The international trade of green cardamom is a growing market, spanning across Europe’s gourmet food industry, the Middle East’s traditional coffee and sweets market, and Africa’s expanding spice distribution networks.

However, for importers, the journey doesn’t stop at finding a reliable supplier.

Customs clearance and regulatory compliance play a crucial role in ensuring smooth delivery, avoiding shipment delays, and maintaining product integrity.

At Tamila Agrifood, we guide our partners through every step of this process, from documentation to destination delivery. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know.

1. Understanding the Global Regulatory Landscape

Different regions have distinct standards when it comes to importing agricultural commodities like green cardamom.

While the spice itself is globally recognized, import regulations vary based on:

•    Food safety protocols

•    Pesticide residue limits

•    Labeling requirements

•    Sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS) measures

For exporters and importers alike, knowing these differences ensures that every batch meets local laws before shipment even begins.

2. Import Regulations in the European Union (EU)

Europe represents one of the most demanding but rewarding markets for cardamom exporters.

HS Code & Tariff Classification

Green cardamom is typically classified under HS Code 0908.31 (Cardamoms, neither crushed nor ground).

Import tariffs are usually 0% for suppliers from GSP-eligible countries like Iran, under certain trade agreements.

Key EU Requirements:

•    Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs): Pesticide residues must comply with EU Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

•    Food Safety Compliance: Importers must meet EU Food Hygiene Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 and Traceability Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.

•    Contaminant Control: Aflatoxins and microbiological limits must align with Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006.

•    Labeling & Origin: Packaging must clearly state country of origin (“Product of Iran”) and lot numbers for traceability.

•    Certificates Required:

o    Phytosanitary Certificate

o    Certificate of Origin

o    Organic Certificate (if applicable)

o    Invoice & Packing List

Tamila Agrifood ensures all shipments to the EU are pre-tested in accredited laboratories, accompanied by full documentation packages that comply with customs and food authorities.

3. Import Regulations in the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have rapidly become one of the largest importers of green cardamom — primarily for use in Arabic coffee (Gahwa) and confectionery.

Main Authorities:

•    SFDA (Saudi Food & Drug Authority)

•    ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology)

•    Qatar Ministry of Municipality & Environment (MME)

Key Requirements:

•    All food imports must have Halal Certification approved by a recognized Islamic body.

•    Product labels must include production & expiry dates, batch numbers, and storage instructions.

•    Arabic labeling is mandatory for retail packaging.

•    Phytosanitary Certificate is required for every shipment.

•    Importers must register with the national food import approval system (e.g., SFDA or ESMA e-portal).

Popular Entry Ports:

•    Jebel Ali Port (UAE)

•    Dammam & Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

•    Doha Port (Qatar)

Tamila Agrifood’s logistics team maintains strategic partnerships with GCC import agents, simplifying customs handling and ensuring fast-track clearance under GCC unified standards.

4. Import Regulations in African Markets

Africa’s spice industry is expanding fast, with Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa emerging as key import destinations for bulk green cardamom.

Key Entry Requirements:

•    Compliance with Codex Alimentarius standards for food safety.

•    Certificate of Origin (preferably from Iran) and Phytosanitary Certificate required.

•    Labeling regulations vary but should at least include product name, country of origin, and weight.

•    Importers must be registered with their respective Food Safety Authority, such as:

o    KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards)

o    SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria)

o    EFSA (Egyptian Food Safety Authority)

Tariff Rates:

•    Most African countries apply a customs duty of 5–10% on cardamom imports.

•    Some regional trade blocs (like COMESA and ECOWAS) provide reduced tariffs for members.

Tamila Agrifood supports African importers by providing pre-shipment inspections, SGS certifications, and door-to-port delivery solutions, ensuring efficient clearance in high-traffic ports like Mombasa, Lagos, and Alexandria.

5. Essential Documentation for Smooth Customs Clearance

To avoid delays or rejections, importers should ensure they receive the following documents from their supplier:

Commercial Invoice

Packing List

Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

Certificate of Origin (COI)

Phytosanitary Certificate

Halal or Organic Certificate (depending on market)

Analysis Report / Quality Certificate

Insurance Certificate (if CIF)

Tamila Agrifood’s export department manages all documentation in compliance with INCOTERMS 2020 and regional requirements.

6. Customs Clearance Timeline and Process

Typical customs clearance stages include:

1.   Document Submission to customs and health authorities.

2.   Inspection (random or scheduled) for quality, labeling, and certification.

3.   Sampling & Lab Testing (for high-risk shipments).

4.   Duties & Taxes Payment.

5.   Final Release for delivery or re-export.

Average clearance times:

•    EU Ports: 3–5 working days

•    GCC Ports: 2–4 working days

•    African Ports: 5–10 working days

Our logistics partners across Rotterdam, Hamburg, Jebel Ali, and Mombasa ensure expedited processing using pre-cleared electronic documentation.

7. How Tamila Agrifood Simplifies the Process?

At Tamila Agrifood, we go beyond being a supplier, we act as your strategic trade partner.

Our value-added services include:

•    Pre-export compliance audits

•    SGS inspection coordination

•    Electronic document management

•    Real-time shipment tracking

•    Assistance with import registration and product listing

Our goal is to help clients in the EU, GCC, and African markets import Iranian green cardamom without border delays or compliance risks.

8. Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them

Challenge   /  Risk  /   Solution by Tamila Agrifood

Missing or incorrect documentation    /   Delays & penalties   /   Full pre-shipment checklist & review

Non-compliance with residue levels   /   Shipment rejection    / Third-party lab testing & EU-standard compliance

Labeling or language errors   /   Fines & relabeling costs   /   Market-specific labeling (Arabic, English, French)

Customs valuation disputes   /   Extra costs    /   Transparent invoicing & tariff code classification

Conclusion

Whether you’re importing to Germany, Dubai, or Nairobi, success in the green cardamom trade depends on one thing above all, compliance and preparation.

By partnering with Tamila Agrifood, you ensure every shipment meets all regulatory, logistical, and documentation standards from farm to port.

Our expertise in customs clearance across the EU, Middle East, and Africa means your products arrive on time, fully compliant, and market-ready!

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

Phone / WhatsApp for Quotations:  +989141858935