Importing Makhana Powder from India: A Complete Guide for International Buyers

4 min read · Updated October 23, 2026

Demand for makhana powder, also called makhana flour, fox nut flour or popped lotus seed powder, is growing among health-food brands, gluten-free product makers and Indian grocery importers worldwide. If you plan to import makhana powder from India, this guide walks through the process step by step, from shortlisting a supplier to receiving your shipment.

Why import makhana powder from India?

India is the main commercial producer of makhana (Euryale ferox), and most of it comes from Bihar. Buying from a manufacturer located in the growing region gives you access to raw material at source and a single partner for processing, packing and export.

Step 1: Know what your market calls the product

The same product travels under different names. In the USA, UK, Canada and Australia, buyers search for fox nut flour or popped lotus seed powder; in Germany it is Makhana-Mehl, in France farine de makhana, and in Spain harina de makhana. Agree the product name, botanical name (Euryale ferox) and description with your supplier early, because it will appear on invoices, labels and customs documents.

Step 2: Shortlist and verify a makhana powder exporter

Look for a manufacturer with its own processing unit, a written specification and current registrations: FSSAI, IEC and APEDA in India, plus food safety systems such as ISO 22000 or GMP. For shipments to the United States, the facility should be registered with the USFDA. Our separate guide on how to choose a makhana powder manufacturer in India covers this checklist in detail.

Step 3: Share a complete enquiry

A complete enquiry gets an accurate quotation faster. Include:

• Destination country and port
• Grade and any specification your customer needs (moisture, particle size, colour)
• Quantity per order and expected frequency
• Pack size and labelling requirement
• Intended application, such as bakery, premixes or retail packs
• Preferred commercial terms and the documents your import process needs

Step 4: Evaluate samples

Request a sample of the exact grade you plan to buy. Test it in your formulation or with your retail customers, check moisture and colour against the written specification, and keep a reference sample for future comparison.

Step 5: Agree the quotation and shipping terms

Makhana powder prices depend on grade, quantity, packaging and destination, so expect a quotation per enquiry rather than a fixed list price. Common Incoterms for export from India include:

Term	What it means for you
EXW	You collect from the supplier’s premises and handle all transport and export steps.
FOB	The supplier delivers the goods on board at the Indian port; you arrange sea freight and insurance.
CIF	The supplier pays sea freight and insurance to your destination port; you handle import clearance.

Small first orders often travel by air or as LCL (less than container load) sea freight; larger repeat orders can move in full containers.

Step 6: Check the export and import documents

Typical shipping documents for makhana powder from India include:

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Certificate of origin
• Any health, phytosanitary or analysis certificates your country requires

HS code classification for makhana products can differ by form (raw, roasted or powdered), so confirm the code with your supplier and customs broker before shipping. For the USA, your shipment also needs FDA Prior Notice, which is usually arranged by the importer or their broker.

Step 7: Plan labelling for your market

Label rules differ between the USA, EU, UK, GCC countries and Asia, including language, allergen statements and importer details. Agree with your supplier who prints the final label, and check any claim, such as gluten-free, against your local regulations before selling.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a small quantity of makhana powder first?

Many suppliers accept trial orders. Our minimum order is 50 kg, in packs of 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg or 20 kg.

What is the HS code for makhana powder?

It depends on the product form and how customs in your country classify it. Confirm the code with your supplier and customs broker before shipping.

Which shipping terms are common for makhana powder from India?

FOB and CIF are the most common, with EXW for buyers who manage their own logistics.

Do you export makhana powder to my country?

We currently export to 23 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Australia, and welcome enquiries from other markets.

Start your makhana powder import enquiry

Makhana Powder by Moso Foods is a makhana powder manufacturer and exporter in Katihar, Bihar, supplying Super Premium, Premium and Classic grade makhana flour to importers in 23 countries. Read about our export process and specifications, or send an export enquiry with your destination and quantity.