Archive · 25 Oct 2025
Indonesia May Soon Lift Suspension on Indian Groundnut Imports
Indonesia stopped buying groundnuts from India because they found a substance called aflatoxins, which can be harmful, in them.
Aflatoxins are produced by molds that can grow on groundnuts if they're not stored well.
An Indonesian team is coming to India to check the groundnut farms and how they handle the crops.
India exports a lot of groundnuts to Indonesia, so this suspension is costing India a lot of money.
Exporters are unhappy because they disagree with how Indonesia tested the groundnuts and the delay in reporting the issue.
They also say that Indonesia's testing methods are different from international standards.
If the team is satisfied, Indonesia will likely start importing again.
Meanwhile, the new groundnut harvest has begun in India.
Indonesia suspended Indian groundnut imports due to aflatoxin concerns.
An Indonesian team will visit India to resolve the import suspension.
Exporters dispute Indonesia's testing methods and delayed notification.
Indonesia imports a significant portion of India's groundnut exports.
The suspension could cost India $46.65 million over two months.
- Who
- Indonesia and India
- What
- Indonesia is considering lifting a suspension on Indian groundnut imports.
- When
- The suspension began September 3, and an Indonesian team will visit India this month-end.
- Where
- Indonesia and India
- Why
- Due to reported presence of aflatoxins in Indian groundnuts.
Indian Exporters
Indonesian Quarantine Authority
Testing Procedures
Indian Exporters
Exporters say Indonesia's testing standards differ from WTO standards, and that samples were taken improperly.
Indonesian Quarantine Authority
Indonesian Quarantine Authority tests samples of the groundnuts to verify the aflatoxin levels.
Handling of Samples
Indian Exporters
Exporters say the Indonesian authority took too long to report the contamination and that the groundnuts may have been improperly stored.
Indonesian Quarantine Authority
The Indonesian authorities conducted necessary tests on the imported groundnuts.
- Event
- Suspension of Indian groundnut imports by Indonesia
- Cause of Suspension
- Presence of aflatoxins in Indian groundnuts
- Indonesia's Share
- Imports a third of India's groundnut exports
- Last Fiscal Year Imports
- 2.77 lakh tonnes valued at $280 million
- India's Exports Value (last year)
- $795 million
- Potential Cost to India (two months)
- ₹410 crore ($46.65 million)
- Aflatoxin Risk
- Genotoxic, carcinogenic, and poses risks to health