Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormConcentrated tomato paste (shelf-stable; canned or aseptic)
Industry PositionProcessed Food Product
Market
Tomato paste in Iraq is a staple processed cooking ingredient and the market is materially supplied through imports alongside limited domestic processing. Trade flows for processed/preserved tomatoes are captured in international merchandise trade statistics (HS 200290), and market access is shaped by importer-managed compliance and border clearance. Iraq’s Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) plays a key role in enforcing import standards and conformity procedures, including labeling/date-marking expectations for canned and preserved foods. Operationally, the category is shelf-stable but freight- and border-delay sensitive due to heavy packaging and low value density.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption staple; supply supplemented by imports
Risks
Geopolitical HighSecurity incidents, political volatility, and abrupt policy actions can disrupt border crossings and internal transport in Iraq, causing shipment delays, spoilage-risk for damaged packaging, or temporary inability to deliver to customers.Use diversified routing and contingency logistics plans, hold safety stock in-market, and contract with experienced local logistics and customs partners.
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliant labeling or date marking (e.g., missing/unclear country-of-origin, manufacture/expiry dates not permanently printed/embossed) can lead to detention, relabeling costs, or rejection for canned/preserved foods.Pre-approve Arabic/English label content with the importer; validate permanent date-coding method and legibility on each packaging level before production.
Logistics MediumFreight-rate volatility, trucking capacity constraints, and border congestion can materially increase landed cost and extend lead times for heavy, packaged tomato paste shipments.Lock freight where possible, build buffer time into delivery windows, and prioritize packaging that reduces damage and handling losses.
Food Safety MediumTomato paste quality/safety nonconformities (e.g., unacceptable mold count, off-flavor, excessive defects, or pH control failures) can trigger customer claims or enforcement action; buyers may benchmark against Codex concentrate specifications.Require batch COA aligned to buyer specs (soluble solids, pH, defect criteria) and maintain robust HACCP controls for concentration/sterilization and packaging integrity.
Documentation Gap MediumInvoice/packing list/COO discrepancies and HS-code misclassification can cause clearance delays and demurrage, especially when combined with conformity checks.Run a pre-shipment document audit against importer and customs broker checklists; ensure consistent product naming, pack sizes, and lot references across documents.
Sustainability- Water scarcity and irrigation constraints in Iraq can tighten domestic tomato supply and increase reliance on imports for tomato paste inputs.
Labor & Social- Anti-corruption and third-party due diligence risk (customs brokers, distributors, and clearance intermediaries) is a practical compliance theme for shipments into Iraq.
FAQ
What labeling and date-marking points are emphasized for canned tomato paste sold in Iraq?Official trade guidance for Iraq highlights clear country-of-origin marking and permanent manufacture and expiration date marking on canned and preserved foods, with COSQC identified as the body enforcing standards for imported products. In practice, Arabic labeling is a core expectation and should be confirmed with the Iraqi importer before shipment.
How does Codex distinguish tomato paste from tomato puree?Codex (CXS 57-1981) treats both as processed tomato concentrates and distinguishes them by natural total soluble solids: tomato puree is 7% to less than 24%, while tomato paste is at least 24% (measured on the product without added salt).
Which Iraqi organization is commonly referenced for enforcing standards on imported goods, including foods?Iraq’s Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC), under the Ministry of Planning, is commonly referenced as the enforcing body for standards and quality control on imported products, and it is also recognized internationally as Iraq’s national standards body.