Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood ingredient (starch thickener/binder)
Market
Cassava starch (manioc starch) in Sri Lanka is primarily an import-supplied food ingredient market when viewed through HS 110814 trade flows. UN Comtrade-based data (via World Bank WITS) shows Sri Lanka imported about USD 0.889 million (1,401,540 kg) of cassava starch in 2023, mainly from Thailand and Indonesia, while exports were much smaller at about USD 59.7 thousand (154,034 kg). Sri Lanka does cultivate cassava and the Department of Agriculture has released multiple cassava varieties, but the HS 110814 net import position suggests domestic starch supply is limited versus demand. Packaged cassava/tapioca starch is also present in retail channels in Sri Lanka for baking/cooking uses.
Market RoleNet importer (imports exceed exports for HS 110814)
Domestic RoleFood ingredient for domestic processing and household cooking; domestic cassava cultivation provides upstream raw material potential
SeasonalityCassava cultivation can be carried out year-round in Sri Lanka under a range of agro-ecological conditions; cassava starch availability in the market is therefore largely year-round via imports and any local processing.
Specification
Packaging- Retail packs of tapioca/cassava starch are sold in Sri Lanka (e.g., 500 g packs in online retail listings).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas supplier (often Thailand/Indonesia for HS 110814) → ocean freight → Sri Lanka border food import controls → importer/wholesaler → food manufacturers and/or retail distribution
Temperature- Dry ambient storage and moisture control are important for powdered starch during warehousing and distribution.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Sri Lanka’s packaged food labeling regime can block or delay market entry and sale for imported cassava starch; the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations (2022) are effective January 1, 2024 and include requirements such as tri-lingual common naming and importer/country-of-origin declarations.Conduct a pre-shipment label compliance review against Sri Lanka’s Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations (2022) and align artwork with importer-side regulatory checks before printing/packing.
Supply Concentration MediumSri Lanka’s cassava starch imports (HS 110814) are concentrated in a few supplier countries (notably Thailand and Indonesia in 2023), so disruption in those origins can tighten availability and raise prices.Qualify alternative origins (e.g., Vietnam/India where feasible) and maintain safety stocks for critical industrial users.
Border Inspection MediumSri Lanka’s Food Control Administration Unit applies a risk-based import control mechanism for foods and may conduct inspection/sampling, which can extend clearance timeframes for imported cassava starch depending on category and documentation.Align documentation and product specs with the importer’s FCAU checklist and plan lead times for possible sampling holds.
Logistics MediumAs a bulk dry imported ingredient typically moved by sea, cassava starch availability and landed cost can be sensitive to ocean freight volatility and port delays.Use staggered purchase schedules, diversify shipping lines/routes where possible, and contract buffer time in production planning.
FAQ
Which countries supply most of Sri Lanka’s cassava starch imports?In 2023 trade data for HS 110814 (cassava/manioc starch), Sri Lanka’s main import origins were Thailand and Indonesia, with smaller volumes from Vietnam and India.
What HS code is commonly used to classify cassava starch in trade statistics?Cassava (manioc) starch is commonly classified under HS 110814 in the HS 2017 nomenclature.
What is the key labeling compliance risk for imported cassava starch in Sri Lanka?Sri Lanka’s Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations (2022) become effective on January 1, 2024 and set packaged food labeling requirements; imported products must include country of origin and importer name/address, and common names must appear in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.