Market
Cardamom pods in the United States are an import-dependent spice market, supplied mainly through foreign-origin shipments cleared under FDA and CBP import controls. UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS portal reports U.S. imports of HS 090830 (cardamoms) in 2023 at about USD 17.37 million and 1,469,770 kg, with Guatemala and India as the top suppliers by value. Market-access risk is driven more by food-safety and compliance screening (e.g., Salmonella/filth concerns in spices) than by tariffs. FDA emphasizes preventive controls for imported foods through requirements such as Prior Notice and FSVP importer verification, and may apply detention without physical examination when recurring violations are identified under relevant import alerts.
Market RoleNet importer and consumer market
Domestic RoleEnd-market for imported cardamom used by food manufacturers, spice blenders/packers, and retail/foodservice channels.
SeasonalityYear-round availability is typical because the product is traded as a dried spice and supplied via imports rather than a domestic harvest season.
Risks
Food Safety HighPathogens and filth are identified by FDA as systemic concerns in spices consumed in the United States, and cardamom pods can face detention or refusal risk if shipments appear adulterated (including under FDA Import Alert 99-19 for Salmonella), which can block or severely delay entry.Use an FSVP-aligned supplier program (hazard analysis, supplier performance evaluation, verification activities), require validated pathogen-reduction controls where appropriate, and maintain lot-level traceability and testing documentation.
Regulatory Compliance MediumInaccurate or missing FDA Prior Notice and/or food facility registration mismatches (where registration is required) can result in holds, detentions, or refusal actions at the port of entry for imported foods such as dried spices.Run pre-shipment compliance checks (Prior Notice data, correct facility registration identifiers where applicable, complete entry docs) and coordinate timing with broker/carrier to meet mode-specific Prior Notice deadlines.
Chemical Contaminants MediumPesticide residue violations (no-tolerance or over-tolerance) can trigger regulatory action, including detention and DWPE recommendations under FDA pesticide-related import alerts; EPA tolerances apply to imported foods as well as domestic foods.Implement supplier pesticide control programs, verify compliance against EPA tolerances, and use risk-based residue monitoring/testing for high-risk origins or lots.
Food Fraud MediumSpices can be vulnerable to adulteration risks (including illegal or undeclared colors in foods), and FDA may use detention without physical examination under relevant import alerts (e.g., Import Alert 45-02 for illegal/undeclared colors) when warranted by violation history.Use supplier qualification and authenticity controls appropriate to the product form (whole pods vs. ground), and verify additive/color compliance through specifications and targeted testing where risk is elevated.
Supply Chain MediumU.S. cardamom import supply is concentrated in a small number of origin countries (notably Guatemala and India in 2023 UN Comtrade/WITS data), increasing exposure to origin-side disruptions and tighter availability.Diversify qualified origin sourcing where feasible, use forward planning/contracting, and hold safety stock for critical programs.
FAQ
What are the key U.S. FDA requirements to import cardamom pods as a food?FDA requires Prior Notice for imported foods, and most facilities that manufacture/process/pack/hold food for U.S. consumption (including most foreign facilities) must be registered with FDA. In addition, the U.S. importer is generally responsible for having an FSVP that verifies the foreign supplier is producing the food in a way that meets applicable U.S. safety requirements.
What is the main deal-breaker food-safety risk for importing cardamom pods into the United States?Microbial and contamination risks common to dried spices are a major blocker. FDA has identified pathogens such as Salmonella and filth as systemic issues in spices, and shipments that appear adulterated due to Salmonella can be detained without physical examination under FDA Import Alert 99-19, creating severe delays or refusal risk.
Which tariff classifications are typically used for cardamom pods, and what is the general duty rate?Whole cardamom pods are typically classified under HTS 0908.31 (neither crushed nor ground), while ground cardamom is under HTS 0908.32 (crushed or ground). An official USITC HTS change document lists the general duty rate as Free for both subheadings (always confirm the current HTS and any origin-based additional duties).
Which countries are the main suppliers of cardamom to the U.S. market?UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS portal reports that in 2023 the top U.S. import suppliers for HS 090830 (cardamoms) included Guatemala and India, with smaller amounts from countries such as Honduras, Jordan, and China.