Import turmeric from India: fingers, bulbs and powder
Turmeric fingers, bulbs and powder from Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Meghalaya, sourced by colour and curcumin level, tested and shipped to your specification.
Request a turmeric quote
Tell us the grade and volume. A specialist replies within one business day.
What is turmeric from India, and where is it grown?
India is a leading turmeric grower and exporter, with the main markets in Maharashtra (Sangli), Telangana (Nizamabad) and Tamil Nadu (Erode), and specialty types from Kerala (Alleppey Finger) and Meghalaya (Lakadong). Vats Consultancy supplies turmeric as fingers, bulbs or powder, quoted against your curcumin and colour targets, with tests for contaminants and illegal colourants arranged for your destination.
| Also called | Haldi, Indian saffron (trade name) |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Curcuma longa |
| Customs code (HS, indicative) | 0910.30 |
| Main growing areas | Sangli and Hingoli (Maharashtra); Nizamabad (Telangana); Erode and Salem (Tamil Nadu); Alleppey area (Kerala); Kandhamal (Odisha); West Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya, Lakadong type) |
| Season | Harvest roughly January to April, then cured and polished. Stocks are held, so supply runs through the year. |
| Forms we supply | Whole fingers (polished or unpolished), Bulbs, Powder, Curcumin-graded 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 turmeric types and grades can I buy?
Tell us your use and we will recommend a grade, or match a specification you already have.
Erode and Salem
Bright yellow colour from Tamil Nadu and a common choice for powder. Erode turmeric carries a Geographical Indication.
Nizamabad and Sangli
Large-volume markets for fingers and bulbs, supplying most of the bulk trade.
Alleppey Finger
From Kerala, known for deep colour and a higher curcumin level than average.
Lakadong
From Meghalaya and valued for a very high curcumin level, used for health and nutraceutical products.
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.
- Curcumin content. Varies widely by variety, from a few per cent in everyday trade types to a much higher level in specialty types such as Lakadong. We quote against your target and confirm with a lab test.
- Colour. Agreed by sample and, for powder, by a colour reading.
- Polish. Polished fingers look smooth and bright; unpolished fingers are rougher and often cheaper. Both are traded.
- Size and mix. Finger length, bulb share and broken pieces.
- Moisture and extraneous matter. Set low and agreed in the specification.
How is turmeric packed and shipped?
Packing and loading are agreed with you, and we confirm the exact loadable weight for your pack.
- Whole turmeric in bags, commonly 25 to 50 kg.
- Powder in lined bags or retail packs, including private label.
- Full container load, or smaller palletised lots. We confirm the loadable weight for your pack.
Who buys it:
- Retailers and packers
- Spice blenders
- Food and beverage manufacturers
- Supplement and nutraceutical makers
- Foodservice distributors
- Natural colour makers
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.
- Illegal colourants. Turmeric has a history of adulteration with illegal colours. Importers test for it, and so do we, per lot.
- Heavy metals. Lead is tested where your market requires it.
- Aflatoxin. Turmeric is among the spices that authorities in some markets test for aflatoxin.
- Pesticide residues. We match the limits of your destination.
- Microbiology (powder). Salmonella and plate counts where required.
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 turmeric from India
What curcumin content can I get?
It depends on the variety. Everyday trade types have a lower curcumin level, Alleppey types are higher, and Lakadong turmeric is known for a very high level. Tell us the percentage you need and we will confirm it with a laboratory test on the lot.
What is the difference between polished and unpolished turmeric?
Polishing smooths the outside of the dried fingers and gives a brighter look. It does not change the inside colour. Unpolished fingers are rougher, and usually cost less.
Do you supply turmeric powder as well as whole turmeric?
Yes. We supply fingers, bulbs and powder, in bulk or in retail packs under your own brand.
Is organic turmeric available?
On request and subject to certified supply. Tell us which certification your market needs, for example the Indian NPOP, the EU or the US standard, and we will confirm what can be supplied for your order.
Which tests do you arrange?
Curcumin content, illegal colourants, heavy metals, aflatoxin, pesticide residues and, for powder, microbiology, depending on your market.
What is the minimum order quantity?
A pallet of retail packs is a common start, while bulk turmeric usually moves by the container.
How soon can samples be sent?
Samples can be arranged for most lots before a commercial order. Ask us for the current turnaround.
Get a turmeric quote
Sourcing is coordinated from our Bengaluru office, with shipping and documentation handled through our RAKEZ, UAE office.
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