| Season | Harvest from about December to March, with the new crop reaching the market early in the year. |
| Forms we supply | Whole berries, Crushed (cracked), Ground pepper, Steam-sterilised lots |
| Terms | FOB or CIF, other terms on request |
| Minimum order | From a pallet of retail packs; bulk usually by the container |
Last reviewed 2 November 2026. Customs codes are indicative: your customs broker has the last word.
Which black pepper types and grades can I buy?
Tell us your use and we will recommend a grade, or match a specification you already have.
Malabar Garbled (MG1)
The standard export grade, cleaned of light berries and foreign matter. A dependable choice for retail and food processing.
Tellicherry Garbled Extra Bold (TGEB)
Larger, denser berries from selected parts of the Malabar coast. Valued for aroma and size, and priced above Malabar Garbled.
Tellicherry Garbled Special Extra Bold (TGSEB)
The largest and heaviest berries. A premium grade for gourmet retail.
What quality checks do buyers use?
These are the points we agree in writing before we quote, and confirm with a sample or a laboratory test.
- Bulk density. Measured in grams per litre, and the main grade measure. Garbled grades are commonly in the range of about 500 to 600 g/l. We quote against your target.
- Moisture. Kept in a safe range so that the pepper stores and ships well.
- Light berries and pinheads. Agreed as a maximum share.
- Extraneous matter and foreign matter. Cleaned to the agreed level.
- Microbiology. Steam sterilisation can lower the microbial count where your market requires it.
How is black pepper packed and shipped?
Packing and loading are agreed with you, and we confirm the exact loadable weight for your pack.
- Retail jars and pouches, including private label.
- Bulk export bags, commonly 25 to 50 kg.
- Full container load, or palletised smaller lots.
Who buys it:
- Retailers and packers
- Spice blenders and seasoning makers
- Meat and food processors
- Foodservice distributors
- Gourmet and premium brands
Which tests, documents and rules apply?
Importing markets differ in what they test and what they accept. We confirm the requirement for your product and your destination before we quote, and arrange the tests per lot.
- Pesticide residues. We match the limits of the destination market.
- Salmonella and total plate count. Tested per lot where required. Steam sterilisation is available.
- Ochratoxin and aflatoxin. Tested where your market asks for it.
- Ethylene oxide. Tell us if your market requires a test report or a treated lot.
- Phytosanitary certificate. Provided when the destination requires it.
This page is about Indian-origin black pepper. The Malabar pepper of Kerala carries a Geographical Indication. White pepper and other origins can be quoted on request, with the true origin stated on the certificate of origin.
Documents we prepare
- Commercial invoice and packing list. Matched to your purchase order and to the container loading.
- Certificate of origin. States the true origin of the goods, and supports preferential duty where a trade agreement applies.
- Phytosanitary certificate. Issued by India's plant quarantine authority where your destination requires it.
- Quality and residue certificates. Test reports for pesticide residues, aflatoxin or other contaminants where your market requires them.
Spice export destinations by country | International markets | Spices Board India
How does an order work?
The same four steps apply whether you order one pallet or a full container.
Specification
You share the spice, grade, form (whole or ground), packing and destination port.
Quote and sample
We quote FOB or CIF and arrange a pre-shipment sample.
Contract
Price, quantity and payment terms are agreed in writing.
Shipping and documents
We arrange loading, shipping and the export paperwork.
Common questions about importing black pepper from India
What is the difference between Malabar and Tellicherry pepper?
Both are Indian black pepper. Tellicherry Garbled grades are larger and denser berries picked from selected parts of the Malabar coast, and they cost more. Malabar Garbled is the standard export grade.
What does bulk density mean for pepper?
It is the weight of a fixed volume of pepper, in grams per litre. Denser berries are fuller and usually have more aroma, so bulk density is the main grading measure.
Can you supply ground or cracked pepper?
Yes. We supply whole, crushed and ground pepper, in retail packs or bulk bags.
Do you supply steam-sterilised pepper?
It can be arranged where your market or your factory requires a low microbial count. Tell us the limits you need.
What is the minimum order?
Retail packs can start from a pallet. Bulk pepper typically moves by the container.
Which terms do you quote?
FOB from a port such as Kochi or Tuticorin, or CIF to your port.
Can I get a sample?
Yes. Samples can be arranged before a commercial order so that you can check berry size, density and aroma.
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Sourcing is coordinated from our Bengaluru office, with shipping and documentation handled through our RAKEZ, UAE office.
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