Green cardamom specification for export: limits, HS codes and a sheet format
Key takeaways
- FSSAI sets different limits for whole capsules, seeds and powder [1].
- The HS list divides cardamom by grade: Alleppey green, Coorg green, bleached and mixed [2].
- The EU checks 30% of Indian cardamom consignments. Each consignment needs a certificate for ethylene oxide [3].
- Exports more than doubled. In 2025-26, India exported 15,050 tonnes of small cardamom [4].
What are the limits for green cardamom?
FSSAI clause 2.9.2 is for small cardamom. Small cardamom is the dried capsule of Elettaria cardamomum [1]:
| Parameter | Whole capsules | Seeds | Powder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extraneous matter | Max 1.0% | Max 2.0% | Not in clause |
| Empty and malformed capsules, by count | Max 3.0% | Not in clause | Not in clause |
| Immature and shrivelled capsules | Max 3.0% | Not in clause | Not in clause |
| Light seeds | Not in clause | Max 3.0% | Not in clause |
| Moisture | Max 13.0% | Max 13.0% | Max 11.0% |
| Total ash, dry basis | Max 9.5% | Max 9.5% | Max 8.0% |
| Ash insoluble in dilute HCl, dry basis | Not in clause | Not in clause | Max 3.0% |
| Volatile oil, dry basis | Min 3.5% v/w | Min 3.5% v/w | Min 3.0% v/w |
| Insect-damaged matter | Max 1.0% | Max 1.0% | Not in clause |
The clause also gives conditions that apply to all forms. The cardamom must have no foreign odour, mustiness, mould, insects, rodent contamination or added colouring matter [1]. Thrip marks alone are not a sign of insect damage. For dried and ground spices, the FSSAI microbiological standards also require Salmonella absent in 25 g [5].
What must you state in addition to the limits?
Buyers compare cardamom by grade. Give the grade as numbers:
- Capsule size: the size range or the sieve that you use for grading.
- Colour: a plain description, with a sample that has a lot number.
- Volatile oil: your test result and the test method.
- Moisture: damp capsules lose colour and can get mould.
- Bleached or green: a clear statement.
Do not use only a trade name. Put measured figures next to each grade name. Our coriander seeds guide shows this method for the Eagle and Scooter grades.
What are the HS codes for cardamom?
The ITC (HS) list of Spices Board divides small cardamom by grade and form [2]:
| Product | ITC (HS) code |
|---|---|
| Small (elettaria), Alleppey green | 0908 31 20 |
| Small, Coorg green | 0908 31 30 |
| Small, bleached, half-bleached or bleachable | 0908 31 40 |
| Small (mixed) | 0908 31 50 |
| Cardamom powder | 0908 32 10 |
| Small cardamom seeds | 0908 32 20 |
| Cardamom husk | 0908 32 30 |
Our cardamom HS code guide also gives the codes for large cardamom. Check your code with your CHA.
What do export markets add?
The EU checks Indian cardamom more frequently than most spices. After the June 2026 update, cardamoms from India stay in Annex II for ethylene oxide [3]. Each consignment needs a laboratory analysis and an official certificate. The EU checks 30% of consignments at the border. For most other Indian spices, the rate is 20%. Our guide to ethylene oxide in Indian spices gives more data.
Most of the volume goes to the Gulf. In 2025-26, India exported 15,050 tonnes of small cardamom, with a value of $413.24 million [4]. In 2024-25, the volume was 6,728 tonnes:
| Destination | 2024-25, tonnes | 2025-26, tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 1,458 | 3,994 |
| UAE | 2,328 | 3,941 |
| Bangladesh | 439 | 2,840 |
| Kuwait | 390 | 673 |
| USA | 462 | 470 |
Our guide to cardamom buyers in Saudi Arabia examines the largest market.
What must a cardamom spec sheet include?
Product: Green cardamom, whole, [grade, size range]
Botanical name: Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton
Origin: [State, India], crop year [__]
HS code: 0908 31 20 (check with your CHA)
Colour: [description, reference sample lot]
Extraneous matter: max [__]%
Empty and malformed capsules: max [__]% by count
Moisture: max [__]%
Volatile oil: [__]% v/w, dry basis, [method]
Salmonella: absent in 25 g, [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
- Major item and country wise export of spices from India, 2021-22 to 2025-26, Spices Board India, data from DGCI&S
- Appendix B: Microbiological Requirements, Version 2 (04.11.2024), FSSAI
Checked 10 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.