How to Import Herbal Tea and Botanicals from India to the USA and Canada

Importing for the first time feels like a lot. Forms, certificates, brokers, rules that seem to change by country. It is manageable once you know the order of things. This is a practical walk-through for brands in the USA and Canada buying herbal tea, dried flowers or herbal powders from India.

Choosing an Exporter

Start with the Exporter

A good exporter makes everything downstream easier. Look for a licensed food facility, a quality certification and an export registration. For us, that means an FSSAI Central Licence, a GMP certificate and APEDA registration. Ask any supplier to show these and ask how many shipments they have sent to your country.

Export Documents

Documents You Will Usually See

Exporting herbal tea, dried flowers and botanicals usually involve several documents. The exact requirements depend on the product and destination, so confirm them with your exporter and customs broker before dispatch.

Import Regulations

Rules on Your Side of the Border

This part belongs to you and your customs broker, and the rules can change, so always confirm current requirements. As a general picture, food imports into the USA involve FDA requirements such as facility registration and prior notice of the shipment. In Canada, importers deal with CFIA requirements and, in many cases, need the right licence for importing food. Labels must follow the destination country’s rules too, so check yours before you print.

Production & Shipping

Plan Your Timeline Backwards

Work back from the date you want stock on your shelf. Our production takes about 3 to 4 weeks from approval of the recipe, packaging and artwork. Then add shipping and customs clearance time, and keep a little extra for surprises. If you are launching for a season such as the holidays, start earlier than feels necessary.

Product Formats

Finished Packs or Bulk?

There are two routes. You can import finished, branded packs, which are ready to sell on arrival. Or you can import bulk herbs and flowers and pack locally. Finished packs save you from setting up packing operations. Bulk gives more control if you already have a facility. We supply both.

Practical Tips

Tips from the Exporter’s Side

Keep these points in mind when planning your first import order.