Market
Lebanon’s coriander seed market is primarily supplied via imports; UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS reports 2023 imports for HS 090920 (Seeds of coriander) of USD 376.41 thousand and 220,932 kg. Imports were concentrated in the Syrian Arab Republic (USD 278.33 thousand; 163,731 kg) followed by India (USD 68.32 thousand; 41,524 kg), with smaller volumes from the Russian Federation and Bangladesh among others. This sourcing profile makes availability and landed costs sensitive to disruption in the Lebanon–Syria trade corridor and to Lebanon’s macro-financial and security conditions. Local spice manufacturers/packers exist in Lebanon, but country-level production data for coriander seed was not identified in the accessible sources used for this record.
Market RoleNet importer / import-dependent consumer market (imports recorded in UN Comtrade via WITS; domestic production not confirmed)
Domestic RoleHousehold and foodservice spice ingredient; also an input for local spice processing/packing (import-supplied).
Market GrowthMixed (2022–2023 trade snapshot)
SeasonalityMarket availability is generally year-round because coriander seed is a low-moisture, storable spice traded in dried form; seasonal effects mainly come through origin harvest timing and logistics rather than immediate perishability.
Risks
Macroeconomic HighLebanon’s fragile macro-financial environment and conflict-related shocks can disrupt import financing, payment reliability, and logistics, creating a material risk of shipment delays, non-payment disputes, or sudden demand contraction even for staple spice commodities.Use conservative payment terms (e.g., confirmed L/C where feasible, partial prepayment), USD invoicing where accepted, and credit insurance; keep shipments small and frequent to limit exposure.
Supply Concentration MediumUN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows heavy reliance on a single nearby origin: the Syrian Arab Republic supplied the majority of Lebanon’s recorded coriander seed imports in 2023, creating vulnerability to corridor disruption and regulatory/compliance friction tied to that trade route.Qualify multi-origin supply (e.g., India and other origins present in UN Comtrade data), maintain buffer inventory, and pre-agree substitution origins in contracts.
Food Safety MediumCoriander seed is a low-moisture spice but can carry microbiological hazards; CBI highlights Salmonella as a key risk for coriander seed in official food controls for the EU, and similar hazards can trigger buyer rejection or recalls in any market with testing.Require validated kill-step (e.g., steam/heat treatment where appropriate), supplier microbiological testing plans, and documented GMP/HACCP controls with batch-level COAs.
Documentation Gap MediumDocumentation mismatches (HS code, certificate set, labeling/traceability identifiers) can trigger customs delays and commercial disputes; LEBTRADE emphasizes correct HS coding on invoices and readiness of common certificates.Run pre-shipment document checks (invoice HS code, packing list weights, batch codes, and any required certificates) against importer/broker checklist before dispatch.
Logistics MediumFor imported spices, port/land-border throughput and regional instability can increase lead times and landed-cost volatility; World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor communications repeatedly flag conflict and regional instability as downside risks to economic activity.Build longer lead times, diversify routing (land vs sea) where feasible, and use safety stock for critical SKUs.
Sustainability- Pesticide residue stewardship and quality assurance to avoid non-compliance in official controls and buyer testing regimes (CBI highlights pesticide residues as a key compliance topic for coriander seed in the EU).
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS
- IFS
FAQ
Where does Lebanon source coriander seeds from?UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS shows Lebanon imported coriander seeds (HS 090920) mainly from the Syrian Arab Republic and India in 2023, with smaller volumes from countries including the Russian Federation and Bangladesh.
What is the HS code commonly used in trade statistics for coriander seed in Lebanon?UN Comtrade trade statistics accessed via WITS track coriander seed under HS 090920 (“Seeds of coriander”) for Lebanon.
What specification standard can be referenced when buying coriander seed (whole or ground)?ISO 2255:1996 provides a reference specification for coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in whole and ground (powdered) forms, including quality requirements and recommendations for storage and transport.
What is the biggest practical risk for coriander-seed trade into Lebanon?The biggest deal-breaker risk is Lebanon’s macro-financial and security fragility, which can disrupt import financing, payment reliability and logistics; this can affect shipments even when supply is available.