France has a large and growing market for Basmati rice – in supermarkets, Asian and Middle Eastern grocery stores, Indian and Pakistani restaurants, and food service. Eastgate Export already supplies buyers in France. This guide explains what French importers need to know before buying Indian Basmati: EU pesticide rules, border checks, French labelling, duty, shipping and packing.
Quick Facts: India to France
| Rules | EU food law – the same in all 27 EU countries |
| French authorities | DGAL (border controls), DGCCRF (labelling and consumer protection), French customs (DGDDI) |
| HS code | 1006.30 – semi-milled or wholly milled rice; 1006.20 – husked (brown) rice |
| French ports | Le Havre, Marseille-Fos (many importers also use Antwerp or Rotterdam) |
| Label language | French (EU Regulation 1169/2011) |
| Minimum order | 1 × 20 ft FCL (about 20–25 metric tons) |
EU Pesticide Limits: Why You Need EU-Norm Rice
The EU has some of the strictest pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) in the world. For several pesticides used on rice in Asia, the EU limit is at or near the detection limit (0.01 mg/kg). Rice that is fine for the Gulf can be rejected in Europe.
Indian rice is also on the EU list for increased official checks for pesticide residues, so a share of shipments is sampled at the EU border control post. In 2025, rice from several origins, including India, was flagged in the EU alert system, mainly for pesticide residues.
The solution is to buy EU-norm pesticide-residue-free Basmati: rice grown with controlled spraying, tested lot by lot, and shipped with a lab report. Read why EU-norm rice is non-negotiable.
Import Duty
Husked (brown) Basmati of the varieties listed in EU Regulation 2023/2835 can enter at zero duty with a certificate of authenticity. Milled (white) and parboiled Basmati pay the normal EU duty for milled rice. Ask your customs broker for the current rate before you order – it decides which form (brown or milled) is cheaper for you.
Best Varieties for the French Market
- 1121 Pesticide-Free Golden Sella – restaurants, biryani and catering
- 1121 Pesticide-Free Creamy Sella – retail and wholesale
- 1509 Pesticide-Free Steam – value long-grain Basmati for retail brands
- PUSA Basmati – traditional aroma at a mid-range price
French Labelling
Retail packs sold in France need French-language labels: product name, net quantity, list of ingredients, best-before date, storage conditions, country of origin, name and EU address of the food business operator, lot number, and nutrition declaration. We can print bilingual French/English bags under your private label.
Documents We Provide
- Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading
- Certificate of origin and REX statement (for EU preferential rules where applicable)
- Phytosanitary and fumigation certificates
- Pesticide residue lab report and certificate of analysis for each lot
- Certificate of authenticity for Basmati (when required)
- Health certificate and HALAL certificate on request
Your importer needs an EORI number, and your border agent handles the EU border entry documents for food under increased checks.
Shipping and Packing
We load at Mundra or Nhava Sheva. Transit to Le Havre or Marseille-Fos is usually about 4–6 weeks. Packing options: PP (1–50 kg), non-woven (1–40 kg), jute (1–40 kg), BOPP (5–40 kg) and pouches (1–20 kg). Popular French sizes are 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg retail packs and 20–25 kg food-service bags.
Price
Current FOB Mundra prices – including the EU/UK pesticide-residue-free table – are on our Basmati rice price today page. Send us your port and packing for a CIF Le Havre or CIF Marseille price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indian Basmati rice allowed in France?
Yes. It must meet EU pesticide limits and labelling rules. Indian rice is subject to increased border checks for pesticide residues, so buy EU-norm tested rice.
Which port should I use?
Le Havre for northern France and Paris, Marseille-Fos for the south. Many importers also clear through Antwerp or Rotterdam.
Can I get brown Basmati duty-free?
Husked Basmati of listed varieties can enter at zero duty with an authenticity certificate. Milled rice pays the normal EU duty.
Do you deliver to France already?
Yes, Eastgate Export already supplies customers in France.
Get a France Quotation
Email info@eastgateexport.com, WhatsApp +91 80763 53873 or use our contact form.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. EU rules and duties change – confirm with your customs broker before ordering.
Related: Import rice from India to Germany · Pesticide-free rice export to Spain · 5 mistakes rice importers make
