EU import rules for Indian spices in 2026: certificates, checks and limits
Key takeaways
- Most Indian spices need an official certificate for ethylene oxide [1].
- Pepper, dried chilli, allspice and cinnamon need no certificate, but the EU checks 20% of them [1].
- Cumin also has a 50% check rate for pesticide residues [1].
- The EU limits for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and lead apply to every lot [3].
What changed in June 2026?
Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 replaced Annexes I and II of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 [1]. The EU published it on 10 June 2026. It came into force on the twentieth day after publication. AGRINFO gives a summary of the changes [2].
The two annexes have different rules:
- Annex I: the EU increases the checks at the border. No certificate is necessary.
- Annex II: each consignment needs a laboratory analysis and an official certificate. The EU also checks a part of the consignments at the border.
Which Indian spices are in Annex I?
These spices from India get increased checks, without a certificate [1]:
| Product | EU code | Hazard | Check rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepper, dried chilli and allspice | 0904 | Ethylene oxide | 20% |
| Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers | 0906 | Ethylene oxide | 20% |
| Cumin seeds, whole or ground | 0909 31 00, 0909 32 00 | Pesticide residues | 50% |
Which Indian spices are in Annex II?
These spices from India need an official certificate for ethylene oxide [1]:
| Product | EU code | Check rate |
|---|---|---|
| Nutmeg | 0908 11 00, 0908 12 00 | 30% |
| Mace | 0908 21 00, 0908 22 00 | 30% |
| Cardamoms | 0908 31 00, 0908 32 00 | 30% |
| Coriander | 0909 21 00, 0909 22 00 | 20% |
| Cumin | 0909 31 00, 0909 32 00 | 20% |
| Seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries | 0909 61 00, 0909 62 00 | 20% |
| Ginger | 0910 11 00, 0910 12 00 | 20% |
| Saffron | 0910 20 10, 0910 20 90 | 20% |
| Turmeric | 0910 30 00 | 20% |
| Curry | 0910 91 05 | 20% |
| Fenugreek seed | 0910 99 10 | 20% |
| Thyme and bay leaves | 0910 99 31 to 0910 99 50 | 20% |
| Other spices | 0910 91 10, 0910 91 90, 0910 99 91, 0910 99 99 | 20% |
| Sauces, mixed condiments and mixed seasonings | 2103 | 20% |
Ethylene oxide means the sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloro-ethanol, as ethylene oxide [1]. For seed spices such as cumin and coriander, the EU limit is 0.10 mg/kg [4]. Our guide to ethylene oxide in Indian spices explains the certificate.
Two other entries matter to spice exporters. Dried curry leaves from India are in Annex II for pesticide residues, with a 50% check rate. Sesame seeds from India are in Annex II for Salmonella, with a 30% check rate [1].
Which limits apply to every lot?
The border checks are only part of the rules. Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets maximum levels for contaminants in all food on the EU market [3]. For spices, these include:
- aflatoxins in chilli, pepper, nutmeg, turmeric and dried ginger;
- ochratoxin A in dried spices;
- lead in dried spices, by plant part.
Irradiation is a separate rule. The EU lets irradiated dried spices on the market only from an approved facility, and the label must say "irradiated" [5]. Our guide to irradiated spices for the EU gives the detail.
What must you do before each EU shipment?
- Find the EU code and the annex for each product.
- Ask the buyer for its own limits, in writing.
- Test each lot for ethylene oxide in an accredited laboratory.
- For cumin, also test for pesticide residues.
- For Annex II products, apply to Spices Board for the official certificate.
- Send the reports to the buyer before the shipment.
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 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 of 9 June 2026, Official Journal of the European Union
- Temporary increased official controls on foods from certain countries: June 2026 update, AGRINFO
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food, Official Journal of the European Union
- Comprehensive Guidelines on Prevention of EtO contamination in Spices Exports, Rev.02 (28.10.2024), Spices Board India
- Food irradiation explained, AGRINFO
Checked 10 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.