Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionNutraceutical Ingredient
Market
India is a domestic nutraceutical consumption and formulation market where vitamins and minerals make up the largest share of demand. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is used mainly as a supplement ingredient and in fortified formulations rather than as a standalone consumer product. FSSAI allows nutraceutical imports, but consignments move through FICS/ICEGATE and are subject to document scrutiny, sampling, and strict label and claims rules. The market is supported by large pharma and nutraceutical clusters in western and southern India, but compliance risk is high.
Market RoleDomestic nutraceutical formulation and consumer market
Domestic RoleVitamin- and mineral-led supplement market
Market GrowthGrowing (Medium-term)Rising demand for preventive-health supplements and vitamin/mineral-led nutraceutical products
Specification
Physical Attributes- Yellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder
- Melting point about 280°C with decomposition
- Slightly soluble in water
Compositional Metrics- Minimum purity 97.0%
- Arsenic maximum 5 ppm
- Lead maximum 20 ppm
Grades- Food additive grade
- Pharmacopoeial standard
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Supplier or importer -> ICEGATE/FICS filing -> FSSAI document scrutiny -> inspection or sampling where selected -> NOC release -> domestic blending or formulation -> retail, pharmacy, or B2B distribution
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighA misclassified riboflavin shipment, missing label elements, or unsupported claims can be held or rejected because FSSAI import clearance runs through FICS/ICEGATE and supplement products must carry mandatory health-supplement wording and no-medicinal-use language.Pre-clear the HS code, label artwork, ingredient list, and end-use declaration before shipment.
Food Safety MediumImported lots can be sampled and tested; off-spec potency, impurities, or document mismatches can delay or block release.Match the COA and product specification to the batch, and keep retention samples plus supplier QA documents ready.
Logistics LowEven shelf-stable riboflavin can be delayed at port if the Bill of Entry, label copy, or end-use paperwork is incomplete.Use ICEGATE/FICS-ready brokers and preload all documents before arrival.
Sustainability And Labor LowIngredient manufacturing and blending in pharma and chemical clusters can face worker-safety and effluent-management scrutiny, which may affect buyer audits.Maintain EHS records and supplier audit files for the source plant and any contract packer.
Sustainability- Wastewater and solvent management at pharmaceutical and specialty-chemical clusters
- Energy use and emissions from industrial ingredient production
Labor & Social- Worker safety in chemical and nutraceutical manufacturing
- Supplier audit and traceability expectations across outsourced blending and packing
FAQ
Can vitamin B2 nutraceuticals be imported into India?Yes. FSSAI says nutraceuticals and health supplements may be imported under the 2016 regulations.
What documents are needed for clearance?The import workflow uses documents such as the Bill of Entry, examination order, label copy, ingredient details, end-use declaration, and invoice or proforma invoice. Importers also need a valid FSSAI licence and Import-Export Code.
What label statements are mandatory for a health supplement?The label must use the applicable supplement category wording, show the recommended usage level, and include the no-medicinal-use warning where required. It also cannot make disease-treatment claims unless FSSAI specifically permits them.
What HS code is used for vitamin B2?India's trade schedule lists vitamin B2 as HS 29362310, described as riboflavin, lactoflavin, and their salts.
How does India classify riboflavin physically and nutritionally?The FSSAI food-additive standard describes riboflavin as a yellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder and sets purity and impurity limits. Indian Pharmacopoeia also maintains riboflavin reference substances.