Bihar’s Makhana Gets Global Passport with New HS Code Boosting Export
After years of neglect, Bihar’s Makhana has finally received the global recognition as a superfood. In this landmark move, Makhana has got its unique Harmonized System (HS) code. The traditional superfood which was once available to locals of gaining an international identity. The world is acknowledging its nutritional and cultural importance. And Bihar being the sole producer of Makhana (90% of India’s Makhana produce comes from Bihar alone) will be the most benefited.
We have covered everything about the benefits of the new HS code, codes for every category, trade advantages, and how this will be beneficial for local farmers and exporters. You can use the following Table of Contents to navigate as per your preference:
Table of Contents
What is the HS Code Granted to Bihar’s Makhana?
The Harmonized System (HS) Code is assigned by World Customs Organization (WCO). The HS Code is a globally accepted system used to classify traded products. Under this system, each product is given a specific code to make it easier for countries to track, tax, and regulate.
Now, Makhana has received its very own dedicated codes. These are:
- 20081921 – For Popped Makhana (the version we eat as a snack)
- 20081922 – For Makhana Flour or powder
- 20081929 – For Other Makhana-based products
This categorization will give Makhana an edge in international trade.
Big Win for Bihar’s Makhana Farmers
For decades, Bihar’s Makhana was exported under vague categories like “Other Cereal Products” which did not give a solid identity to this super food. It also caused challenges while exporting specifically in the documentation, customs clearance and market pricing. Without a specific HS code, Bihar’s Makhana was not visible in the international trade base.
But now, the core regions of Bihar where Makhana is cultivated i.e. Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Supaul, Purnia, and Katihar will be getting an international identity. The exporters and farmers can proudly send Bihar’s Makhana abroad with a name and number that’s just assigned specifically to them.
This will make the taxation and documentation process simpler. Bihar’s Makhana will get a strong branding and it will be easier to access Government incentives.
Why the Timing Couldn’t Be Better
This year is the best to unveil the HS code for Makhana because the global demand for Bihar’s Makhana has skyrocketed in a last few years. People are going crazy over this natural, plant-based, gluten-free superfoods. In the backdrop, this is ultimately increasing the global presence of Bihar. Even Prime Minister Modi has highlighted the fact that Mithila Makhana is gaining prominence as a superfood and he himself eats it over 300 days in a year. That’s the nutritious value along with its crunchy – yummy taste.
Countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Japan are already importing makhana snacks. Now, with proper codes & classification, makhana will also appear on digital trade dashboards, e-commerce export listings, and shelf tags with traceable origin labels.
Conclusion
This is proud moment for Bihar and India overall. This would be the first step towards changing the condition of every farmer who was once neglected and went unnoticed. Today, Bihar’s Makhana is no longer hidden in vague categories, it has its own identity and categories.
Recently, Rajnath Singh gifted Bihar’s iconic Madhubani painting to Chinese Defence Minister in the SCO meeting. And it comes from the same Mithila heartland where the Makhana comes from. If you want to know the importance of Madhubani painting and symbolic essence of Rajnath Singh’s gift, you should read our previous article here.
I’m a final-year engineering student with a deep interest in current affairs, politics, and international issues. Writing news is my part-time passion, where I focus on sharing credible and well-researched stories. Every article I publish is backed by verified sources and multiple levels of fact-checking to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness.
