Join ASTA

Step 1:  Determine your member classification.

Active Membership

All individuals, firms, and corporations that are based in the United States, or doing business in the United States either through a related business entity or agent, or by offering items for sale for importation into, or exportation from, the United States, and that are primarily engaged in the growing, importation, exportation, processing, blending, trading, distribution, or sale at wholesale or retail of spices or seasonings are eligible for Active membership in one of the following categories

Active membership dues

  1. Brokers and Agents: Those firms whose activities include that of acting as Brokers and Agents for the purchase or sale of spices. Dues for brokers are $4,200 for the first income producer and $1,050 for each additional income producer.
  2. Importers, Traders, Processors, Growers or Distributors: Those firms whose activities include that of acting as Importers, Traders, Processors, Growers or Distributors of Spices, Dehydrated Onion & Garlic or Oleoresins (or combinations). Dues are assessed on the number of pounds of spices sold to or purchased in the United States and range from $3,120 to $100,000. Dues for active members are $3,120 for the first 1,000,000 lbs of spices traded. Additional pounds traded (above 1,000,000 pounds) are assessed at a rate of $0.001092 per pound. For example, a company trading 5,200,000 pounds would be assessed $7,706 in annual dues.

Spices are counted on a pound-for-pound basis. Garlic and onion is calculated at a 50% rate and oleoresins at a rate of 10 times. For example, 2,000,000 pounds of garlic and onion will be assessed as 1,000,000 pounds. 1,000 pounds of oleoresins will be assessed as 10,000 pounds. A categorical dues form must be completed to assess the dues rate for Active members.  All Active member companies are required to submit a categorical dues form annually. ASTA Annual Dues year covers the period of July 1 to June 30. Active member dues are billed for the first half payment on July 1 and the second half payment on Dec 1. Once your application has been approved you will be billed for the full annual year. Active member dues are pro-rated if you join mid-year, the balance will be applied towards the next annual payment. Please note that 2024-2025 dues will increase by 3%

Associate Membership

All individuals, firms, associations, and corporations engaged in businesses associated with the spice industry who do not otherwise qualify for Active membership and who are able to assist in promoting and carrying out the purposes of the Association. Annual dues for Associate membership are $2,500 in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. ASTA annual dues year covers the period of July 1 to June 30. Once your application has been approved you will be billed for the full annual year. Associate member dues are not pro-rated if you join mid-year.

Step 2:  complete your application.

The Application Process

Once your application is received, ASTA staff will review your application to make sure you have supplied all the required information and that your company meets ASTA’s membership requirements.  You will be notified once we begin to process your application for membership.  The membership process takes approximately 10 to 15 days, although it may take longer, depending on the need for follow-up to ensure all required information has been submitted.  Once approved, you will receive a dues invoice and your membership will be effective as soon as the appropriate payment has been made.

non-refundable $250 application fee is required to process your application. To pay by credit card, please email your application to [email protected] for processing. If you are paying by check, please mail your application and payment to:

The American Spice Trade Association
1101 17th Street, N.W., Suite 700
Washington, DC  20036

Download Membership Form
Active members; Download Categorical Dues Form