Import Kashmir saffron from India: Mongra, Lacha and Guchhi grades
Kashmir saffron threads by grade, with ISO 3632 test reports, in tins and sachets for premium retail, hotels and gifting.
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What is saffron from India, and where is it grown?
Kashmir saffron is grown mainly around Pampore in the Pulwama district, in Budgam and in Kishtwar, and carries a Geographical Indication. It is traded in grades called Mongra (the deep-red stigma only), Lacha and Guchhi, and quality is judged by an ISO 3632 laboratory report on colour, taste and aroma. Vats Consultancy supplies saffron in tins and sachets or in bulk, by air or sea.
| Also called | Kesar, zafran |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Crocus sativus |
| Customs code (HS, indicative) | 0910.20 |
| Main growing areas | Pampore (Pulwama), Budgam and Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir |
| Season | The crocus flowers for a few weeks around late October and November. The stigmas are picked by hand and dried at once. |
| Forms we supply | Whole threads, Ground saffron on request, Retail tins, vials and sachets |
| 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 saffron types and grades can I buy?
Tell us your use and we will recommend a grade, or match a specification you already have.
Mongra
Only the deep-red tip of the stigma, with no yellow style. The highest grade for colour, taste and aroma, and the most expensive.
Lacha
Stigma with a small part of the paler style attached. A good everyday grade for cooking.
Guchhi
Longer threads with more of the style, a lower and more economical grade.
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.
- Crocin (colouring strength). Measured by spectrophotometer under ISO 3632, which groups saffron into categories I, II and III.
- Picrocrocin (taste). The bitter compound that gives saffron its flavour, measured in the same test.
- Safranal (aroma). The aroma compound, also measured in the test.
- Moisture and foreign matter. Limits agreed in the specification.
- Pack and traceability. Lot, grade and pack date are stated on the pack.
How is saffron packed and shipped?
Packing and loading are agreed with you, and we confirm the exact loadable weight for your pack.
- Retail tins, glass vials and sachets of a gram or more, including private label.
- Bulk lots in sealed pouches by the kilogram.
- Air freight for small lots, sea freight for larger orders.
Who buys it:
- Premium retailers and gifting brands
- Hotels, restaurants and caterers
- Confectioners and bakers
- Beauty and wellness brands
- Gulf and Middle East distributors
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.
- ISO 3632 report. A laboratory report is the proper proof of grade. We arrange one per lot where asked.
- Adulteration. Saffron can be adulterated with dyed or other plant material. A laboratory report and a trusted source protect you.
- Pesticide residues. Tested against the limits of your market where required.
- Documents. Invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and others as your market requires.
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 saffron from India
What do Mongra, Lacha and Guchhi mean?
They are the main Kashmir saffron grades. Mongra is only the red stigma tip and the highest grade. Lacha includes a small part of the pale style. Guchhi has more of the style and is the lower grade.
What is ISO 3632?
It is the international standard for saffron. A laboratory measures crocin (colour), picrocrocin (taste) and safranal (aroma), and sorts the saffron into category I, II or III.
How can I be sure the saffron is genuine?
Buy against a laboratory report and from a source you can trace. Cheap saffron is often dyed or mixed with other plant material.
Why is saffron so expensive?
Each flower gives only a few stigmas that are picked and dried by hand, and well over a hundred thousand flowers are needed for a kilogram.
What is the minimum order?
Saffron is sold by the gram, so small lots are possible. Tell us your volume and pack size.
Can I get a sample?
Yes. A sample lets you check colour and aroma, and we can add a test report.
Which terms do you quote?
Air freight is common for small high-value lots. Sea freight, FOB or CIF, suits larger orders.
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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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