What are the moisture and ash limits for dried large cardamom?

Dried large cardamom must not exceed 12 % moisture content on a wet basis and must have a total ash content no greater than 8 % on a dry basis. The ash limit applies to both whole pods and seeds, ensuring consistent quality for buyers.

What minimum volatile oil content is required for large cardamom to be considered acceptable?

The commodity must contain at least 1 ml of volatile oils per 100 g on a dry basis. This level of essential oil is essential for the characteristic aroma and flavor expected by consumers.

Are anticaking agents permitted in ground large cardamom, and if so, under what conditions?

Anticaking agents listed in the General Standard for Food Additives (CXS 192‑1995) may be used, but only in the powdered or ground form of dried large cardamom. Their use is restricted to maintain product flow while preserving safety for human consumption.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice harvested from the seed pods of the Elettaria and Amomum species. It is typically dried and traded as a primary agricultural product.

Prices, specifications and international trade for cardamom under HS 090831.

Cardamom Price

$5,894USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Cardamom Historical Unit Values

Cardamom is quoted in USD/t at GTM. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

Explore cardamom prices

Cardamom Exports and Imports

Loading trade map…

India led reported cardamom exports in 2025, at $375M.

Compare cardamom exporting countries

Cardamom Specifications and Quality

Cardamom grading factors include Moisture content, Total ash, and Acid‑insoluble ash.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for cardamom considers Moisture content, Total ash, and Acid‑insoluble ash.

Moisture content
Maximum allowed moisture content is 12 % w/w for whole large cardamom and 11 % w/w for powdered forms; 13 % w/w for whole small cardamom.
Total ash
Maximum total ash on a dry basis is 8 % w/w for large cardamom and 9.5 % w/w for small cardamom.
Acid‑insoluble ash
Maximum acid‑insoluble ash on a dry basis is 2 % w/w for large cardamom and up to 3 % w/w for small cardamom.
Volatile oil content
Minimum volatile oil is 1 ml/100 g for large cardamom and 3.0–3.5 ml/100 g for small cardamom.
Empty, malformed and split capsules
Maximum of 5 empty or malformed capsules per 100 capsules for whole small cardamom; similar limits apply to large cardamom as defined in Codex Annex I.
Insect infestation
Maximum insect‑defiled or infested material is 1 % w/w for small cardamom; whole dead insects not to exceed 4 per 100 g.
Extraneous and foreign matter
Extraneous matter must not exceed 5 % w/w and foreign matter 0.5 % w/w for small cardamom.

Typical Specification Ranges

Cardamom specifications record moisture content, total ash, acid‑insoluble ash. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.

Moisture content	up to 13 % w/w
Total ash	up to 9.50 % w/w
Acid‑insoluble ash	up to 3.00 % w/w
Volatile oil	1.00–3.50 ml/100 g
Empty/malformed capsules	up to 10 count per 100 capsules
Insect infestation	up to 1.00 % w/w

Common Defects

Recorded defects for cardamom include Rancidity and mustiness, Mould visible, and Immature or shrivelled capsules.

Rancidity and mustiness
Presence of foreign odour, flavour or colour indicating rancidity or mustiness is not acceptable.
Mould visible
Visible mould on the product must not exceed 1 % w/w.
Immature or shrivelled capsules
Maximum of 7 % w/w immature or shrivelled capsules for small cardamom.
Light seeds
Light coloured seeds may not exceed the specified percentage (e.g., 5 % w/w for small cardamom seeds).

Certifications

Certifications documented for cardamom include Codex Standard CXS 357‑2024, Codex Standard CXS 368‑2026, and Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins in Spices (CXC 78‑2017). Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.

Codex Standard CXS 357‑2024
Standard for small (green) cardamom covering chemical, physical and microbiological requirements.
Codex Standard CXS 368‑2026
Standard for large (black) cardamom defining specifications for whole, seed and powdered forms.
Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins in Spices (CXC 78‑2017)
Guidelines for Good Agricultural, Manufacturing and Storage Practices to limit mycotoxin contamination.

Cardamom Facts and HS Code

Cardamom belongs to spices and herbs within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 090831.

Cardamom HS Code

Also known as	Elaichi
Product type	Raw
Form	Dried
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Spices and herbs — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients
HS codes	090831
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	GTM

Production & Handling

Cardamom storage guidance: Cool, dry

Production and Storage

Perishability	Low
Temperature regime	Ambient
Storage conditions	Cool, dry
Processing steps	Harvesting Sun‑drying or controlled drying Cleaning and removal of foreign material Sorting and grading by size and quality Bulk packaging for bulk trade

Packaging

Typical cardamom packaging includes Multi‑layer paper or jute bags and Food‑grade polypropylene (PP) bags.

Multi‑layer paper or jute bags
Cardamom is commonly packed in breathable multi‑layer paper or jute bags to protect against moisture ingress and physical damage.
Food‑grade polypropylene (PP) bags
For bulk shipments, food‑grade PP bags with inner liners are used to maintain product integrity.

Uses & Risks

Cardamom is used in Food flavoring, Beverage flavoring, and Confectionery.

End Uses

Food flavoring
Used as a spice to flavor savory dishes, rice, breads, and desserts.
Beverage flavoring
Added to teas, coffees, and alcoholic beverages for aromatic profile.
Confectionery
Incorporated into sweets, chocolates, and bakery products.
Pharmaceuticals
Employed for its digestive and carminative properties in traditional remedies.
Cosmetics
Used in fragrance blends for personal care products.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Food processing, Beverage production, Confectionery manufacturing, Pharmaceutical formulation, Cosmetics and fragrance industry
Standards	codex CXS 357-2024 — Standard for spices derived from dried or dehydrated fruits and berries – Small cardamom codex CXS 368-2026 — Standard for spices in the form of dried fruits and berries – requirements for large cardamom

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Fungal contamination (Aspergillus spp.) Food safetyHigh Improper drying or storage can allow Aspergillus growth on cardamom pods, leading to mycotoxin production.	Food safety	High	Ensure rapid drying to moisture <12% and store in low‑humidity, well‑ventilated facilities.
Infestation by storage pests PestHigh Improperly sealed bulk bags can allow insects or rodents to damage pods, reducing quality and posing health risks.	Pest	High	Use pest‑free storage facilities, inspect bags regularly, and employ approved fumigation where necessary.
Adulteration with cheaper spices (e.g., black pepper, coriander) FraudMedium Unscrupulous suppliers may mix or replace genuine cardamom with lower‑cost spices to increase profit margins.	Fraud	Medium	Use DNA barcoding or chromatographic fingerprinting to verify authenticity of bulk shipments.
Adulteration with lower‑grade or synthetic material FraudMedium Unscrupulous suppliers may mix premium large Amomum pods with inferior grades or synthetic flavorings to increase profit.	Fraud	Medium	Require ISO/HACCP/organic certifications and conduct laboratory verification of purity.
Cardamom borer (Eldana saccharina) infestation PestMedium Larvae bore into cardamom pods, causing physical damage and facilitating microbial spoilage.	Pest	Medium	Implement regular field scouting and apply approved integrated pest‑management measures.

Cardamom Questions

What are the moisture and ash limits for dried large cardamom?: Dried large cardamom must not exceed 12 % moisture content on a wet basis and must have a total ash content no greater than 8 % on a dry basis. The ash limit applies to both whole pods and seeds, ensuring consistent quality for buyers.
What minimum volatile oil content is required for large cardamom to be considered acceptable?: The commodity must contain at least 1 ml of volatile oils per 100 g on a dry basis. This level of essential oil is essential for the characteristic aroma and flavor expected by consumers.
Are anticaking agents permitted in ground large cardamom, and if so, under what conditions?: Anticaking agents listed in the General Standard for Food Additives (CXS 192‑1995) may be used, but only in the powdered or ground form of dried large cardamom. Their use is restricted to maintain product flow while preserving safety for human consumption.