Sample Import Bill of Lading Data of Adinath Trading Company

Bill of Lading Data: Dried Apricots from Turkey to India

The bill of lading (B/L) is one of the most critical documents in international trade, serving as a legally binding contract between the shipper and the carrier, a receipt of goods, and a document of title that establishes ownership of the cargo during transit. The sample bill of lading data presented here documents a shipment of premium dried apricots from Turkey to India, consigned to Adinath Trading Company based in the historic Khari Baoli wholesale market of Old Delhi. This particular shipment, which arrived on February 19, 2016, carried Dried Apricots classified as AG 1 grade — the highest quality designation in the dried apricot trade, indicating large, uniform pieces with excellent color and minimal defects.

The trade route from Turkey to India for dried apricots typically involves maritime shipping from major Turkish ports such as Mersin or Iskenderun on the Mediterranean coast, through the Suez Canal, across the Arabian Sea, and into major Indian ports including Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port) near Mumbai or Mundra Port in Gujarat. This route covers approximately 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles and typically requires 15 to 25 days of transit time depending on the specific ports, shipping line, and any transshipment points. The bill of lading captures all essential details of this commercial transaction, making it an invaluable primary source document for trade intelligence and competitive analysis.

The product classification "DRIED APRICOTS (AG 1)" is significant in the dried fruits trade. The "AG 1" designation is a quality grading standard used in the Turkish dried apricot industry, where AG stands for "A Grade" or "Extra Grade." AG 1 apricots are the largest, most premium variety, typically measuring 28-32 pieces per kilogram, with a uniform golden-orange color, soft and chewy texture, and moisture content maintained between 20-25%. This grade commands the highest price in international markets and is preferred by premium wholesalers like Adinath Trading Company for their quality-conscious customer base in India.

The Khari Baoli address listed on the bill of lading — 2079, Katra Tabacco — places Adinath Trading Company at the very heart of Asia's largest wholesale dry fruits and spices market. Khari Baoli, located in Old Delhi near the iconic Fatehpuri Masjid, is a centuries-old trading hub where millions of kilograms of dry fruits, nuts, and spices change hands daily. Importers like Adinath Trading Company receive shipments at major Indian seaports and then distribute the goods through the Khari Baoli network to retailers, smaller wholesalers, and food manufacturers across North India.

Adinath Trading Company: Company Profile

Adinath Trading Company, operating under the corporate entity Adinath Trading Corporation, represents a well-established name in India's dry fruits import and wholesale sector. The company boasts a heritage that spans multiple generations, with the founding family having been in the dry fruits trade for over 150 years. The business was formally established in 1986 and subsequently incorporated as a private limited company in May 2000, reflecting its evolution from a traditional family trading house to a structured corporate entity. According to IndiaMart profile data, the company is led by CEO M. Agarwal and employs between 11 to 25 people across its operations.

The company maintains dual operational bases that strategically position it to serve two major markets. The Delhi office, located at 2079 Katra Tabacco in the Khari Baoli wholesale market, serves as the primary import receiving and distribution center, taking advantage of the market's unparalleled network of buyers and logistics infrastructure. The Jaipur office, situated at 8, Dina Nath Ji Ka Rasta in the historic Chand Pol Bazar area, caters to the rapidly growing demand for premium dry fruits in Rajasthan and neighboring states. The company is registered under GST since 2017 and maintains an active presence across multiple B2B platforms including IndiaMart, TradeIndia, JustDial, ExportersIndia, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Adinath Trading Company's product portfolio extends well beyond dried apricots to encompass a comprehensive range of dry fruits including almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, raisins, figs, and dates, along with Indian spices, seeds, and pulses. The company positions itself as a provider of "natural dry fruits at your doorstep," emphasizing quality, freshness, and organic sourcing. Their social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@bestdryfruits.india), showcases a wide variety of products including dried apricots (Khumani), suggesting they cater to both bulk wholesale buyers and retail customers. The company's pricing on IndiaMart lists apricots at approximately 60 INR per kilogram for standard grades, with premium Turkish AG 1 grade commanding significantly higher prices.

As an importer with a documented bill of lading history, Adinath Trading Company exemplifies the typical structure of India's dry fruits import sector. The company's ability to source directly from origin countries (particularly Turkey) and distribute through the established Khari Baoli wholesale network provides it with competitive advantages in terms of both pricing and supply reliability. The company's multiple decades of operation, combined with its dual-location presence and multi-platform digital marketing strategy, indicate a well-managed business that has successfully adapted to both traditional wholesale trade and modern e-commerce channels in India's growing dry fruits market.

Global Dried Apricot Market: Trade Overview

The global dried apricot market represents a significant segment of the international dried fruits trade, with total worldwide trade reaching approximately $556 million in 2024 according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). While this represents a modest 3.5% decrease from the $576 million recorded in 2023, the market has shown strong long-term growth with an annualized rate of 8.73% over the past decade. The dried apricot supply chain is highly concentrated at the production level, with Turkey's Malatya region alone accounting for approximately 74-75% of total global export value, making it one of the most geographically concentrated agricultural commodity markets in the world.

According to Tridge's market intelligence platform, the dried apricot market spans 141 countries with 2,497 identified exporter companies and 3,157 importer companies globally. This extensive network of trading partners reflects the widespread demand for dried apricots as a healthy snack food, baking ingredient, and culinary component across diverse cultures and cuisines. The market is served by both large multinational dried fruit processors and smaller specialized traders, with supply chains ranging from direct farm-to-importer relationships to complex multi-layered distribution networks involving brokers, agents, and regional distributors.

Top Dried Apricot Exporting Countries (2024)

Top Dried Apricot Importing Countries (2024)

The concentration of export power in Turkey creates unique market dynamics. Turkish dried apricot production and export volumes directly influence global pricing, availability, and quality standards. The United States stands as the largest single importer at $84.5 million, driven by strong consumer demand for healthy snack foods and Turkish-style bakery products. European countries collectively represent the largest regional market, with Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands all ranking among the top seven importers. India, with its 1,082+ registered dried apricot importers and growing consumer market, represents a significant and expanding demand center, particularly for premium Turkish AG 1 grade apricots of the type documented in Adinath Trading Company's bill of lading.

Turkey and the Malatya Region: World's Dried Apricot Capital

Turkey's position as the undisputed global leader in dried apricot production and export is built upon the extraordinary agricultural conditions of the Malatya province in eastern Anatolia. Malatya's unique combination of continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters, fertile volcanic soil, and abundant sunshine creates ideal conditions for apricot cultivation. The province produces approximately 500,000 to 600,000 metric tons of fresh apricots annually, which are then processed into 80,000 to 100,000 metric tons of dried apricots, representing roughly 80-85% of total global dried apricot supply. The predominant variety grown is the "Kabaasi" apricot, prized for its sweet flavor, aromatic profile, and excellent drying characteristics.

The Turkish dried apricot industry has invested significantly in modern processing facilities, quality control systems, and international certification programs. Malatya-based processors operate state-of-the-art drying tunnels, sorting and grading lines, sulfur-free processing options (for markets that restrict sulfur dioxide), and packaging facilities that meet the stringent requirements of major importing countries including the European Union, the United States, and Japan. The AG (A Grade) classification system is a Turkish industry standard that categorizes dried apricots by size, color, moisture content, and defect level, with AG 1 representing the premium extra-large grade (28-32 pieces/kg) that commands the highest prices in international markets.

For Indian importers like Adinath Trading Company, sourcing from Malatya offers several strategic advantages beyond product quality. Turkey's well-developed export infrastructure — including major ports like Mersin and Iskenderun with direct shipping connections to India, established freight forwarding networks, and competitive logistics pricing — makes the Turkey-to-India trade lane one of the most efficient and reliable in the global dried apricot supply chain. Turkish exporters also typically offer flexible payment terms, consistent supply throughout the year (thanks to modern storage and cold chain facilities), and the ability to customize packaging and product specifications to meet the specific requirements of the Indian market, including FSSAI compliance documentation.

India's Dried Apricot Import Market

India represents one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly growing dried apricot import markets. With over 1,082 registered dried apricot importers and approximately 11,954 total apricot import shipments recorded across all apricot categories (including fresh, dried, and preserved), India has developed a sophisticated and competitive import ecosystem. The country's dried apricot imports, while smaller in absolute value compared to the United States or major European markets, are characterized by a large number of small and medium-sized importers who collectively drive significant demand. According to Zauba import data, India has imported dried apricots worth approximately $2.67 million in tracked shipments, with an average import price of $1.49 per kilogram.

The Indian dried apricot market is driven by several powerful demand factors. India's growing middle class, estimated at over 350 million people, has increasing disposable income and a strong cultural preference for dry fruits as both culinary ingredients and healthy snack options. Dried apricots are widely used in Indian cuisine — in traditional sweets (mithai), biryanis, pulao, and various Mughlai dishes — as well as in the rapidly expanding processed food industry including breakfast cereals, bakery products, and health food bars. The religious and festival gifting culture in India, particularly during Diwali, Eid, and wedding seasons, generates substantial seasonal demand spikes that importers must anticipate and plan for months in advance.

The regulatory framework for dried apricot imports into India requires compliance with multiple government agencies. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that all imported food products, including dried apricots, meet specified quality and safety standards, including limits on sulfur dioxide (SO2) residues, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological contamination. Importers must obtain an FSSAI license, register with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and ensure that all shipments are accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country. The basic customs duty on dried apricots (HS 0813 10 00 00) varies but typically ranges from 30% to 46% depending on the applicable trade agreements and any additional cess charges.

Khari Baoli: Asia's Largest Dry Fruits Wholesale Market

Khari Baoli, literally meaning "Street of the Salty Well," is a historic wholesale market located in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, and it holds the distinction of being Asia's largest wholesale market for dry fruits, nuts, and spices. The market's origins date back to the Mughal era, and it has served as a central trading hub for over three centuries. Today, Khari Baoli and its surrounding lanes — including Katra Tabacco where Adinath Trading Company's Delhi office is located — house hundreds of wholesale traders, commission agents, and importers who collectively handle thousands of metric tons of dry fruits and spices daily. The market operates as a crucial node in India's agricultural commodity supply chain, connecting international importers with domestic retailers and food processors.

The significance of Khari Baoli in the context of Adinath Trading Company's bill of lading cannot be overstated. When a shipment of Turkish dried apricots arrives at an Indian seaport, the goods are typically cleared through customs and then transported to the importer's facility at Khari Baoli. From this strategic location, the dried apricots are distributed through a vast network of sub-distributors, retailers, sweet shops, and food manufacturers across North India. The market's density of buyers and sellers creates highly competitive pricing, efficient market discovery, and rapid inventory turnover — factors that benefit experienced importers like Adinath Trading Company who can leverage their market knowledge and relationships to optimize their trading margins.

The infrastructure and business practices at Khari Baoli have evolved significantly in recent years, blending traditional trading wisdom with modern business tools. While the market retains its historic character — with narrow lanes, packed godowns, and face-to-face negotiation remaining central to commerce — many traders now utilize digital platforms, online B2B marketplaces, and digital payment systems alongside traditional business practices. Companies like Adinath Trading Company exemplify this hybrid approach, maintaining a physical presence in Khari Baoli while also operating e-commerce channels through their websites (adinathtradingcorporation.com, adinathindia.com), social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), and listings on major B2B platforms (IndiaMart, TradeIndia, ExportersIndia).

HS Code Classification for Dried Apricots

Dried apricots are classified under the Harmonized System (HS) code 0813 at the chapter level, which covers "Fruit, dried, other than that of headings 0801 to 0806; mixtures of nuts or dried fruits of this Chapter." The specific 4-digit code 0813 identifies dried fruits in general, while the 6-digit code 0813 10 narrows the classification specifically to dried apricots. At the most detailed national tariff level, the full 8-digit code 0813 10 00 00 is used in most tariff schedules, including India's and the EU's Combined Nomenclature. This precise classification is essential for importers like Adinath Trading Company because it determines the applicable customs duty rate, any trade policy measures (such as import licensing requirements or quota restrictions), and the statistical tracking of trade flows.

The HS code 0813 10 00 00 covers all forms of dried apricots, whether sulfured (treated with sulfur dioxide as a preservative and color stabilizer) or un-sulfured (natural), whole, halved, or sliced. The "AG 1" quality grade mentioned in the bill of lading is not part of the HS classification but rather a commercial quality designation used within the Turkish dried apricot industry. Importers and customs authorities use the HS code in conjunction with the product description on the bill of lading to verify correct tariff classification, assess customs duties, and conduct risk-based screening for food safety compliance. Any discrepancy between the declared HS code and the actual product can result in delays, penalties, or seizure of goods at the port of entry.

Understanding the HS code hierarchy is particularly important for companies engaged in the dried fruits trade because closely related products may have different duty rates and regulatory requirements. For example, dried apricots (0813 10 00 00) are classified separately from dried figs (0813 20), dried prunes (0813 40), dried apples (0813 30), and other dried fruits (0813 90). Within the broader context of India's import tariff structure, dried fruits generally attract moderate to high customs duties as part of the government's policy to encourage domestic production while still allowing imports to meet consumer demand. Importers must stay informed about any changes to tariff rates, free trade agreement preferences, or temporary duty modifications that may affect their landed cost calculations.

The Dried Apricot Import Process: Turkey to India

Importing dried apricots from Turkey to India involves a well-defined but multi-step process that requires coordination between multiple stakeholders across two countries. The process typically begins with the Indian importer (such as Adinath Trading Company) identifying a suitable Turkish supplier, often through trade contacts, B2B platforms, or direct visits to the Malatya region during the harvest season (July-September). Once a commercial agreement is reached — covering product specifications (grade, size, sulfured or natural), quantity, price (usually quoted in USD per kilogram FOB or CIF), packaging requirements, and delivery timeline — the supplier arranges for processing, grading, and packing of the dried apricots according to the agreed specifications.

The shipping phase involves several critical documentation requirements. The Turkish exporter prepares a set of export documents including the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (issued by Turkey's agricultural quarantine authority), and the bill of lading. For the buyer, the bill of lading is perhaps the most important document as it serves as proof of ownership of the goods in transit and is required for taking delivery at the destination port. Upon arrival at the Indian port (typically Nhava Sheva or Mundra for shipments from Turkey), the importer or their customs broker files a Bill of Entry with Indian Customs, declaring the HS code (0813 10 00 00), product description, value, and origin. The goods may be subject to physical inspection and sampling by customs officers and FSSAI officials to verify compliance with food safety standards.

After customs clearance, the dried apricots are transported from the port to the importer's warehouse — in Adinath Trading Company's case, to their facility at Khari Baoli, Delhi. The entire import cycle, from placing the order with a Turkish supplier to having the goods available for sale in Delhi, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on order size, shipping schedule, and customs processing time. Key cost components include the FOB price of the dried apricots (approximately $1.47-$4.00/kg for AG 1 grade depending on the season and market conditions), ocean freight charges, marine insurance, customs duty (30-46% of CIF value), GST (18% on the customs-assessed value plus duty), port handling charges, and inland transportation. Importers must carefully manage currency risk (USD/INR exchange rate fluctuations) and maintain adequate working capital to finance the import cycle, as payments to Turkish suppliers are typically required in advance or through confirmed letters of credit.

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