Market
Dried cloves in Peru is an import-dependent spice market, supplied primarily through commercial imports rather than domestic production. UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS portal shows Peru imported about USD 6.05 million (about 689 t) of HS 090700 cloves in 2023, with Indonesia and Madagascar among the leading suppliers. Demand is largely culinary (household and foodservice), with cloves traded as whole buds and as ground product through spice importers, wholesalers, and retail channels. Market-access outcomes are highly sensitive to SENASA phytosanitary import permitting and documentary compliance prior to shipment.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleCulinary spice used in household cooking and foodservice; mainly distributed via importers, wholesalers, and retail spice channels
SeasonalityYear-round availability via imports; no domestic harvest season of commercial relevance identified for this product in Peru.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFailure to obtain SENASA’s Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI) prior to shipment, or phytosanitary document mismatch against SENASA-approved requirements, can block clearance and trigger detention or rejection at entry.Confirm SENASA’s approved import requirements for cloves for the specific origin, obtain the PFI before the cargo is shipped, and pre-verify that the phytosanitary certificate and shipping documents match the permit conditions.
Food Safety MediumDried spices can carry mycotoxins and microbial hazards; inadequate drying, storage humidity, or poor hygiene controls can lead to non-compliance findings and market withdrawal risk.Use suppliers applying Codex-recommended good practices for spices (GAP/GMP/GSP), maintain moisture control through the chain, and use risk-based testing for mycotoxins/microbiology aligned to buyer and regulator expectations.
Quality MediumNon-conformance to local quality expectations for cloves (e.g., contamination/filth, weak aroma/low essential-oil content) can lead to commercial rejection or the need for rework/regrading.Specify purchase specs referencing recognized standards (e.g., ISO cloves specification and/or Peru NTP references), and require pre-shipment quality COA including essential oil and cleanliness checks where applicable.
Supply Concentration LowPeru’s supply is import-reliant and exposed to origin-side supply shocks and price volatility from major clove-exporting countries.Dual-source across origins and maintain safety stock for key retail/industrial programs.
FAQ
Which HS subheadings differentiate whole cloves from ground cloves for trade classification?HS 090710 covers cloves neither crushed nor ground (whole), while HS 090720 covers cloves crushed or ground.
What are the key SENASA documents/processes to import cloves (a plant product) into Peru?SENASA requires the importer to obtain a Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI) before the shipment is dispatched, and the shipment may need to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s phytosanitary authority, followed by SENASA inspection at entry.
Is there a Peru-specific quality reference for cloves used as a spice ingredient?Yes. INACAL references the Peruvian technical standard NTP 209.127 for clove (clavo de olor), including a minimum essential oil content requirement (15%) and expectations that the cloves are clean and free of contaminants.