How to Import Dried Flowers from India: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
India is the world’s leading exporter of decorative dried flowers and botanicals. Importing directly from verified suppliers like International Mongers offers cost savings, access to diverse varieties, and full compliance with international phytosanitary standards.
This guide walks you through every step of the import process—from sourcing to customs clearance—with real documentation requirements, timelines, and industry best practices.
Step 1: Choose Your Dry Flower Varieties and Supplier
Identify Your Product Needs
Decide which dried flowers and botanicals fit your market demand. Common imports include pampas grass, sola flowers, lotus pods, pine cones, and potpourri blends.
Visit product pages to explore varieties: Sola Flowers | Pampas Grass | Dried Flowers Collection
Key Consideration: Different products have different MOQs, lead times, and compliance requirements. Plan ahead if you need mixed shipments.
Step 2: Find a Verified APEDA-Registered Exporter
Verify Exporter Credentials
Always source from an APEDA-certified exporter. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) registration ensures the exporter meets international standards for plant exports, phytosanitary compliance, and quality control.
International Mongers is a verified APEDA-certified exporter specializing in decorative dried flowers, sola flowers, and potpourri. This certification simplifies your import compliance and reduces delays at customs.
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Suppliers who cannot provide APEDA registration number
- Exporters who don’t issue phytosanitary certificates
- Vague or inconsistent MOQ terms
- No references or trade history
Step 3: Confirm MOQ, Pricing, and Product Specifications
Request a Proforma Invoice
Email the exporter with your product preferences and quantity. International Mongers responds with a detailed proforma invoice within 24 hours. This document includes:
- Product description and specifications
- Quantity and packaging details
- FOB (Free on Board) pricing
- Payment terms (typically 50% advance, 50% before shipment)
- Lead time (processing + packing)
- Estimated freight cost (optional)
MOQ and Pricing Reference Table
| Product | MOQ (kg) | Approx. FOB Price Range | Packaging | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pampas Grass (natural/bleached) | 300 | USD 1.50–2.20/kg | Bulk cartons, 10 kg bundles | 7–10 days |
| Sola Flowers | 200 | USD 2.00–3.50/kg | Bulk cartons, assorted colors | 7–10 days |
| Lotus Pods | 200 | USD 2.80–4.00/kg | Bulk cartons, mixed sizes | 10–14 days |
| Pine Cones (natural/painted) | 500 | USD 1.20–1.80/kg | Bulk sacks, sorted by size | 7–10 days |
| Potpourri Blends (custom) | 500 | USD 1.50–2.50/kg | Bulk cartons, custom blends | 10–14 days |
Note: These are approximate ranges. Actual pricing depends on quality grade, customization, and order volume. Larger orders (1,000+ kg) typically receive volume discounts.
Step 4: Request Product Samples
Quality Assurance Before Bulk Order
Always request samples before placing a large order. Samples allow you to verify color, size, stem integrity, moisture content, and packaging. International Mongers ships samples via courier within 3–5 days.
Sample Inspection Checklist:
- Visual appearance (color consistency, no damage or mold)
- Size and length (matches specification)
- Stem integrity (no breakage, flexible stems)
- Moisture (should feel dry, not brittle or damp)
- Fragrance (if applicable for potpourri)
- Packaging durability (items protected from crushing)
If samples meet standards, proceed to negotiation. If not, request adjustments before confirming the full order.
Step 5: Negotiate and Sign Proforma Invoice
Finalize Terms and Conditions
Once samples are approved, confirm the final order with International Mongers. The proforma invoice is your binding agreement and includes:
- Payment Terms: Typically 50% advance by bank transfer, 50% before shipment (or as negotiated)
- Freight Responsibility: FOB means you arrange and pay for freight; seller pays to port of export
- Insurance: You should arrange cargo insurance (0.5–1% of FOB value)
- Delivery Terms: Lead time, packing method, labeling requirements
Once both parties sign, the exporter begins processing your order and sourcing materials.
Step 6: Arrange Phytosanitary Certificate and Documentation
Essential Export Documentation
The exporter prepares all required documentation. International Mongers provides:
- Phytosanitary Certificate (PC): Issued by India’s Plant Quarantine Authority (PQA) confirming the shipment is pest and disease-free. Required for all countries.
- Commercial Invoice: Itemized bill with product descriptions, quantities, FOB prices, and payment terms.
- Packing List: Details of each carton’s contents (weight, description, HS code).
- Certificate of Origin: Confirms the shipment originates in India (useful for tariff preferences).
- Bill of Lading (BOL) or Airway Bill (AWB): Shipping document issued by the freight forwarder or carrier.
HS Code Reference
Dried flowers fall under HS Code 0604.90 — Other dried flowers, buds, seed heads, leaves, stems and other parts of plants (whether or not cut), further processed, but not otherwise worked. This code is pre-determined and used for all international shipments.
International Mongers includes all documentation with the shipment and emails soft copies before departure for your customs filing.
Step 7: Choose Freight Method (Sea vs. Air)
Freight Options and Cost Comparison
Your choice of freight significantly affects lead time and total cost. Here’s the comparison:
| Freight Method | Lead Time | Cost per kg (approx.) | Best For | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) | 3–4 weeks | USD 0.30–0.60 | Large volumes (500+ kg), cost-sensitive | 4–8 weeks total |
| Air Freight (Express) | 5–7 days | USD 1.50–3.00 | Small volumes (50–200 kg), urgent orders | 2–3 weeks total |
Cost Calculation Example (1,000 kg Pampas Grass)
Sea Freight: 1,000 kg × USD 0.40/kg freight = USD 400 total freight cost
Air Freight: 1,000 kg × USD 2.00/kg freight = USD 2,000 total freight cost
Recommendation: For B2B imports under 1,000 kg, sea freight is standard and most economical. Air freight is reserved for urgent restocks or small trial orders.
International Mongers Freight Coordination
International Mongers works with established freight forwarders to arrange both sea and air shipments. You can choose your preferred method, and the exporter coordinates pickup, documentation, and delivery to the port.
Step 8: Clear Customs in Your Destination Country
Final Customs Clearance and Delivery
When your shipment arrives at your destination country, you’ll manage customs clearance. This requires:
- Import Declaration: File with your customs authority (form varies by country)
- Documentary Evidence: Commercial invoice, packing list, phytosanitary certificate, bill of lading
- Import Duty Payment: Pay applicable tariffs (see duty rates below)
- Phytosanitary Inspection: Local authorities may inspect the shipment to verify the phytosanitary certificate
- Release and Delivery: Once cleared, goods are released to you or your freight forwarder
Estimated Import Duties by Country
| Country/Region | Typical Duty Rate | Import Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 0–8% | Phytosanitary cert, commercial invoice, entry form |
| EU (Germany, Netherlands, etc.) | 0–8% | Phytosanitary cert, customs declaration, VAT |
| UK | 0–6% | Customs declaration, phytosanitary cert |
| Japan | 3–4% | Phytosanitary cert, import declaration |
| Australia | 5% | Strict phytosanitary, biosecurity approval |
| Canada | Free (dried botanicals) | Phytosanitary cert, import form |
Tip: Hire a customs broker in your country to handle documentation and duty payment. Cost is typically 2–3% of total shipment value but saves time and prevents delays.
Complete Timeline Overview
| Stage | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inquiry and sample request | 3–5 days | Samples shipped via courier |
| Sample inspection and approval | 5–7 days | Your quality check |
| Order confirmation and 50% payment | 2–3 days | Bank transfer |
| Production, drying, sorting, packing | 7–10 days | Varies by product and MOQ |
| Phytosanitary inspection and certification | 3–5 days | PQA inspection |
| Port of export to port of import (sea) | 3–4 weeks | Typical Asia to Europe/USA |
| Customs clearance and delivery | 3–7 days | Depends on local customs efficiency |
| TOTAL (sea freight) | 4–8 weeks | Most common B2B route |
Frequently Asked Questions
Dried flowers fall under HS Code 0604.90 (Other dried flowers, buds, seed heads, leaves, stems and other parts of plants, whether or not cut, further processed, but not otherwise worked). This code is consistent across all countries.
MOQ varies by product: pampas grass 300 kg, sola flowers 200 kg, lotus pods 200 kg, pine cones 500 kg, and potpourri 500 kg. International Mongers sometimes negotiates flexible terms for repeat customers or mixed shipments.
Yes. All countries require a phytosanitary certificate (PC) issued by India’s Plant Quarantine Authority (PQA) confirming the shipment is pest and disease-free. International Mongers provides this with all shipments at no extra cost.
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading (sea) or Airway Bill (air), Packing List, Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, and any health/safety certifications your country requires. International Mongers prepares and provides all documentation.
Sea freight is cost-effective for large volumes (500+ kg) with 3–4 week lead times. Air freight is faster (5–7 days) but costs 3–5x more. Most B2B importers use sea freight for standard orders and air freight only for urgent restocks.
Typically 4–8 weeks: 1 week order confirmation, 1–2 weeks processing/packing, 3–4 weeks sea freight, 1–2 weeks customs clearance. Express air freight can shorten this to 2–3 weeks total.
Import duty varies by destination: USA 0–8%, EU 0–8%, UK 0–6%, Japan 3–4%, Australia 5%, Canada 0% (free). Check your country’s customs tariff schedule (HS 0604.90) for exact rates. International Mongers provides duty estimates in proforma invoices.
Yes. International Mongers is a verified APEDA-certified exporter of decorative dried flowers, sola flowers, and potpourri. APEDA registration ensures compliance with international phytosanitary standards and quality control. All shipments include a phytosanitary certificate and verified origin documentation.
Ready to Import Dried Flowers?
International Mongers simplifies every step of the import process. APEDA-certified, fast turnaround, and transparent pricing.
Start your import journey today:
Email: [email protected]
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Explore our full range: Dried Flowers | Sola Flowers | Pampas Grass
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