Market
Dried cloves (HS 0907) in Lebanon function as an import-dependent spice market rather than a domestic production market. UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) for 2023 indicate Madagascar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania as key supplying origins for Lebanon’s clove imports. The product is typically traded as whole dried buds (and sometimes stems) for downstream retail packing, foodservice use, and food manufacturing seasoning applications. Import clearance relies on standard Lebanese customs documentation and may require additional plant-origin or conformity paperwork depending on shipment requirements.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent spice market)
Domestic RoleCulinary spice and seasoning input supplied primarily via imports; distributed through wholesale and retail spice channels
Risks
Financial And Payment HighLebanon’s ongoing banking-sector and credit-intermediation constraints elevate trade-finance and payment risk for imports, which can delay settlement, documentation completion, or release of goods even when physical logistics are functioning.Use risk-tight payment terms (e.g., confirmed LC via a reputable non-local bank, escrow, or insured advance payment), and ensure customs-required proof-of-payment and contract documentation are prepared and consistent.
Labor And Social MediumTanzania-origin cloves carry elevated reputational and compliance risk due to reported child labor concerns cited by ILAB; this matters for Lebanon importers when Tanzania is used as a supply origin.Apply origin-level due diligence (supplier audits, third-party verification, and documented traceability to farm/collector level where feasible), and consider switching origin or requiring corrective-action evidence for high-risk suppliers.
Food Safety MediumSpices are vulnerable to contamination if drying, storage, grinding, or blending are poorly controlled; non-conforming lots can face importer rejection or hold/delay pending testing and hygiene verification.Require supplier hygiene controls aligned to Codex guidance for spices, plus lot-specific COA/testing appropriate to buyer and regulator expectations (e.g., microbiological status, foreign matter, residue where relevant).
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport clearance delays can result from document gaps or mismatches (e.g., origin not stated, missing certificate of origin where needed, or missing product-category certificates such as phytosanitary or conformity documents).Run a pre-shipment document checklist against Lebanese customs and any applicable ministry/standard requirements; keep invoice, packing list, BL, COA/certificates, and HS classification consistent.
Labor & Social- If sourcing Tanzania-origin cloves, child labor risk has been flagged by the U.S. Department of Labor (ILAB) in its List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor; Tanzania is also one of Lebanon’s recorded supplier origins in recent UN Comtrade data.
FAQ
Which countries are the main suppliers of cloves to Lebanon in recent trade data?UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) for 2023 show Lebanon sourcing cloves mainly from Madagascar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
What import documents are commonly needed to clear a cloves shipment into Lebanon?Common requirements include a customs declaration (SAD framework), bill of lading, packing list, original commercial invoice, and (where needed) a certificate of origin. Depending on the shipment and product requirements, additional documents such as phytosanitary or conformity certificates may also be required.
Are there notable labor-risk considerations in clove sourcing relevant to Lebanon imports?Yes. The U.S. Department of Labor (ILAB) lists Tanzania-origin cloves as associated with child labor risk, and Tanzania appears as one of Lebanon’s clove supplier origins in recent UN Comtrade data; importers often address this with enhanced supplier due diligence and traceability.