Import star anise, nutmeg and mace from India
Whole star anise, and nutmeg with mace, for bakery, blends and traditional medicine markets, graded and tested, with the true origin stated.
Request a star anise, nutmeg and mace quote
Tell us the grade and volume. A specialist replies within one business day.
What is star anise, nutmeg and mace from India, and where is it grown?
Star anise, nutmeg and mace are aromatic spices for bakery, blends, beverages and traditional medicine. India grows nutmeg and mace in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in smaller quantities than Indonesia, and imports most of the star anise it trades. Vats Consultancy supplies all three whole or ground to specification, FOB or CIF, with aflatoxin and residue tests and the true origin stated.
| Also called | Chakri phool (star anise), jaiphal (nutmeg), javitri (mace) |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Illicium verum (star anise); Myristica fragrans (nutmeg and mace) |
| Customs code (HS, indicative) | Star anise 0909.61 and 0909.62; nutmeg 0908.11 and 0908.12; mace 0908.21 and 0908.22 |
| Main growing areas | Nutmeg and mace: Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki (Kerala), with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; star anise is mainly grown in China and Vietnam |
| Season | Nutmeg and mace are harvested twice a year, mostly in the rains and again in the cooler months. |
| Forms we supply | Whole star anise and broken star anise, Nutmeg in shell and shelled nutmeg, Mace blades and broken mace, Ground nutmeg, mace and star anise |
| 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 star anise, nutmeg and mace types and grades can I buy?
Tell us your use and we will recommend a grade, or match a specification you already have.
Star anise
Eight-point pods with a sweet licorice flavour. Graded by pod size, colour and the share of broken pods.
Nutmeg
The seed of the nutmeg fruit. Trade grades include sound shelled nutmeg and the lower grade known as BWP (broken, wormy and punky), used for extraction and grinding.
Mace
The red lace around the nutmeg seed, dried to orange blades. Whole blades are worth more than broken pieces.
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.
- Size and grade. Pod size for star anise and sound-versus-BWP share for nutmeg, agreed in the specification.
- Volatile oil. Nutmeg and mace are rich in oil. We confirm by laboratory test when asked.
- Colour. Reddish brown pods for star anise, and a bright orange for mace.
- Moisture. Kept low, because damp nutmeg can grow mould.
- Aflatoxin. Nutmeg is one of the spices that authorities test for aflatoxin.
How is star anise, nutmeg and mace packed and shipped?
Packing and loading are agreed with you, and we confirm the exact loadable weight for your pack.
- Bulk bags or cartons for whole spice.
- Retail packs and private label for ground spice.
- Full container load, or palletised smaller lots.
Who buys it:
- Bakeries and confectioners
- Spice blenders
- Beverage and liqueur makers
- Traditional medicine and herbal product makers
- Retailers and packers
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.
- Aflatoxin. Nutmeg is among the spices that importing authorities test for aflatoxin. We arrange a test per lot.
- Pesticide residues. We match the limits of the importing market.
- Ethylene oxide. Tested or avoided where your market asks.
- Certificate of origin. It states the real origin of the goods.
Be clear about origin. India grows nutmeg and mace in smaller quantities than Indonesia and imports most of the star anise it trades. Tell us whether you need Indian-grown goods or any origin that meets your specification. The certificate of origin always states the true 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 star anise, nutmeg and mace from India
What is mace?
Mace is the red, lacy covering around the nutmeg seed. It is dried to orange blades and has a flavour similar to nutmeg but more delicate.
What does BWP nutmeg mean?
BWP stands for broken, wormy and punky, the lower trade grade of nutmeg. It is used for grinding and extraction, not for whole retail sale.
Is star anise grown in India?
Very little. Star anise is mainly grown in China and Vietnam, and India trades mostly imported star anise. We state the true origin of every lot.
Why is aflatoxin tested in nutmeg?
Nutmeg can grow mould if it is dried or stored badly, and some importing authorities test for aflatoxin. We arrange a test per lot.
What is the minimum order?
Retail packs can start from a pallet. Bulk lots usually move by the container.
Can I get a sample?
Yes. A sample lets you check size, colour and aroma.
Which terms do you quote?
FOB from an Indian port, or CIF to your port.
Get a star anise, nutmeg and mace quote
Sourcing is coordinated from our Bengaluru office, with shipping and documentation handled through our RAKEZ, UAE office.
Send an enquiry
The more detail you share, the more useful our first reply.