Market
Dried cloves (HS 090700) in Colombia function primarily as an import-dependent spice market rather than a production or export base. In 2023, Colombia imported cloves valued at about USD 1.42 million, with Indonesia, Brazil, and Madagascar among the main supplying origins. Colombia’s recorded exports of HS 0907 cloves were zero in ITC Trade Map’s DIAN/UN Comtrade-derived series (2020–2024). Market access and continuity therefore hinge on import compliance (ICA/INVIMA) and supply availability from overseas origins.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent spice market)
Domestic RoleCulinary spice ingredient for retail and food manufacturing; supply relies on imports
Risks
Phytosanitary HighIf ICA determines a DRFI (import phytosanitary requirements document) is required for the specific clove presentation/origin, missing or invalid DRFI and supporting phytosanitary documentation can block clearance; ICA also notes it may annul DRFI validity in response to quarantine pest developments in the exporting country.Before contracting and shipping, confirm in ICA SISPAP whether DRFI applies to the exact HS/product form and origin; align exporter’s phytosanitary certificate wording to the ICA requirements and keep documents consistent (no amendments).
Food Safety HighMycotoxin contamination risk in spices can trigger non-compliance actions and commercial rejection; Codex provides a specific code of practice for prevention and reduction of mycotoxins in spices, and cloves under Codex standards are expected to comply with Codex contaminant limits frameworks.Implement supplier approvals and incoming-lot testing/COAs focused on mycotoxins and relevant contaminants; require documented GAP/GMP/GSP controls aligned to Codex guidance for spices.
Logistics MediumMoisture ingress during ocean transport and storage can degrade dried cloves (mould, off-odours, quality loss), increasing rejection risk and write-offs in Colombia’s import distribution chain.Use moisture-barrier packaging and desiccant/liner practices as appropriate; enforce dry warehouse storage and rapid inspection upon arrival to segregate any compromised lots.
Supply Concentration MediumColombia’s 2023 import supply is concentrated in a small set of origin countries (e.g., Indonesia, Brazil, Madagascar), so origin-specific disruptions can tighten availability and increase landed costs.Dual-source across at least two origin countries and contract for staggered shipments to reduce single-origin disruption exposure.
FAQ
Which countries supplied most of Colombia’s clove imports in 2023?In 2023, Colombia’s recorded HS 090700 clove imports were supplied mainly by Indonesia, Brazil, and Madagascar, based on WITS (UN Comtrade) partner breakdown.
Does Colombia require a phytosanitary permit or certificate for imported dried cloves?ICA states that plant products must meet phytosanitary import requirements unless exempt due to processing, and that ICA can determine whether a DRFI is required; when required, ICA also references a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin as part of the entry inspection documentation. Importers should confirm DRFI applicability for the specific clove form and origin in ICA’s SISPAP system before shipping.
Is Colombia a significant exporter of dried cloves (HS 0907)?ITC Trade Map’s series for Colombia shows zero recorded export values for HS 0907 cloves across recent years (2020–2024), indicating no significant export role in that dataset.