Market
Dried hops (HS 1210) are a brewing ingredient in India: FSSAI’s beer standard explicitly allows hops or hop extracts. UN Comtrade-derived trade data indicate India is a net importer, with imports concentrated in HS 121020 (pelleted/ground hops; lupulin) and major origin supply from Germany and the United States.
Market RoleNet importer (brewing ingredient market)
Domestic RoleImport-based supply of hops for beer brewing (industrial breweries and microbrewery/pub-brewery craft beer).
SeasonalityYear-round availability via imports; no meaningful domestic harvest seasonality is evident from the import-dependent trade profile.
Risks
Sps Plant Quarantine HighNon-compliance with India’s Plant Quarantine import conditions for Humulus spp can lead to detention, treatment orders, or refusal. For dried hop flower cones in bales for industrial processing, the schedule specifies an additional declaration (free from hop cyst nematode) and special conditions (e.g., heat treatment at 63°C for 6 hours and incineration of specified packing waste).Pre-validate the shipment form (cones vs pellets), ensure the phytosanitary certificate includes the required additional declaration(s) and treatment endorsements, and align packaging/waste-disposal plans with the schedule conditions before dispatch.
Quality Degradation MediumIf refrigerated storage (e.g., <5°C) and oxygen-controlled packaging are not maintained through Indian port dwell time and inland handling, hop pellets can lose brewing value and create batch-to-batch variability for breweries.Use sealed, oxygen-limited (e.g., nitrogen-flushed) packs; maintain refrigerated storage/transport where specified by supplier; minimize warm dwell times and use opened packs quickly.
Trade Dependence MediumIndia’s hop imports are concentrated in HS 121020 and sourced heavily from a small set of origins (notably Germany and the United States), increasing exposure to origin-side supply shocks, logistics disruption, or pricing cycles.Qualify secondary origins/suppliers and maintain safety stock aligned to brewing schedules, especially for specialty varieties and craft-brewing programs.
FAQ
Which HS code applies to dried hops and hop pellets imported into India?Dried hops are classified under HS heading 1210. Whole hop cones fall under 121010, while ground/powdered hops and hop pellets (and lupulin) fall under 121020.
What are the key phytosanitary conditions for importing dried hop flower cones in bales into India?India’s Plant Quarantine Order lists special conditions for Humulus spp dried flower cones in bales for industrial processing, including an additional declaration for freedom from hop cyst nematode (Heterodera humuli) and special conditions such as heat treatment at 63°C for 6 hours, plus incineration of specified packing-related waste (mill refuse and jute bags).
What storage temperature is commonly recommended for hop pellets to retain quality during storage and distribution?Supplier guidance recommends refrigerated storage for hop pellets (e.g., below 5°C) and notes that shelf life is longest under cold storage; opened packs should be used quickly.