Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried (whole pods, seeds, or ground)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient (Spice)
Raw Material
Market
Cardamom in Kenya is primarily an import-supplied spice market rather than a significant domestic production crop. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Kenya as a net importer in 2023, with imports (~9,111 kg; ~US$16.28k) exceeding exports (~837 kg; ~US$6.80k). Reported supplying origins to Kenya in 2023 include the United Arab Emirates and Guatemala, consistent with the role of regional re-export hubs. Imports of plant products face documentary and inspection controls managed by KEPHIS, making phytosanitary compliance a key determinant of clearance outcomes.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market) with small, irregular exports/re-exports
Domestic RoleCulinary spice ingredient in household and foodservice demand, mainly supplied via imports
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Specification
Primary VarietySmall/green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Physical Attributes- Characteristic odour/flavour/colour; free from foreign odour/flavour (e.g., rancidity, mustiness) per Codex CXS 357-2024 quality factors
- Conformance to Codex-defined physical defect limits (e.g., foreign matter/extraneous matter tolerances) is a common specification anchor for export/import trade
Compositional Metrics- Codex CXS 357-2024 Annex I lists chemical characteristics including maximum moisture levels (e.g., 13% max for whole/seeds; 11% max for powdered seeds) and minimum volatile oil on dry basis (e.g., 3.5 ml/100 g min for whole and seeds).
Grades- Style-based commercial classification commonly differentiates whole unopened pods vs opened pods vs seeds vs ground forms (Codex CXS 357-2024).
Packaging- Moisture-protective packaging to prevent mustiness and quality loss; ground forms commonly require anticaking controls consistent with Codex GSFA allowances referenced by CXS 357-2024.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Exporter/supplier → international freight (sea/air) → Kenya entry point → customs clearance → KEPHIS phytosanitary inspection/document verification (as applicable) → importer/wholesaler distribution → retail/foodservice
Temperature- Ambient transport is typical, but strict moisture control is critical for low-moisture spices to prevent mustiness and mould risks (Codex texts referenced by CXS 357-2024).
Shelf Life- Quality and keeping-life are highly sensitive to moisture ingress and aroma loss; handling should prioritize dry storage and sealed packaging.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFor plant products entering Kenya, KEPHIS describes strict plant import controls including a Plant Import Permit and Phytosanitary Certificate (where applicable); shipments without correct authority/documents may be denied entry and destroyed or re-shipped at the owner’s cost, creating a direct trade-blocking risk.Obtain the correct KEPHIS Plant Import Permit in advance (and share permit conditions with the exporter), ensure the consignment is accompanied by the required Phytosanitary Certificate, and pre-validate document consistency before shipment.
Food Safety MediumCodex CXS 357-2024 links cardamom compliance to broader Codex contaminants/mycotoxin and pesticide-residue texts, and KEPHIS inspection notes include MRL compliance and moisture/quality checks; non-compliance can trigger delays, testing, rejection, or commercial disputes.Require supplier COAs aligned to Codex parameters (moisture/volatile oil where relevant) and implement moisture-control, residue-monitoring, and hygienic handling plans for low-moisture spices.
Market LowKenya’s cardamom market is import-dependent with small volumes; buyers can face price and availability volatility driven by global supply and intermediary hub dynamics.Diversify approved origins/suppliers and contract with quality/spec-defined tolerances to reduce substitution and spot-market exposure.
FAQ
Is Kenya a net importer or exporter of cardamom?Kenya is a net importer based on UN Comtrade data (via the World Bank WITS interface): in 2023, reported imports of cardamom were about 9,111 kg (about US$16.28k) while reported exports were about 837 kg (about US$6.80k).
Which HS codes are typically used for cardamom trade relevant to Kenya?Cardamom is covered under HS heading 0908 (nutmeg, mace and cardamoms). The HS 2017 breakdown includes 090831 for cardamoms neither crushed nor ground and 090832 for cardamoms crushed or ground.
What phytosanitary documents are typically required to import cardamom into Kenya?KEPHIS describes imports of plant/plant products as requiring a KEPHIS Plant Import Permit (where applicable) and that consignments should be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate from the exporting country’s competent authority; missing or incorrect documents can result in denial of entry and destruction or re-shipment.