Tested before it leaves India.
Our six checks
- 01
Source
For each order we buy from processors we visit and check, with the grade written on the supplier invoice.
- 02
Grade
Suta size is measured on 20 random kernels, colour and broken share are checked, and off-spec lots are rejected. We also run a weight-per-volume test.
- 03
Test
An NABL-accredited laboratory tests the lot before we pack it.
- 04
Pack
Packed under our supervision at the processor's FSSAI-licensed unit: nitrogen-flushed food-grade liners or pouches, 5-ply export cartons, and a batch code on every pouch, liner and carton.
- 05
Document
Certificate of analysis, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and phytosanitary certificate where required.
- 06
Ship
We photograph the packed lot and keep a labelled retention sample before dispatch.
What we test
| Test | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Crispness and shelf life; the EU rule for popped makhana is below 5.0% |
| Aflatoxin B1 and total | EU limits for makhana: B1 2.0 µg/kg, total 4.0 µg/kg; a rejection is a total loss |
| Total plate count, Salmonella, Listeria, yeast and mould, Enterobacteriaceae | EU specification for makhana and US FDA import screening |
| Lead, cadmium and mercury | EU specification for makhana: lead and cadmium 0.1 mg/kg, mercury 0.025 mg/kg |
| Pesticide residues | EU maximum residue levels for EU-bound lots |
| Nutrition analysis | Retail and private-label nutrition panels |
| Gluten (on request) | Needed before any "gluten-free" claim on a label |
A sample lab certificate will be published here once our first export lot is tested.
Our makhana specification
- Moisture
- Below 5.0%
- Size
- By suta grade, checked on 20 random kernels per lot: SELECT (5 Suta) 16–19 mm; PREMIUM (6 Suta) 19–22 mm; ROYAL (6+ Suta) 22–26 mm; SIGNATURE (7 Suta) 26 mm+; 4 Suta bulk 12–16 mm
- Colour
- White to off-white, natural brown spots
- Broken / unpopped
- 2% max for PREMIUM (6 suta), ROYAL (6+ suta) and SIGNATURE (7 suta); 5% max for SELECT (5 suta) and 4 Suta bulk
- Foreign matter
- 0.5% max
- Aflatoxin
- B1 2 µg/kg max, total 4 µg/kg max for EU-bound lots
- Microbiology
- Salmonella and Listeria absent in 25 g; for EU-bound lots total plate count below 1,000 CFU/g, yeast and mould below 100 CFU/g, Enterobacteriaceae below 10 CFU/g
- Heavy metals
- Lead and cadmium 0.1 mg/kg max, mercury 0.025 mg/kg max for EU-bound lots
See the grade guide for what each tier is best for.
Lab tests and facility certifications
Our lab test certifies each lot. Facility certifications (HACCP, FSSC 22000, BRCGS) certify the processing unit that grades and packs the makhana. We do not hold facility certifications ourselves; when your order needs them, we buy from a processor that holds them and share its certificates, clearly in its name. The same applies to Halal certificates for Gulf and Malaysian buyers.
Rules by market
| Market | What we prepare for |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Confirm GB status of makhana with your importer (the EU authorisation does not apply in Great Britain); EU-style aflatoxin limits; full English nutrition label with UK importer address |
| EU (Germany, Netherlands and others) | Label name "roasted seeds of Euryale ferox" (Regulation (EU) 2023/652); moisture below 5.0%; aflatoxin B1 2.0 and total 4.0 µg/kg; EU pesticide limits; flour not covered |
| USA | FDA food facility registration, Prior Notice for every shipment and importer FSVP; US nutrition panel; check the current US tariff before quoting |
| Canada | Bilingual (English/French) retail labels; importer holds the SFC licence (CFIA) |
| Australia and New Zealand | Import conditions checked on BICON before shipping; country-of-origin labelling; FSANZ labelling rules |
| UAE, Saudi Arabia, Gulf | Arabic labelling for retail; Halal certificate often requested; Saudi SFDA product registration |
| Nepal | Road route via Raxaul-Birgunj; SAFTA certificate of origin |
| Singapore and Malaysia | Importer holds the import licence; Halal often requested in Malaysia; aflatoxin testing expected |
These are the main points we prepare for, not legal or customs advice. Your importer or customs broker confirms the final requirements for your product.
Geographical Indication
North Bihar's makhana carries the "Mithila Makhana" Geographical Indication (GI), registered in 2022. Only registered authorised users may print the GI name or logo on packs; we will state our status before we use it.
Test us with a sample and a trial lot.
Every sample comes from the lot we intend to buy for you, with its lab report. For our first five buyers, the lot fee on your first order is credited against your second.
Request a Sample