Germany Market Access — Now Duty Free
Germany's automotive and industrial sector drives demand for castor oil derivatives, particularly 12-HSA for lithium greases used in manufacturing. The cosmetics industry (Beiersdorf/Nivea, Henkel) sources castor oil for personal care products. With EU FTA, phased tariff reduction makes Indian castor oil increasingly competitive.
🇪🇺 India-EU FTA: Zero Duty on Psyllium & Cumin
As of January 27, 2026, Indian psyllium husk and cumin seeds enter Germany (and all EU member states) at 0% import duty. This applies immediately — no phase-in period for spices and natural health products. Castor oil tariffs are being phased to 0% over 10 years. EUR.1 certificate of origin required for preferential tariff.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Maximum 0.5% |
| Acid Value | Maximum 3.0 |
| Iodine Value | Maximum 5 |
| Color | White to cream flakes/powder |
| Melting Point | 85-88°C |
| HS Code | 1515.30 |
| Import Duty (Germany) | 0% (immediate, no phase-in for spices) |
Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) — For Germany Industry
Hydrogenated Castor Oil is produced by adding hydrogen to liquid castor oil, creating a solid waxy material with enhanced stability and shelf life. Available in flakes and powder. Widely used in cosmetics (lipsticks, creams), multipurpose greases, coatings, and as a mold release agent in plastics. India exported 1,755 shipments of HCO in 2023-24, marking 8% growth.
Shipping to Hamburg
- 20ft containers (16-18 MT) or 40ft containers (22-24 MT)
- Lead time: 20-24 days from Kandla to Hamburg
- Flexi-bags (18-20 MT), 200kg steel drums, or ISO tank containers (21-23 MT)
- Weekly sailings via major carriers
- Full documentation: EUR.1 Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Phytosanitary Certificate, COA, COO
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Pricing & Value
With the India-EU FTA eliminating import duty, Germany buyers now save on landed cost compared to pre-FTA pricing. Hydrogenated Castor Oil is produced by adding hydrogen to liquid castor oil, creating a solid waxy material with enhanced stability and shelf life. Available in flakes and powder. FOB Kandla pricing includes fumigation and phytosanitary certification. Volume discounts available for quarterly contracts. EUR pricing available. TT in EUR to Indian bank or LC through German banks (Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank) accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the India-EU FTA affect castor oil import duty to Germany?
As of January 27, 2026, Indian psyllium husk and cumin seeds enter Germany (and all EU member states) at 0% import duty. This applies immediately — no phase-in period for spices and natural health products. Castor oil tariffs are being phased to 0% over 10 years. EUR.1 certificate of origin required for preferential tariff. EUR.1 Certificate of Origin required for FTA preferential tariff. We prepare this document for every EU-bound shipment.
What is the difference between FSG and BSS grade castor oil?
FSG (First Special Grade) has lower acid value (max 1.0) and lighter color (Gardner 1-2) compared to BSS (British Standard Specification) which allows acid value up to 2.0 and Gardner color up to 3. FSG is preferred for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use. BSS is suitable for industrial applications.
What is the lead time to Hamburg?
20-24 days ocean transit from Kandla. Castor oil is shipped in flexi-bags inside 20ft containers (18-20 MT per container) or in ISO tank containers for larger volumes. Add 2-3 days for customs clearance.
Can you supply bulk castor oil in ISO tank containers?
Yes, we supply castor oil in 20ft ISO tank containers (21-23 MT per tank) for large-volume buyers. Also available in flexi-bags (18-20 MT per 20ft container), 200kg steel drums, and IBC containers (1000L).
What are your payment terms?
LC at sight, 30-60 day LC, CAD, and TT accepted. Castor oil pricing follows NCDEX/global commodity rates. We can offer price-lock contracts for up to 90 days. EUR pricing available. TT in EUR to Indian bank or LC through German banks (Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank) accepted.
Do you provide REACH and MSDS documentation?
Yes, full REACH registration documentation, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Certificate of Origin provided with every shipment. For EU imports, we also provide EUR.1 form for FTA preferential tariff.