Market
Dried cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are a strategically important Indonesian tree-crop commodity with large domestic demand and an established export channel. Indonesia is widely reported as a leading global producer and is also a top exporter under HS 0907 (cloves). Domestic demand is strongly influenced by Indonesia’s clove-mixed cigarette (kretek) market, which can shape availability and pricing expectations versus export. Export trade typically ships whole dried buds, with buyer specifications emphasizing cleanliness, moisture control, and food-safety compliance in destination markets.
Market RoleMajor producer with large domestic industrial consumption; top exporter of HS 0907 cloves
Domestic RoleKey agricultural commodity with significant domestic industrial demand (kretek cigarettes) and culinary spice use
Risks
Food Safety HighMarket-access disruption risk exists from Cs-137 contamination controls affecting Indonesian spices: the U.S. FDA has used import alerts (detention without physical examination for listed firms) and implemented import certification requirements for spices from certain regions of Indonesia due to potential Cesium-137 contamination.Map and document region-of-origin and processing sites; implement routine radionuclide screening where relevant; maintain eligibility for destination-market import certification programs and be prepared to provide certifying-entity assurances when required.
Food Safety MediumSpices and herbs are frequently subject to border non-compliance findings related to pesticide residues and microbiological hazards (e.g., Salmonella), creating risk of detention, rejection, or intensified inspections for shipments.Apply residue-management and hygienic handling controls; use validated decontamination/kill-step strategies where appropriate; run pre-shipment testing aligned to buyer and destination-market requirements.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDocumentation or certificate expectations (e.g., phytosanitary certification when required by the destination, or buyer-mandated certificates of analysis) can vary by market and can trigger delays if mismatched to the importer’s entry filing.Use a destination-specific document checklist and pre-clear all fields (HS code, lot IDs, weights, origin statements); confirm with the importer whether a phytosanitary certificate is required for the specific product form (whole/ground) and end-use.
Market MediumLarge domestic demand associated with Indonesia’s kretek cigarette market can affect availability and price dynamics for dried cloves versus export in tight-supply periods.Contract with staggered shipment windows, maintain buffer inventory in destination markets where feasible, and diversify Indonesian sourcing across provinces and suppliers.
Labor & Social- ESG and public-health scrutiny can arise from cloves’ linkage to Indonesia’s kretek cigarette supply chain, even when the traded product is a culinary spice.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
- ISO 2254 (cloves specification) referenced in some buyer contracts
FAQ
Which HS codes are typically used for Indonesian dried cloves in trade documentation?Cloves are classified under HS 0907. Whole (neither crushed nor ground) cloves are commonly declared under HS 090710, while crushed or ground cloves fall under HS 090720.
What is the single biggest trade-stopping risk for Indonesian cloves in strict destination markets right now?Food-safety enforcement tied to Cesium-137 risk can block shipments: the U.S. FDA has used import alerts for specific firms and has required import certification for spices from certain regions of Indonesia, meaning shipments may be detained or refused entry without the required assurances.
What Indonesian clove varieties are commonly referenced in technical and academic sources?Commonly cited Indonesian clove variety references include Sikotok, Siputih, and Zanzibar, which are used in technical discussions and research comparisons.