FDA Requirements for Turmeric Import
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all food imports. Here's what you need to know when importing turmeric from India.
FDA Facility Registration
All food facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for US consumption must register with the FDA.
Steam Sterilization
FDA now requires documented pathogen reduction for spices. Steam sterilization is the preferred method, eliminating Salmonella and E. coli without chemicals.
FSVP Compliance
The Foreign Supplier Verification Program requires US importers to verify their foreign suppliers meet US food safety standards.
Prior Notice & FSMA
FDA must receive prior notice of shipments. FSMA requires preventive controls and supply chain programs for food importers.
FSVP Importer Responsibilities
Under FSVP, US importers must verify that their foreign suppliers use processes and procedures that provide the same level of public health protection as US requirements. JJ Spices provides all documentation needed for FSVP compliance.
Read our Export Documentation GuideUS Quality Standards & JJ Spices Compliance
Our turmeric meets or exceeds all US food safety requirements, including California Proposition 65 standards.
| Parameter | US Requirement | JJ Spices Standard | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Content Critical for California market compliance | <0.5 ppm (California Prop 65) | <0.1 ppm | Exceeds |
| Aflatoxin (Total) FDA action level | <20 ppb | <10 ppb | Exceeds |
| Salmonella Mandatory pathogen testing | Negative/25g | Negative/25g | Meets |
| E. coli Indicator organism | <100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | Exceeds |
| Pesticide Residues EU standards are stricter | Below EPA tolerances | Below EU MRLs | Exceeds |
| Moisture Prevents mold growth | <13% | <10% | Exceeds |
California Proposition 65
Prop 65 requires businesses to provide warnings about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer or reproductive harm. Lead in turmeric is a key concern.
Our turmeric tests at <0.1 ppm lead - well below the 0.5 ppm Prop 65 threshold.
Why Lead-Free Matters
Some turmeric from certain regions contains lead due to soil contamination or adulteration with lead chromate for color enhancement.
Read our Lead Safety GuideRequired Documentation
Complete documentation package provided with every shipment to ensure smooth customs clearance and FDA compliance.
Commercial Documents
- Commercial Invoice (3 copies)
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Letter of Credit (if applicable)
Regulatory Documents
- Certificate of Origin
- Phytosanitary Certificate (from Indian Plant Quarantine)
- Health Certificate
- FDA Prior Notice Confirmation
Quality Documents
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Heavy Metals Test Report
- Microbiological Test Report
- Pesticide Residue Test Report
JJ Spices Certifications
- FSSAI License Copy
- APEDA Registration Certificate
- FDA Facility Registration
- ISO 22000 Certificate (if required)
HS Codes & Import Duties
Turmeric imports from India to the USA are duty-free under most classifications.
| HS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0910.30.00 | Turmeric (Curcuma) General rate for turmeric | 0% |
| 0910.30.0000 | Turmeric, whole or ground Most common classification | 0% |
| 1302.19.9140 | Oleoresin of turmeric For extracts and oleoresins | 0% |
Shipping to US Ports
We ship from Indian ports (Vizag, Chennai, Mundra) to all major US ports with FCL, LCL, and air freight options.
Los Angeles / Long Beach
Best for West Coast distribution
New York / New Jersey
Best for East Coast & Northeast
Houston
Best for Texas & Gulf region
Savannah
Growing hub for Southeast
Shipping Options
Full Container Load (FCL)
Regular importers, distributors
Less than Container Load (LCL)
First-time importers, smaller buyers
Air Freight
Urgent orders, samples, premium products
Common Import Challenges & Solutions
We've helped buyers navigate common pitfalls. Here's how we address typical challenges in turmeric import.
FDA Detention
Cause: Incomplete documentation or failed lab tests
Our Solution:
We provide complete documentation package and pre-shipment testing to US standards
Prop 65 Compliance
Cause: Lead content exceeding California limits
Our Solution:
Our turmeric is tested and certified lead-free (<0.1 ppm), well below Prop 65 limits
Customs Delays
Cause: HS code misclassification or missing documents
Our Solution:
We provide correct HS codes and complete documentation set with every shipment
Quality Inconsistency
Cause: Varying supplier standards
Our Solution:
Single-source supply from our Duggirala facility ensures consistent quality
Why US Importers Choose JJ Spices
We understand the unique requirements of the US market and provide end-to-end support for seamless imports.