Mustard seeds specification for export: limits, HS codes and a sheet format
Key takeaways
- FSSAI sets 11 requirements for whole mustard seed and 8 for powder [1].
- Argemone seeds must be absent from whole seed, and powder must pass the argemone oil test [1].
- Mustard seed is in Chapter 12 of the HS list, with oilseeds, not in Chapter 9 [2].
- Prepared mustard to the EU needs a certificate for ethylene oxide [4].
What are the limits for mustard seeds?
FSSAI clause 2.9.13 is for mustard (rai, sarson). It covers the seeds of several Brassica species, including B. juncea, B. nigra and B. alba [1]:
| Parameter | Whole seed | Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Extraneous matter | Max 2.0% | Not in clause |
| Damaged or shrivelled seeds | Max 2.0% | Not in clause |
| Moisture | Max 10.0% | Max 7.0% |
| Total ash, dry basis | Max 6.5% | Max 6.5% |
| Ash insoluble in dilute HCl, dry basis | Max 1.0% | Max 1.0% |
| Non-volatile ether extract, dry basis | Min 28.0% | Min 28.0% |
| Volatile oil, dry basis | Min 0.3% v/w | Min 0.3% v/w |
| Insect-damaged matter | Max 1.0% | Not in clause |
| Crude fibre | Not in clause | Max 8.0% |
| Starch | Not in clause | Max 2.5% |
| Argemone | Seeds absent | Oil test negative |
The clause also sets a pungency test for whole seed [1]:
- allyl isothiocyanate, B. nigra: min 1.0%;
- allyl isothiocyanate, B. juncea: min 0.7%;
- p-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate, in Sinapis alba: min 2.3%.
What must you state in addition to the limits?
- Species and colour: black, brown or yellow, with the botanical name.
- Seed size: the sieve that you use for grading.
- Purity: your test result for extraneous matter.
- Pungency: your isothiocyanate result and the test method.
- Argemone: the test result, with the laboratory report number.
What are the HS codes for mustard?
The ITC (HS) list of Spices Board gives these codes [2]:
| Product | ITC (HS) code |
|---|---|
| Mustard seeds, of seed quality | 1207 50 10 |
| Mustard seeds, other | 1207 50 90 |
| Mustard powder | 0910 99 27 |
| Mustard flour and meal, and prepared mustard | 2103 30 00 |
Check your code with your CHA. Our list of HS codes for spices gives the codes for other spices.
What do export markets add?
The test list of Spices Board gives an ethylene oxide limit. For mustard seeds to the EU and Northern Ireland, the 2023 list gives 0.05 ppm [3]. Ask your buyer for its own limit.
The EU lists prepared mustard from India. After the June 2026 update, products of heading 2103 from India are in Annex II for ethylene oxide [4]. This heading includes mixed condiments, mustard flour and meal, and prepared mustard. Each consignment needs an official certificate, and the EU checks 20%.
The export data puts mustard in a group. Spices Board reports mustard with ajwain, dill seed, poppy seed and aniseed. In 2025-26, India exported 46,141 tonnes of this group, with a value of $47.76 million [5].
What must a mustard spec sheet include?
Product: Mustard seeds, [black / brown / yellow], [grade]
Botanical name: Brassica [species]
Origin: [State, India], crop year [__]
HS code: 1207 50 90 (check with your CHA)
Extraneous matter: max [__]%
Damaged or shrivelled seeds: max [__]%
Moisture: max [__]%
Allyl isothiocyanate: [__]%, [method]
Argemone seeds: absent, [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
- 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
- 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.