Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDried
Industry PositionFood Ingredient (Culinary Herb/Spice)
Market
Dried thyme in China is primarily a culinary herb/spice used by foodservice, seasoning/blending manufacturers, and retail packaged-spice channels, with supply potentially sourced via imports and in-market repacking. Trade statistics at HS-6 level show China both imports and exports “Other spices, nes” (HS 091099), a category that can include thyme but is not thyme-exclusive. For imports into China, market entry and clearance risks concentrate on GACC overseas producer registration where applicable (CIFER), food-safety compliance (notably pesticide residues/contaminants), and Chinese labeling conformity for prepackaged formats. A key near-term compliance watchpoint is the transition to updated prepackaged food labeling standard GB 7718-2025, which is slated to enter into force on March 16, 2027.
Market RoleMixed market (importing and exporting trader) — thyme-specific net position not isolated from HS 091099 in this record
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption ingredient (foodservice/seasoning/retail spice) with partial reliance on imported supply (thyme-specific split not quantified here)
SeasonalityYear-round availability is feasible because the product is dried and can be stored; thyme-specific domestic harvest seasonality is not established in this record.
Specification
Primary VarietyCommon thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Physical Attributes- Aroma intensity typical of thyme; absence of musty/off-odors
- Color uniformity (green to green-brown typical for dried thyme) without visible mold
- Low foreign matter and controlled stem content; absence of insect infestation
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control to prevent caking/mold during storage and distribution (numeric limits buyer-specific; not verified here)
- Pesticide residue compliance to China and destination-market MRLs (thyme-specific analyte list buyer-driven; not enumerated here)
Grades- Whole leaf
- Rubbed (crushed leaf)
- Ground/powder
Packaging- Bulk food-grade, moisture-barrier inner liner in cartons/bags for B2B supply
- Retail jars/pouches/sachets with Chinese labeling for consumer sale
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin drying/cleaning/sieving → bulk packing → ocean freight to China port → customs/CIQ inspection and labeling check (as applicable) → importer warehouse → repacking/blending (if sold as retail prepack) → distribution to retail/foodservice
Temperature- Ambient transport is typical; quality protection focuses on keeping product dry and away from heat/light that accelerates aroma loss
Atmosphere Control- Moisture- and oxygen-barrier packaging reduces aroma loss and mold risk in humid seasons/regions
Shelf Life- Shelf life is driven by moisture pickup, oxidation/aroma loss, and infestation risk; warehouse humidity control and packaging integrity are key
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMarket access can be blocked if the shipment falls under product categories requiring GACC overseas producer registration (Decree 248) and the overseas facility is not properly registered/listed in CIFER or required registration-number marking is missing.Confirm CIFER product-category requirements for the specific thyme form (whole/rubbed/ground; prepackaged vs bulk), verify facility registration status/number before contracting, and ensure packaging carries required registration identifiers where applicable.
Food Safety MediumNon-compliance with pesticide residue limits and other food-safety criteria can trigger customs holds, destruction/return, or buyer recalls; dried herbs/spices are routinely scrutinized for residues and cleanliness.Implement pre-shipment testing against China-relevant standards and buyer specs; operate an audited HACCP plan covering drying, foreign-matter control, pest control, and sanitation.
Labeling MediumPrepackaged thyme can face clearance delays or noncompliance findings if Chinese labeling is incomplete/incorrect or not aligned with China’s mandatory labeling standards (including the GB 7718 update timeline).Run a China-label compliance review (Chinese name, ingredient list, net content, origin, importer/distributor info, dates/shelf life, storage, and any required registration/license identifiers) and maintain version control for the GB 7718-2025 transition.
Logistics LowMoisture ingress during ocean freight and warehousing (especially in humid seasons/regions) can cause caking, mold risk, and aroma loss, reducing acceptability for retail and seasoning-manufacturer use.Use validated moisture-barrier packaging with desiccant where appropriate, specify dry-container handling, and maintain humidity-controlled storage with FIFO stock rotation.
Labor & Social- No widely documented product-specific labor controversy (e.g., forced labor) uniquely associated with dried thyme in China was identified for this record; buyer due diligence is typically handled via supplier audits and traceability controls rather than a known thyme-specific watchlist.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
- BRCGS (where required by retailer programs)
FAQ
Does a dried thyme exporter need GACC/CIFER registration to sell into China?China’s Decree 248 framework requires registration/management of overseas producers for certain imported food categories, and CIFER is the official registration/listing system. Whether dried thyme requires facility registration depends on how it is categorized (and whether it is treated as a covered condiment/seasoning category for the specific form), so the importer should confirm the exact category in CIFER before shipment.
What is a common “deal-breaker” compliance mistake for importing prepackaged dried thyme into China?Labeling noncompliance is frequently cited as a major cause of import noncompliance reports, and prepackaged foods sold in China must meet Chinese labeling requirements. For thyme sold as a prepackaged retail item, mismatches between the Chinese label and the original label content, missing mandatory fields, or failing to align with the GB 7718 transition timeline can lead to delays or rejection.
When do China’s updated prepackaged food labeling rules (GB 7718-2025) take effect?Public trade and regulator-facing summaries note a transition period and state that GB 7718-2025 is scheduled to enter into force on March 16, 2027. Importers and brands should plan label updates ahead of that date for any China-market prepackaged thyme SKUs.