Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormPickled (Shelf-stable)
Industry PositionProcessed Vegetable Product
Market
Pickled cucumber in Jordan is supplied by domestic pickles manufacturers (e.g., Al Durra with a factory in Ar Ramtha, Irbid; Dar Al Salam/Jo Pickle) and is also available through imported brands sold via retail and e-commerce channels. The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) is the competent authority supervising food safety, while the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) sets many mandatory standards (including labeling and additives) that are enforced at the border. Labels are scrutinized at entry, and non-conforming consignments may be rejected and then re-exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense. Prepared/mixed foods are commonly tested at the border, making documentation and formulation/label compliance a primary success factor for pickled cucumber shipments.
Market RoleDomestic processing and consumer market with imports
Domestic RoleRetail and foodservice condiment category supplied by local factories/brands and supplemented by imported packaged pickled cucumbers
Specification
Physical Attributes- Normal color characteristics typical of the variety/type of pack
- Reasonably firm and crisp texture; free from soft/flabby units
- Good flavor typical of the type of pack and seasoning
- Size uniformity expectations and defect tolerances (e.g., blemished, off-color, hollow centers) as per Codex quality criteria
Compositional Metrics- Acidulation/fermentation to pH 4.6 or less as a preservation control point (Codex standard context)
Packaging- Glass jars used for retail packs (e.g., Durra pickled cucumber in glass jar; multiple jar sizes)
- Plastic pails used for bulk/foodservice packs (e.g., mixed pickles in plastic pail)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Receiving and sorting cucumbers → washing → curing/fermentation or acidulation in brine/vinegar → filling into jars with packing medium and seasonings → container closure → pasteurization/heat treatment as applicable for shelf-stable packs → labeling (Arabic compliance) → ambient distribution to retail and foodservice
Temperature- Shelf-stable pickled cucumber is typically handled and distributed ambient; protect finished jars from excessive heat that can compromise closures and texture.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Jordan’s enforced food standards and border label scrutiny (Arabic label requirements; minimum particulars; additive restrictions for preserved foods) can result in shipment rejection, with re-export or destruction at the importer’s expense.Run a pre-shipment compliance gate: Arabic label artwork review against JSMO requirements, confirm additive/color compliance (including preserved-food restrictions noted for pickled preparations), and align importer document pack before loading.
Food Safety MediumImported foods can be subjected to risk-based inspection/testing and routine checks for chemical contaminants and additive compliance; JFDA enforcement actions indicate low tolerance for unsanitary/unlicensed production and non-conforming products.Require HACCP-based controls, provide certificates of analysis where available, and ensure the producing facility is licensed/traceable with documented sanitation and process controls.
Logistics MediumPickled cucumbers in glass jars are freight- and handling-sensitive (weight/bulk and breakage risk); freight rate volatility and disruptions can affect landed cost and service reliability for Jordan replenishment.Use robust secondary packaging/palletization and damage-claim terms, maintain safety stock for key SKUs, and consider sourcing mix (domestic/regional vs. long-haul) to reduce exposure.
Standards- HACCP (implemented/claimed by Jordan-based pickles producers as a food-safety system)
- ISO 22000 (claimed by some Jordanian manufacturers; verify with supplier certificates)
FAQ
What must appear on pickled cucumber labels for entry into Jordan?Jordan’s labeling requirements (set by JSMO and enforced at the border) require Arabic labeling, either printed or via an acceptable Arabic adhesive label. The label is expected to include at least the product name, manufacturer name and address, net weight, lot number, and a “best before”/“use before” date, and labels are scrutinized at border crossing points.
Are there additive or coloring restrictions that matter for pickled cucumbers in Jordan?Jordan’s food additive permissions are aligned largely with Codex and JSMO technical standards should be consulted to confirm permitted additives and limits. For preserved foods, USDA’s Jordan FAIRS report specifically notes that tartrazine (E102) is no longer permitted as a coloring in pickled preparations, so formulations and labels should avoid it and be checked before shipment.
Which documents are typically needed for customs declaration when importing pickled cucumbers into Jordan?USDA’s Jordan FAIRS report summarizes that customs declarations generally include a maritime or airway bill of lading, a commercial invoice (with Arabic product description) and required approvals/certifications as applicable, a notarized certificate of origin from the exporting country’s competent authority, and a value declaration form for shipments exceeding JOD 2,000. Importers should also be prepared for JFDA-related document review and potential testing/inspection for prepared foods at the border.