The Australian macadamia industry welcomes a major development in trade access, with the Government of India officially gazetting an amendment to its Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) for Australian macadamia nuts. This change significantly improves technical market access, reducing barriers for Australian-grown macadamias to enter one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
The revision relates to the required treatment of macadamia kernel to prevent the unintended spread of plant pests. Previously, India’s regulations stipulated fumigation with methyl bromide (32 g/m³ for 24 hours at 21°C or above) or an extended (24 hour) period of heat treatment as the only accepted treatments. Under the new specifications, heat treatment at 60°C for one minute is now recognised as an effective treatment method, aligning with the approach preferred by most Australian macadamia processors.
A milestone for Australia’s macadamia industry
This breakthrough follows two years of detailed technical submissions and negotiations, paving the way for simpler and more efficient export processes 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 establishing India as the next major export market for Australian macadamias.
“Two years ago, our industry’s marketing program began educating Indian trade, consumers, chefs and media about the exceptional quality, taste and health benefits of Australian macadamias. The response has exceeded our expectations, with Indian buyers enthusiastically embracing our premium product. This latest technical amendment will enable more Australian grown macadamias to reach the Indian market,” said Ms Hamilton-Bate.
Strengthening Australia-India trade relations
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 macadamias exported to India is being progressively reduced to zero by 2028, enhancing Australia’s competitive position in the Indian market.
“The ECTA was pivotal for our industry, and this latest development represents another major milestone in expanding our trade relationship with India. With reduced tariffs and improved technical access, Australian-grown macadamias now have a market advantage over key competitors,” Ms Hamilton-Bate said.
MEWA INDIA 2025
The announcement was made as Australian Macadamias joined the nut and dried fruit trade from around the world at MEWA INDIA 2025 in Mumbai. Mr Gunjan Jain, President of the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council India (NDFCI) welcomed the news.
“The NDFCI has worked closely with the AMS and Australian industry to achieve this outcome; changes that further strengthen the Australia-India trade opportunities for macadamias,” he said.
A market of rapidly growing potential
With 1.4 billion consumers and increasing demand for premium, healthy, and sustainably sourced food products, India represents a significant opportunity for Australian macadamias. The Australian Macadamias market development program will continue to drive awareness, education and trial among Indian consumers and trade, leveraging this enhanced market access to build long-term demand.
For further information, please contact:
Clare Hamilton-Bate
Chief Executive Officer – Australian Macadamia Society
P: +61 407 930 586
E: clare.hamilton-bate@macadamias.org
