Dry ginger specification for export: limits, HS codes and a sheet format
Key takeaways
- FSSAI sets different limits for bleached and unbleached ginger [1].
- The HS list has separate codes for unbleached, bleached and powder [2].
- EU consignments need a certificate for ethylene oxide [3].
- The EU also sets limits for aflatoxins and lead in dried ginger [4].
What are the limits for dry ginger?
FSSAI clause 2.9.11 is for dried ginger (sonth). Whole dried ginger is the dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, with the peel not fully removed [1]. The clause lets you bleach it with lime.
| Parameter | Whole | Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Extraneous matter | Max 1.0% | Not in clause |
| Moisture | Max 12.0% | Max 12.0% |
| Total ash, dry basis, unbleached | Max 8.0% | Max 8.0% |
| Total ash, dry basis, bleached | Max 12.0% | Max 12.0% |
| Calcium as calcium oxide, unbleached | Max 1.1% | Max 1.1% |
| Calcium as calcium oxide, bleached | Max 2.5% | Max 2.5% |
| Volatile oil, dry basis | Min 1.5% v/w | Min 1.0% |
| Insect-damaged matter | Max 1.0% | Not in clause |
| Water-soluble ash, dry basis | Not in clause | Min 1.7% |
| Acid-insoluble ash, dry basis | Not in clause | Max 1.0% |
| Alcohol (90%) soluble extract, dry basis | Not in clause | Min 5.1% |
| Cold water-soluble extract, dry basis | Not in clause | Min 10.9% |
The clause also gives conditions. The ginger must have no musty odour, no rancid or bitter taste, no mould, no insects, no rodent contamination and no added colouring matter [1].
What must you state in addition to the limits?
- Bleached or unbleached: state it clearly, because the limits change.
- Form: whole, split, slices or powder.
- Volatile oil: your test result and the test method.
- Particle size, for powder: the sieve size.
- Crop year: volatile oil decreases in storage.
What are the HS codes for ginger?
The ITC (HS) list of Spices Board gives these codes [2]:
| Product | ITC (HS) code |
|---|---|
| Ginger, fresh | 0910 11 10 |
| Ginger, dried, unbleached | 0910 11 20 |
| Ginger, dried, bleached | 0910 11 30 |
| Ginger powder | 0910 12 10 |
| Other crushed or ground ginger | 0910 12 90 |
Our ginger HS code guide gives more detail. Check your code with your CHA.
What do export markets add?
The EU wants a certificate for ethylene oxide. After the June 2026 update, ginger from India (0910 11 00 and 0910 12 00) stays in Annex II [3]. Each consignment needs a laboratory analysis and an official certificate. The EU checks 20% of consignments.
The EU also sets contaminant limits for dried ginger [4]:
- aflatoxin B1: max 5.0 µg/kg;
- total aflatoxins: max 10.0 µg/kg;
- lead, for root and rhizome spices: max 1.50 mg/kg.
Most Indian ginger goes to Bangladesh. In 2025-26, India exported 146,257 tonnes of ginger [5]. Of this, 110,550 tonnes went to Bangladesh. The data does not separate fresh ginger and dried ginger. Our guide to ginger exports to Bangladesh examines that market.
What must a dry ginger spec sheet include?
Product: Dried ginger, [whole, split or slices], [bleached or unbleached]
Botanical name: Zingiber officinale Roscoe
Origin: [State, India], crop year [__]
HS code: 0910 11 20 (check with your CHA)
Extraneous matter: max [__]%
Moisture: max [__]%
Total ash: max [__]%, dry basis
Volatile oil: [__]% v/w, dry basis, [method]
Aflatoxins: B1 [__], total [__] µg/kg, [laboratory, report number]
Ethylene oxide: [result], [laboratory, report number]
Packing: [bag type, net weight]
Version: [date], Lot: [number]
Use figures that your lots meet, not the legal limit. The laboratory of the buyer will test your sample against your sheet.
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
- Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, Chapter 2.9, Version 4 (01.08.2025), FSSAI
- Trade classification: ITC (HS) codes for spices, Spices Board India
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 of 9 June 2026, Official Journal of the European Union
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, Official Journal of the European Union
- Major item and country wise export of spices from India, 2021-22 to 2025-26, Spices Board India, data from DGCI&S
Checked 10 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.