Spice & Spice Industry FAQ - Spice Exporters Directory

Spice & Spice Industry FAQ

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The Directorate General of Foreign Trade in India has a scheme with an objective of recognizing established exporters in India. Under this scheme exporters are recognized as Export House, Trading House, Star Trading House and Super Star Trading House. For getting a Star Trading House recognition, the average FOB (free on board) value of exports during the preceding three licensing years needs to be at least Rs. 375 crores.

In India, Section 2(5) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1962 provides for a tax concession in the case of profits derived from the export of goods or merchandise out of India. If the export profits are set off against any losses in the process of computing the total income, no tax concession will be available.

Below is a list highlighting 15 of India’s top trading partners in terms of countries that imported the most Indian shipments by dollar value during 2018. Also shown is each import country’s percentage of total Indian exports.

United States: US$51.6 billion (16% of total Indian exports)
United Arab Emirates: $29 billion (9%)
China: $16.4 billion (5.1%)
Hong Kong: $13.2 billion (4.1%)
Singapore: $10.4 billion (3.2%)
United Kingdom: $9.8 billion (3%)
Germany: $9 billion (2.8%)
Bangladesh: $8.8 billion (2.7%)
Netherlands: $8.7 billion (2.7%)
Nepal: $7.3 billion (2.3%)
Belgium: $6.8 billion (2.1%)
Vietnam: $6.7 billion (2.1%)
Malaysia: $6.5 billion (2%)
Italy: $5.5 billion (1.7%)
Saudi Arabia: $5.5 billion (1.7%)

About three-fifths (60.4%) of Indian exports in 2018 were delivered to the above 15 trade partners.

Export promotion leads to expansion of goods for the foreign market. These goods earn foreign exchange that can be used to facilitate development. Export promotion industries have a wide market for their produce for both domestic and foreign markets. They are therefore able to produce for a greater capacity.

Star export house is an Indian exporter who has excelled in international trade and successfully achieved certain minimum amount of export performance in two out of three financial years. Two star and above export houses are permitted to establish export warehouses as per Department of Revenue guidelines.

Duty Entitlement Passbook Scheme (DEPB) is an export incentive scheme implemented by the Indian Government to the exporters of the country. The scheme refunds duties that are paid by the exporters in the form of credit.

Types of export incentives include export subsidies, direct payments, low-cost loans, tax exemption on profits made from exports and government financed international advertising.

Export House is defined as a registered exporter holding a valid Export House Certificate issued by the Director general of Foreign Trade in India.

The aim of Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) is to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in export of goods or products, which are produced or manufactured in India, especially products having high export intensity, employment potential and to enhance India’s export.

Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC) is issued by Banks based on realisation of payment against export by an Exporter. Any firm applying for benefits under Foreign Trade Policy is required to furnish valid BRC as a proof of realisation of payment against exports made.

No, RCMC is not required for Import. Instead RCMC is required for Exports. RCMC is Registration-cum-Membership Certificate.

Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a government organization established in 1985 through an act for the development and promotion of export of scheduled products.

In India, It is necessary for the exporter to become a member of the appropriate export promotion council and obtain a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) for availing benefits available to export firms from the Government like duty exemptions. These councils also provide incentives to the exporters.

The Directorate General of foreign Trade (DGFT) is the agency of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India, responsible for execution of the import and export Policies of India. It was earlier known as Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E) till 1991.

To start export business, the following steps may be followed :

1) Establishing an Organisation.
2) Opening a Bank Account.
3) Obtain Permanent Account Number (PAN)
4) Obtain Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) Number.
5) Obtain Registration cum membership certificate (RCMC)
6) Select products to Export
7) Select Markets
8) Find Buyers
9) Do Sampling
10) Pricing/Costing depend on Market and Products
11) Negotiation with Buyers
12) Cover Risks through ECGC

Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCGScheme helps facilitate import of capital goods into India for producing quality goods and service and to enhance India’s export competitiveness. EPCG scheme allows for import of capital goods used in pre-production, production and post-production at zero customs duty.

Export promotion councils (EPC) are advisory bodies that actively contribute to the policies of Government of India and acts as an interface between the industry and the Government

Importer Export Code (IEC) / Business Identification Number (BIN): IEC Code is unique 10 digit code issued by D.G.F.T, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India to Indian companies. It is mandatory to have IEC Code and BIN number for import or export to India.

Incorporated in 1978, AEPC is the official body of apparel exporters in India that provides invaluable assistance to Indian exporters as well as importers/international buyers who choose India as their preferred sourcing destination for garments.

Merchandise Export from India Scheme. The Government of India has introduced Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) through the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20 w.e.f. April 1, 2015. It seeks to promote export of notified goods manufactured/ produced in India.

RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) is a membership certificate issued for 5 years by Export Promotional Councils or commodity board of India. This certificate is issued as a proof that any particular exporter is registered with the council

Federation of Indian Export Organisations – Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is the apex trade promotion organisation in India set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, and private trade and industry in 1965. The organisation is responsible for representing and assisting Indian entrepreneurs and exporters in foreign markets.

In India, Exporters are required to furnish quarterly returns and details of their exports to the concerned EPC. However, the status holders can submit quarterly returns to the FIEO in a specified format. De-registration: Registering authority may de-register an RCMC holder for violation of conditions of registration.

In India, As per the Foreign Trade Policy, an exporter is required to get a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for availing various benefits under the Policy. For registration purposes, FIEO has been recognized by the Government as an Export Promotion Council.

If you have ever heard it’s good to freeze spices and herbs forget it! Condensation will be a problem each time the jar or bag of spice comes out of the freezer and is likely to introduce unwanted moisture to the spices. This is why ground spices have a shorter shelf life than whole spices or seeds.

Spices with the Highest Average Antioxidants Content are Clove, Peppermint, Allspice, Cinnamon, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary etc.

Here’s a look at spices and herbs with proven cardiovascular benefits.

Cinnamon : Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.
Chili peppers : May lengthen life and lower heart attack and stroke risk.
Turmeric : Fights inflammation, gum disease and depression.
Garlic : Lowers blood pressure and boosts heart health.

There are many different herbs that can help you reduce or prevent inflammation in your body. Some of them are Turmeric (Curcumin), Green Tea, Maritime Pine Bark (Pycnogenol), Chili Peppers (Capsaicin), Frankincense (Boswellia serrata), Black Pepper, Resveratrol, Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa), Rosemary, Cloves, Ginger, Cinnamon etc.

Herbs That May Help Lower High Blood Pressure include Basil, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Flax seed, Garlic, Ginger, Hawthorn, Celery seed, French lavender, Cat’s claw etc.

With both sweet and savory applications, you will love this deliciously versatile Mixed Spice blend! … It has a warm and sweet-spicy flavor and aroma and most commonly includes cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and/or mace, cloves, ginger and coriander.

Mixed spice, also called pudding spice, is a British blend of sweet spices, similar to the pumpkin pie spice used in the United States. Cinnamon is the dominant flavour, with nutmeg and allspice. It is often used in baking, or to complement fruits or other sweet foods.

Allspice is a spice made from the dried berries of a plant known as Pimenta dioica, which is a member of the myrtle family. The flavor of allspice brings to mind cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper. Allspice is used in Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines, among others

Ras el hanout is a North African blend while garam masala comes from India. In comparison, garam masala blends will typically have only about eight spices and those usually include cardamom along with cinnamon and cloves. The spices used in garam masala will be toasted or fried before being ground.

Common cooking herbs include basil, oregano, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, thyme and dill. Common culinary spices include cinnamon, paprika (another pepper), tumeric, ginger, saffron and cumin. Ginger and garlic are both considered spices as well.

Five Spice Powder is a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechwan peppercorns. Some recipes also contain ginger, nutmeg, and licorice.

Best substitute for Ras el Hanout: Equal parts paprika, coriander, ginger and a pinch of saffron OR just ground coriander. A Lebanese blend of 7 spices including paprika, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg.

spice is a vegetation product that has an aromatic or pungent to the taste quality which is used for flavoring while cooking. On the other hand, a seasoning is a mixture of several flavoring components such as sugars, salts and spices. Thus, a spice can thought of as a subset of a seasoning.

Spice mixes are blended spices or herbs. When a certain combination of herbs or spices is called for in many different recipes (or in one recipe that is used frequently), it is convenient to blend these ingredients beforehand.

Here are four expert-recommended tools to help you get the most flavor out of your spices.
Mortar and Pestle
Microplane Grater
Manual Coffee Grinder
Electric Coffee Grinder

Common documents required for exporting are Commercial Invoice, Export Packing List, Pro Forma Invoice, Airway Bill, Generic Certificate of Origin, Dangerous Goods Certificate, Insurance Certificate, Shipper’s Letter of Instruction etc.

In most instances, “red pepper” refers to cayenne pepper or chili powder (not the spice mix designed for making chili con carne, but dried, ground chilis). It is usually spicy rather than being red bell pepper.

Raw fruitsvegetables, and fish are exempt from nutrition fact labelingFoods that contain insignificant amounts (insignificant means it can be listed as zero) of all required nutrients (foods that fall under this exemption include tea, coffee, food coloring, etc.).

If spices have nutrient levels significant enough for labeling, then nutrition labeling is required. If the product doesn’t have nutrition labeling, it can‘t have any other nutrition or health claims.

Research what licensing is required in your area. … If you plan to sell the seasonings to the general public, rather than selling wholesale, you will need a reseller’s license. The collected sales tax is remitted to the state. Some cities require that you get a separate business license from them as well.

According to Entrepreneur.com, the average cost to start an herb and spice business is between $2,000 and $10,000.

The US is the major importer followed by China, Vietnam, the UAE, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Germany, Singapore and Sri Lanka. In 2014-15, India exported spices worth US$ 2.42 million. The Spices Board of India works towards the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices.

Cardamom was used as a breath freshener by the ancient Egyptians and a digestive aid in traditional Indian medicine, but most importantly, it’s delicious — warm and sweet in a way that pairs well with many savory dishes (think poultry, curries and all kinds of rice dishes)

In cooking, it’s used more like a spice, but salt doesn’t actually add its own flavor. Salt is neither an herb nor a spice, both of which are obtained from plants. It is a mineral.

It’s a Spice. … But coffee has uses beyond being a deliciously addictive caffeine fix to be guzzled down at all hours of the day. Coffee is also a spice that can add a rich, deep, and earthy flavor to other foods, particularly red meats.

India is known as the ‘The home of spices‘. There is no other country in the world that produces as many kinds of spices as India.

India primarily exports pepper, chilli, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, celery, nutmeg and mace garlic, tamarind and vanilla. Processed spices such as spice oils and oleoresins, mint products, curry powder, spice powders, blends and seasonings are also exported.

India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices; the country produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and accounts for half of the global trading in spices

The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the genus Capsicum, including chilis. Extraction of oleoresin capsicum (OC) from peppers requires capsicum to be finely ground, from which capsaicin is then extracted using an organic solvent such as ethanol.

White pepper is a spice produced from the dried fruit of the pepper plant, Piper nigrum, as is black pepper. It is usually milder than black pepper, with less complex flavor.

Cloves contain small amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamin E . Cloves are low in calories and provide some fiber, manganese, vitamin K and vitamin C.

Clove oil is used for diarrhea, hernia, and bad breath. Clove and clove oil are used for intestinal gas, nausea, and vomiting. Clove is applied directly to the gums (used topically) for toothache, for pain control during dental work, and for a complication of tooth extraction called “dry socket.”

The taste is pungent, strong and sweet with a bitter, astringent flavor as well. Cloves also have a distinct and undeniable warmth; to some, the flavor is almost hot. This spice is simply that intense! Consuming this spice leaves a sensation in the mouth similar to that of nutmeg.

The clove tree is most often grown from seed. Plant clove seeds in well drained and fertile loam and water, then feed them regularly. Keep the soil where clove is growing wet but not waterlogged.

Black pepper and black peppercorns start as green peppercorns, which are the unripe fruit of the piper nigrum plant. The fruits grow in long, thin bunches on the vine, clustered somewhat like grapes. These bright green fruits are first cooked and then sun-dried.

Cloves are the rich, brown, dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family. The name comes from the French “clou” meaning nail. Cloves come from Madagascar, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Cloves are used in spice cookies and cakes.

Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Oregano, Parsley, Catnip, Chamomile, Lavender, Marsh mallow are some of the herbs profitable to grow.

Capsaicin only triggers the heat-sensing receptors—so, even though your entire tongue may feel numb, your taste buds in fact remain unaffected. While spicy foods don’t cause long-term tissue damage, it’s possible to improve your spice tolerance over time by integrating more capsaicin into your diet in small doses.

Spicy foods can help enhance your weight loss goals. Other studies have found that spicy foods can help fight obesity by decreasing caloric intake, reduce body fat tissue, lowering blood fat levels, as well as fight against fat buildup by triggering beneficial protein changes in the body.

The Carolina Reaper delivers an average of 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). As a comparison, jalapeno peppers score between 2,500 to 8,000 SHU
Hence, Carolina Reaper is the world’s hottest chilli pepper.

The highest levels of pepper per capita consumption was registered in Sri Lanka , followed by Malaysia, Thailand, the United States and Indonesia (Estimate in 2015)

The most common reason people sweat when they eat involves spicy foods like peppers. Peppers have a chemical called capsaicin that triggers the nerves that make your body feel warmer, so you sweat to cool it back down.

Mexico, Thailand, India, China, Jamaica, Korea, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan etc. are famous for spicy food.

Saffron has a very subtle flavor and aroma — some say it’s floral, some say it’s like honey, and some would just say pungent. The flavor can be hard to nail down and described. If you’re going for authenticity in dishes like paella and bouillabaisse, you’ve got to have saffron

Saffron, Grains of Paradise, Sumac, Amchur Powder, Ajwain, Machalepi, Anardana, Juniper Berries, Black Cumin, Nigella Seed, Dried Kaffir Lime Leaves, Pasilla de Oaxaca Chile, Tasmanian Pepperberry, Piment d’Espelette are some of the rare spices available in world market.

India primarily exports pepper, chilli, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, celery, nutmeg and mace garlic, tamarind and vanilla. Processed spices such as spice oils and oleoresins, mint products, curry powder, spice powders, blends and seasonings are also exported.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world because of the growing process. Only a small part of the saffron flower—the stigmata—is actually used for the spice. So it takes some 75,000 saffron flowers to make just one pound of spice.

The biggest buyers of Indian spices in 2014–15 were the US, followed by China, Vietnam, UAE, Malaysia, UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices; the country produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and accounts for half of the global trading in spices.

Most spices are grown in the tropical regions of the world, with some thriving in the cool misty highlands. Many of the seed spices come from more temperate areas, such as coriander seed, which is grown in Northern India, Africa and the wheat producing areas of South Australia and Western New South Wales.

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices. This exotic spice has an intoxicating, rich aroma with complex flavors of sweet floral notes, camphor, lemon, mint and a hint of pepper. Cardamom is the dried seed pod of an herbaceous perennial plant in the ginger family and is native to India, Bhutan and Nepal.

Herbs are the usable parts of herbaceous plants (plants that lack a woody stem). The word herb most often refers to those that have culinary, cosmetic, or medicinal uses. In general use, herbs are used for food, flavoring, medicine, or fragrances due to their savory and aromatic properties.

bay leaf is a fragrant leaf from a laurel tree that is used as an herbBay leaves can be used fresh or dried; dried bay leaves tend to have a slightly stronger flavor.

Rosemary is an herb in the mint family. It is a small evergreen shrub, Rosmarinus officinalis, whose 1-inch leaves resemble curved pine needles. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

Oregano is a herb derived from the herbaceous oregano plant.

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands (or Moluccas) in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice.

Onion powder is dehydrated, ground onion that is commonly used as a seasoning. It is a common ingredient in seasoned salt and spice mixes, such as beau monde seasoning. Some varieties are prepared using toasted onion.

Garlic powder is made from garlic cloves that have been dehydrated and ground into fine particles. The flavor is garlicky but vastly different than fresh-chopped garlic. It tastes sweeter and much less assertive than fresh garlic, but also without the caramelly undertones that you get from roasted or sautéd garlic.

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snackfoods, tea and traditional foods.

Whole spices are a favorite of cooks everywhere who like to have the freshest, most vibrant flavor in their foods. Whole spices are great. They usually keep for longer than their ground counterparts, since they lose less oil to the air than ground spices. You should always store spices in a cool, dark place.

As seasoning makers like McCormick point out, spices do not actually spoil. Over time, spices will lose their potency and not flavor your food as intended. As a general rule, whole spices will stay fresh for about 4 years, ground spices for about 3 to 4 years and dried leafy herbs for 1 to 3 years.

Store your herbs and spices in clean, airtight containers, away from heat and light and handle them thoughtfully. In your home, You might also keep them in a cupboard or drawer, cover the jars with large opaque labels or use a curtain to cover them when not in use.

Cumin is the most popular spice in the world, and coriander (or cilantro) is the most commonly used herb. In Europe and Africa, garlic is the most common among all dishes considered, and oregano is common in the Mediterranean regions.

Garam masala is a wonderfully aromatic blend of spices from India. A whole garam masala could include cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, mace blades, and black peppercorns. These are fried in hot oil or ghee before other ingredients such as meat, onions, garlic, or ginger are added.

It’s high in calcium and fiber and helps control blood sugar by helping to increase insulin production while lowering blood sugar levels. — Helps stimulate digestion, helps relieve nausea and indigestion, enriches with iron.

Plants and aromatic herbs are widely used in cooking. They include garlic, chili pepper, rosemary, basil, parsley, thyme, marjoram, sage, saffron, cumin, clove and other spices which come from afar, such as pepper and nutmeg.

Christopher Columbus went westwards from Europe in 1492 to find a sea route to the lands of spices but found the Americas. In 1497 the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama discovered a sea route around the southern tip of Africa, eventually reaching Kozhikode on the southwest coast of India in 1498.

Black pepper and have many uses. Hundreds of years ago, traders considered black pepper the king of spicesCalled “black gold,” it was one of the very first items of commerce between India and Europe. It was so valuable that entire expeditions were made in hopes of transporting more black pepper to Europe as quickly as possible.

Seeds, such as fennel, mustard, nutmeg, and black pepper. Arils, such as mace (part of nutmeg plant fruit). Roots and rhizomes, such as turmeric, ginger and galingale.

Garlic is a herb which belongs to lily family. Although garlic powder (mix with salt) considered as spice. All parts of a garlic plant like bulb, root, leaf and flowers have herbal quality and used as medicine for several remedies.

Allspice., Basil, Bay Leaves, Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, Chili, Cumin, Dill, Paprika, Wasabi, Pepper are some of the basic spices.

The most common spices that go into Garam Masala are: Cumin, Coriander, Green and Black Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Bay leaves, Peppercorns, Fennel, Mace and dried Chilies. And the quantities, combinations and variations are endless. These spices are typically toasted whole, then ground down into a fine powder.

spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring or preserving food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish. Many spices have antimicrobial properties.

Basil, Marjoram, Cinnamon, Cloves, Mustard, Allspice, Ginger, Turmeric, Bay leaf, Nutmeg etc. most popular spices in the world.

Example for Herbs include basil, bay leaf, celery seed, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, lemon grass, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme and more.

Example for Spices include cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, turmeric, ginger, mace, saffron, vanilla, cumin, dill seed and more.

A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring or preserving food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish. Many spices have antimicrobial properties.