Aflatoxin limits in spices: the limits for each export market
Key takeaways
- The EU limit is 5.0 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 10.0 µg/kg in total for the named spices [1].
- The limits for the USA and Canada are higher: 20 ppb and 15 ppb in total, for chilli [2].
- The EU spice checks for India are not for aflatoxins in 2026. They are for ethylene oxide and pesticide residues [3].
- Dry and dry storage are the best control. FSSAI sets maximum moisture for each spice [4].
What are aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are toxins that some moulds make. Laboratories test for four types: B1, B2, G1 and G2. Limits give a value for B1 and a value for the total of the four types [1]. One µg/kg is the same as one part per billion (ppb).
What are the EU limits?
Regulation (EU) 2023/915 gives limits for these dried spices [1]:
| Spice | Aflatoxin B1, µg/kg | Total aflatoxins, µg/kg |
|---|---|---|
| Capsicum: chillies, chilli powder, cayenne, paprika | 5.0 | 10.0 |
| Pepper, white and black | 5.0 | 10.0 |
| Nutmeg | 5.0 | 10.0 |
| Turmeric | 5.0 | 10.0 |
| Mixtures with one or more of these spices | 5.0 | 10.0 |
| Dried ginger | 5.0 | 10.0 |
The regulation does not name cumin, coriander or cardamom in these entries. Ask your buyer which limit it applies to those spices. Get the answer in writing.
What are the limits for other markets?
The mandatory test list of Spices Board gives limits for each market. The current version is Circular 24/2022-23, from March 2023 [2]. For chilli, the list gives:
| Market | Products | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| EU and Northern Ireland | Chilli, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, mace, curry powder and other products | B1 5 ppb, total 10 ppb |
| USA | Whole chilli, chilli powder, curry powder and curry pastes | Total 20 ppb |
| Canada | Whole chilli and chilli powder | Total 15 ppb |
| Countries without their own row | Whole chilli | Total 30 ppb |
A buyer can set a lower limit than the law. Ask each buyer for its limit before you make an offer. Put the limit of the buyer in the contract, not only the legal limit.
Does the EU check Indian spices for aflatoxins?
Not at the border in 2026. In the June 2026 EU list, the aflatoxin entry for India is for groundnuts, with checks on 50% of consignments [3]. The entries for Indian spices are for ethylene oxide and pesticide residues. The EU limits in Regulation (EU) 2023/915 still apply to each lot [1]. Buyers and authorities in the EU can test any lot against these limits.
How do you keep aflatoxins low?
Moulds need moisture. The best controls are fast drying and dry storage. FSSAI sets a maximum moisture for each spice [4]:
| Spice | Maximum moisture |
|---|---|
| Chilli, whole or powder | 11.0% |
| Turmeric powder | 10.0% |
| Dried ginger, whole or powder | 12.0% |
| Nutmeg, whole | 10.0% |
Do these steps for each lot:
- Dry the produce quickly after harvest.
- Store it off the floor, in a dry and cool area.
- Remove mouldy and damaged pieces before grinding.
- Test a sample of each lot before you make an offer.
- Put the lot number on the test report.
Send the test report with your sample. Our guide to a certificate of analysis for spices shows what to put on the report. Ochratoxin A is a different mould toxin. Our ochratoxin A guide gives its limits.
Next step. Before a buyer replies, the buyer usually checks your company online. Our free Buyer Check is a 1-page report on your Google listing, website and spec gaps. It gives the 3 most important fixes within 24 hours.
Sources
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, Official Journal of the European Union
- Circular No. 24/2022-23: Mandatory Sampling and Testing of export consignments, Spices Board India
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 of 9 June 2026, Official Journal of the European Union
- Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, Chapter 2.9, Version 4 (01.08.2025), FSSAI
Checked 10 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.