HS code 2106 covers food supplements, protein powders, and nutraceuticals. These attract BCD 30% and IGST 18%, giving a total effective duty of approximately 57%. FSSAI compliance is among the most complex for food imports.
Quick answer: HS code 2106 covers food supplements, protein powders, nutraceuticals, and health foods. BCD: 30%. IGST: 18%. Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD. Total effective duty: approximately 57% on CIF value. FSSAI No Objection Certificate (NOC) and import licence are mandatory.
HS code 2106 covers food preparations not elsewhere specified. 21069099 covers food supplements not elsewhere classified. 21061000 covers protein concentrates. 21069010 covers health and diet foods. Sports nutrition products including pre-workout, BCAA, and protein powders are classified here.
Pharmaceutical drugs use HS 3004. Vitamins and minerals as pharmaceuticals use HS 3004. Herbal medicines use HS 3004 or 1211 depending on form. Baby food uses HS 1901. Correct classification between food supplement (2106) and pharmaceutical (3004) affects both duty and FSSAI/CDSCO requirements.
Related resources: find HS codes for other products, FSSAI import guide.
Total effective duty on CIF value = BCD + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST on (CIF + BCD + SWS). For HS code 2106, BCD is 30% and IGST is 18%.
| Duty Component | Rate | On ₹200,000 CIF (supplement batch) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | 30% | ₹60,000 |
| Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) | 10% of BCD | ₹6,000 |
| IGST | 18% | ₹47,880 |
| Total Customs Duty | ~56.9% of CIF | ₹113,880 |
Note: The high 30% BCD makes domestic sourcing or Indian-origin manufacturing significantly more cost-competitive for food supplements.
Food supplements do not qualify for EPCG or project import concessions. Some ASEAN-origin supplements may qualify for reduced BCD under the ASEAN-India FTA if rules of origin are met.
Use our import duty calculator to compute exact landed cost for your shipment.
FSSAI No Objection Certificate (NOC) and import licence are mandatory for all food supplement imports. Label approval is required with specific format requirements.
All food products including supplements require FSSAI registration/licence for the importer. New products or formulations not previously sold in India require a FSSAI No Objection Certificate (NOC) before first shipment. NOC processing takes 30–90 days.
Labels must include: brand name, product name, ingredient list, nutritional information (per 100g and per serving), allergen declaration, net weight, batch number, manufacturing date, best-before date, FSSAI licence number, importer's name and address, and country of origin. Non-English labels must include Indian language translation.
Health claims (e.g., 'builds muscle') require FSSAI approval before use on Indian packaging.
Need help with compliance? check your compliance requirements or read our customs clearance guide.
Typical lead time: 45–75 days including FSSAI NOC (30–90 days) plus shipping.
Our customs clearance guide explains each step in detail. For Bengaluru-bound cargo, we clear at BLR airport (6–12 hours for green channel air freight) or ICD Whitefield (2–4 days for sea freight).
Food supplements and protein powders (HS 2106) attract BCD 30%, SWS 3%, and IGST 18% — total effective duty approximately 57% on CIF value. This high duty makes domestic sourcing or Indian-origin manufacturing significantly more cost-competitive.
Yes. All food products including supplements require FSSAI registration/licence for the importer. Additionally, new products or formulations not previously sold in India require a FSSAI No Objection Certificate (NOC) before first shipment. NOC processing takes 30–90 days.
Labels must include: brand name, product name, ingredient list, nutritional information (per 100g and per serving), allergen declaration, net weight, batch number, manufacturing date, best-before date, FSSAI licence number, importer's name and address, and country of origin. Non-English labels must include Indian language translation.
Yes — sports nutrition products are classified under HS 2106 and treated as food supplements for FSSAI and customs purposes. They attract the same 30% BCD and FSSAI compliance requirements. Health claims (e.g., 'builds muscle') require FSSAI approval before use on Indian packaging.
Yes, but plan for additional time. FSSAI clearance adds 3–7 days to customs clearance compared to non-food items. Pre-arrival FSSAI documentation submission is recommended. Cold-chain supplements (probiotics) may require refrigerated LCL.
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