The Australian macadamia industry has welcomed a significant development in trade access, following the Indian government's official amendment to its Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) for Australian macadamia nuts. This regulatory change greatly improves technical market access, reducing barriers for Australian-grown macadamias to enter one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
The revision pertains to the required treatment of macadamia kernels to prevent the unintended spread of plant pests. Previously, India's regulations mandated fumigation with methyl bromide at a specific concentration and duration or an extended 24-hour period of heat treatment. Under the new specifications, heat treatment at 60°C for one minute is now recognized as an effective method, aligning with the approach preferred by most Australian macadamia processors.
This breakthrough follows two years of detailed technical submissions and negotiations, paving the way for a simpler and more efficient export process for Australian growers and processors. Clare Hamilton-Bate, CEO of the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS), described the revised access conditions as a significant step forward in making India the next major export market for Australian macadamias. She emphasized that the industry's marketing efforts over the past two years have focused on educating Indian consumers, trade professionals, chefs, and media about the exceptional quality, taste, and health benefits of Australian macadamias. The enthusiastic response from Indian buyers has exceeded expectations, and this latest regulatory amendment will now allow more Australian-grown macadamias to reach the Indian market.
The improved technical access follows the broader Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which took effect in December 2022. As part of the ECTA, the 30% tariff on Australian macadamia exports to India is being progressively reduced to zero by 2028, further enhancing Australia's competitive position. Hamilton-Bate noted that this latest regulatory milestone represents another major step in expanding trade relations with India, as reduced tariffs and improved technical access now give Australian macadamias a distinct advantage over competitors.
The announcement was made as Australian Macadamias participated in MEWA INDIA 2025 in Mumbai, where global nut and dried fruit traders gathered. Gunjan Jain, President of the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council India (NDFCI), welcomed the development, stating that the NDFCI has worked closely with the AMS and Australian industry to achieve this outcome, further strengthening trade opportunities between the two countries.
India, with its population of 1.4 billion consumers, presents a vast opportunity for Australian macadamias, given the rising demand for premium, healthy, and sustainably sourced food products. The Australian Macadamias market development program will continue to drive awareness, education, and trial among Indian consumers and trade professionals. By leveraging this improved market access, the industry aims to build long-term demand and further integrate Australian macadamias into India's expanding market for high-quality food products.
For more information:
Clare Hamilton-Bate
Australian Macadamias
Tel: +61 407 930 586
Email: clare.hamilton-bate@macadamias.org
www.trade.australian-macadamias.org