How to Import Groceries from India to Start an Indian Grocery Store Business in Luxembourg
Starting an Indian grocery store in Luxembourg requires proper planning, especially when importing food products from India. Since Luxembourg follows European Union (EU) regulations, food imports must meet strict safety and labeling standards. If you are planning to import groceries directly from India, here is a complete step-by-step guide to help you understand the process.
1. Register Your Business in Luxembourg
Before importing, you must legally register your business in Luxembourg.
You will need to:
Register your company with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (RCS)
Obtain a business permit (autorisation d’établissement)
Register for VAT
Register your business with the Luxembourg Customs and Excise Administration
Without proper registration, you cannot import goods legally.
2. Obtain an EORI Number
To import goods into Luxembourg (or any EU country), you must have an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number).
This number is required for customs clearance and is issued by Luxembourg Customs.
You cannot import commercial goods without an EORI number.
3. Understand EU Food Import Regulations
Luxembourg follows EU food safety laws. Imported food must comply with:
EU food safety standards
Hygiene regulations
Maximum residue limits (MRL) for pesticides
Approved food additives rules
Proper packaging and labeling requirements
Some food items may require additional inspection, especially:
Spices
Rice
Pulses
Processed food
Frozen products
Make sure your supplier in India understands EU export requirements.
4. Choose Reliable Suppliers in India
Select suppliers who:
Have export experience to the EU
Provide proper export documentation
Meet FSSAI and international quality standards
Can supply health certificates and laboratory test reports
Always request samples before placing large orders.
5. Required Export Documents from India
Your Indian supplier must provide:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
Certificate of Origin
Health Certificate (if required)
Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant-based products)
Fumigation Certificate (if applicable)
Without proper documentation, goods may be stopped at EU customs.
6. Shipping Options
You can import goods through:
Sea Freight
Cost-effective for large quantities
Takes longer (3–6 weeks approx.)
Air Freight
Faster delivery
More expensive
Suitable for urgent or smaller shipments
Choose based on your budget and inventory needs.
7. Customs Clearance in Luxembourg
Once goods arrive:
Customs will inspect documents
Food safety authorities may inspect certain items
You must pay customs duty and VAT
Import Duties & VAT
Customs duty varies depending on product type
Luxembourg VAT is generally 3% (super-reduced) for many food items
Some processed foods may have different VAT rates
It is advisable to hire a customs broker to handle the process smoothly.
8. Labeling Requirements (Very Important)
EU labeling rules are strict. Products must include:
Product name
Ingredients list
Allergen information
Net weight
Expiry date
Storage instructions
Country of origin
Importer details (your Luxembourg business details)
Labels must be in a language understood by consumers in Luxembourg (commonly French or German).
Incorrect labeling can lead to heavy fines or product rejection.
9. Food Safety Compliance
You must follow:
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards
Proper storage and temperature control
Clean and hygienic store conditions
Local authorities may inspect your store regularly.
10. Estimated Costs
Major costs include:
Shipping charges
Customs duties
VAT
Warehouse storage
Customs broker fees
Label modification costs
Luxembourg has high operational costs, so plan your pricing strategy carefully.
11. Consider EU Wholesalers as an Alternative
Instead of importing directly from India, many business owners source products from:
Indian wholesalers in Germany, Belgium, or the Netherlands
This reduces paperwork and customs complexity since goods are already inside the EU.
Final Thoughts
Importing groceries from India to Luxembourg is possible, but it requires proper documentation, compliance with EU food laws, and careful supplier selection. The process involves business registration, EORI number, customs clearance, and strict labeling rules.
With the right preparation and professional guidance, you can successfully build a legal and profitable Indian grocery business in Luxembourg. Proper planning and compliance are the keys to long-term success.