First Quota-Based Consignment of Australian Lentils Reaches India

09-Apr-2025 11:01 AM

Mumbai: The first shipment of Australian lentils under the annual tariff rate quota set by the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Treaty has arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat.

The 21,000-tonne consignment, shipped by bulk operator Viterra from South Australia, benefits from reduced import duty, with 5% customs duty applied under the quota, compared to 10% duty on other imports after India’s policy revision in March.

Until March 31, 2025, lentils were imported duty-free, but the new duty now applies to imports from Canada and excess shipments from Australia.

Australia exported 2.75 lakh tonnes of lentils to India from October 2024 to February 2025, with the current shipment valued at up to AUD 10 crore.

As part of the trade treaty, five Australian products — lentils, cotton, almonds, oranges, and lemons/pears — enjoy tariff concessions in India.

Viterra’s CEO noted that the agreement is helping Australia maintain a strong position in India's lentil market due to its high-quality produce.