.png)
What the numbers on an Indian commodity specification sheet actually mean — mesh size, moisture, viscosity, FFA, and the parameters that affect your final product.
When you request a quote from an Indian agro exporter, you'll receive a specification sheet full of numbers and abbreviations. This guide explains what each parameter means, why it matters, and the typical acceptable ranges.
Purity is the percentage of actual product (as opposed to broken grains, foreign matter, or admixture) in your consignment. For export-grade commodities, 99% to 99.95% is the norm. Below 99% starts to indicate poor cleaning or lower grade. For hulled sesame seeds, buyers often expect 99.95%+.
Moisture is the water content in the commodity, by weight. Too much moisture = shorter shelf life, mould risk, and fermentation during long sea voyages. Typical ranges:
Lower moisture is better for shelf life but can indicate aggressive drying that reduces flavor volatiles. Match the moisture spec to your intended shelf life and climate at destination.
Mesh size is a measure of particle fineness. The number refers to the openings per linear inch of a sieve — higher mesh number = finer particle. Common grades:
Finer mesh costs more because of additional milling, but delivers better dispersion and faster hydration.
Viscosity is the thickening power of the hydrocolloid when dissolved in water. Measured in centipoise (cps), typically at 1% solution concentration at 25°C after a defined hydration time. Common grades:
Higher viscosity isn't always "better" — the right grade depends on your formulation. A low-viscosity grade used where high-viscosity is needed will under-perform; a high-viscosity grade used where low is needed can over-thicken.
FFA measures the breakdown of oils and fats in seeds. Fresh, well-stored sesame has FFA ≤ 1%. Export-grade spec is typically ≤ 2.0%. Higher FFA indicates older seed or improper storage — the oil will taste rancid when extracted or when the seed is used in food.
For oilseeds like sesame or mustard, oil content is a key quality parameter. Natural Indian sesame typically has 48-52% oil. Hulled sesame can go higher, 50-55%. Lower oil content means lower yield for oil extractors or less flavor in food use.
Volatile oil is what gives spices their aroma. Cumin's volatile oil ranges 2.5-4%, coriander around 0.4-1%. For spice blenders and oleoresin extractors, higher volatile oil = stronger flavor = better formulation yield. Age, growing region, and storage all affect this number.
For pulses and plant-protein ingredients, protein is the main spec. Chana dal is typically 20-23% protein, moong dal 22-25%. Soya chunks (TSP) can be 50-55%. Buyers in nutrition and functional-food industries focus heavily on this parameter.
Foreign matter is anything not the product — stones, husks, other grains, sticks, and insect fragments. Export spec is typically ≤ 0.5% total foreign matter. Sortex-cleaned grades reach 0.1% or lower. Pay attention to this number — high foreign matter indicates inadequate cleaning.
For food-grade commodities, the spec sheet should also list microbial parameters (total plate count, yeasts and moulds, E. coli, Salmonella) and pesticide residues (meeting EU MRL / FDA / your market's regulatory limits). These matter especially for ground spices, dairy applications, and infant food.
The Harmonized System code is the global tariff classification number for your product. It appears on every export document and determines import duty at destination. Verify the HS code on the spec sheet matches what you expect for duty calculation.
A good spec sheet gives you numbers plus the test method used (e.g., "Moisture: 10% max, Method: AOAC 925.09"). This lets you re-test on arrival and dispute credibly if there's a mismatch. If an exporter sends vague specs without ranges and methods, ask for a proper spec sheet before placing an order.
Need a full spec sheet for any Sunrise Grain product? Request specs — we'll send detailed specification sheets with test methods for every parameter.
Share your product, destination and estimated volume — our team sends a quote, specification sheet and sample plan within 24 hours.
Hand-picked next steps for buyers researching this category.