Indian Sesame Seeds for German Bakeries and Importers, Documented for EU Border Control
Hulled, natural and black sesame, with the certificate and laboratory report your border check asks for.
Hulled sesame for bakery, natural sesame for tahini and oil, black sesame for specialty use: Elysium Agri Corporation exports all three from Gujarat to importers, industrial bakeries and wholesalers in Germany. Every lot is tested at an NABL-accredited lab and loaded at Mundra, Kandla or Pipavav.
Germany imported about 34,000 tonnes of sesame in 2023, and India is one of its main suppliers. You know the two risks at the EU border: Salmonella and ethylene oxide residue. This page explains how your lot is tested and documented for both.
Sesame Grades for the German Market
| Grade / form | Typical specification | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Hulled sesame | High purity for bakery use (buyers ask for up to 99.98 percent); colour and moisture as per your specification | Bread, rolls, toppings |
| Natural white sesame | Purity, oil content and free fatty acid as per your specification | Tahini, oil, repacking |
| Black sesame | Purity and colour as per your specification | Specialty bakery, health food |
How Indian Sesame Clears the German Border
Sesame seeds from India are under "increased official controls" under Regulation (EU) 2019/1793. The hazards named are Salmonella and pesticide residues, including ethylene oxide. The exporter's part is done in India, before loading. Your part is done in TRACES NT, before arrival.
- From India: where the regulation requires it, each lot travels with the official certificate issued by the Indian competent authority, with the laboratory report attached.
- From you: your importer or agent lodges a CHED-D in TRACES NT and routes the container through a designated Border Control Post.
- Limits: Salmonella must be absent. CBI quotes the ethylene oxide limit for sesame as 0.05 mg/kg.
- Allergen: sesame is a listed EU allergen, so its status must appear on the label or in the documents.
- Organic: these lots also need a Certificate of Inspection in TRACES.
Packing and Sea Freight
- Every bag carries the lot code shown on the laboratory report. See traceability.
- Containers load at Mundra, Kandla or Pipavav for Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Wilhelmshaven.
- A typical Mundra to Hamburg sailing takes about 21 to 30 days via Suez, and longer via the Cape of Good Hope. Routing and transit are confirmed with each quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is your sesame treated with ethylene oxide?
German buyers prefer heat or steam treatment, and ethylene oxide residue is one reason Indian sesame is under increased EU controls. The laboratory report shows the residue result.
Who issues the official certificate, and when do we see it?
The Indian competent authority issues it, on the model in Annex IV of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793.
Can payment be linked to the border control result?
Many EU sesame contracts link part of the payment to the border check or to the buyer's own laboratory test.
Can we test a sample before we order a container?
Yes. You may also appoint SGS, Bureau Veritas or Intertek to sample the lot before loading. See our lab testing page.
Related Pages
Last reviewed: October 2026