Market
Licorice-root extract in China is supplied from licorice species recognized in formal standards (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza inflata, and Glycyrrhiza glabra) and is used across traditional Chinese medicine and food-ingredient applications. Production of licorice raw material is concentrated in arid and semi-arid northern/northwest regions (notably Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang), with both wild and cultivated origins documented. The export trade commonly aligns to HS 1302.12 (“of liquorice”), which frames customs classification in many destination markets. The most trade-disruptive risk for China-origin supply is forced-labor compliance exposure where Xinjiang-linked inputs can trigger detention or import prohibition in certain jurisdictions unless robust evidence and traceability are provided.
Market RoleProducer and exporter
Domestic RoleStrategic botanical input for traditional Chinese medicine (Gan Cao) and for food-ingredient use as a flavoring/sweetening extract
Risks
Forced Labor HighXinjiang-linked inputs in China-origin supply chains can trigger detention or import prohibition in jurisdictions with forced-labor enforcement (e.g., U.S. UFLPA) unless the importer can overcome a rebuttable presumption with extensive evidence; this can block shipments even when the finished product is processed outside the region if any input is linked.Implement end-to-end traceability to farm/province and all intermediaries; screen against high-risk entity lists where applicable; maintain auditable documentation packs (supplier mapping, purchase records, transport records, and test reports) ready for importer submissions.
Food Safety MediumBotanical extracts face elevated border and buyer scrutiny for contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, pesticide residues, microbial criteria) and non-compliance can lead to rejection, recalls, or delisting.Use risk-based incoming raw material controls, validated test plans aligned to destination limits, and third-party laboratory CoAs with clear batch traceability.
Quality MediumVariability in marker-compound content and species substitution/adulteration risk can lead to buyer non-conformance and contract disputes for standardized licorice extract.Contract on standardized specifications (marker-compound ranges, method references) and require authentication controls (botanical identification and fingerprinting) with retained samples.
Sustainability MediumWild licorice resource dynamics in arid regions create reputational and continuity risk if sourcing relies on unmanaged collection or cannot demonstrate responsible land and biodiversity stewardship.Prefer cultivated supply where feasible; document harvest controls and regeneration practices; maintain supplier declarations and third-party audits for responsible sourcing claims.
Sustainability- Wild-resource pressure and land stewardship risk in arid northern/northwest production zones; buyers may require evidence of cultivated vs. wild origin and responsible sourcing controls.
Labor & Social- Forced-labor due diligence and traceability risk for supply chains linked to Xinjiang; certain jurisdictions apply heightened enforcement and evidentiary burdens for Xinjiang-origin inputs.
- Supplier labor-management transparency and subcontractor mapping are frequently required for high-risk region screening.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- GMP (as applicable to botanical extract manufacturing)
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used to classify licorice-root extract in international trade?A common international classification anchor is HS 1302.12 (“of liquorice”) under the WCO Harmonized System; destination-market tariff lines may extend this to more detailed national codes.
Which licorice species are recognized in formal standards relevant to China-origin licorice materials?ISO 19025:2024 specifies licorice root and rhizome derived from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza inflata, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, which aligns with pharmacopoeial recognition discussed in peer-reviewed literature.
What is the single biggest trade-disruptive compliance risk for China-origin licorice extract?For certain jurisdictions, the biggest blocker is forced-labor enforcement exposure when any part of the supply chain is linked to Xinjiang; U.S. CBP’s UFLPA framework applies a rebuttable presumption and can detain or deny entry unless the importer provides extensive evidence.