Market
Dried cloves are an imported culinary spice in Pakistan, traded under HS 0907 (whole and crushed/ground forms). UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Pakistan imported USD 6,217.29 thousand (CIF) and 1,558,200 kg of cloves (HS 090700) in 2023, indicating an import-dependent market. In 2023, Indonesia, Madagascar and Comoros were the largest recorded suppliers by value, with smaller shares from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and others. Imports of plant products require a Department of Plant Protection (DPP) import permit and a phytosanitary certificate, and consignments are cleared via inspection/sampling/treatment before a release order is issued.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and spice-processing market)
Domestic RoleImported spice ingredient for household cooking and domestic spice grinding/blending and food manufacturing.
SeasonalityMarket availability is generally year-round because dried cloves are shelf-stable and supply is driven by import arrivals rather than domestic harvest cycles.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighPakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) states that no import shall be done without a valid import permit, and release order issuance depends on a valid import permit, a phytosanitary certificate, and complete shipping/entry documentation; missing or inconsistent documents can block clearance or cause prolonged detention.Secure the DPP import permit before shipment, ensure the phytosanitary certificate matches the permit and shipping documents, and pre-check the DPP release-order document set (invoice, packing list, B/L, bill of entry, G.D., treatment certificate if applicable).
Supply Concentration MediumPakistan’s 2023 clove import supply was concentrated in a small set of origins (notably Indonesia, Madagascar and Comoros in UN Comtrade/WITS), creating exposure to origin-side crop shocks, policy changes, or shipping disruptions that can tighten availability and raise prices in Pakistan.Diversify approved origins/suppliers, use staggered procurement and safety stock, and consider multi-origin tendering for larger procurement programs.
Food Safety MediumIf cloves arrive with mustiness/mould, excessive foreign/extraneous matter, or out-of-spec moisture/volatile oil characteristics versus Codex CXS 344-2021, buyers may reject, discount, or require reconditioning, and regulatory scrutiny can increase if quality defects are detected during inspection/sampling.Require pre-shipment COA and (where feasible) independent testing aligned to Codex Annex I/II parameters (e.g., moisture, volatile oils, ash, foreign matter) and use moisture-barrier packaging.
Logistics MediumMoisture ingress during sea transit or port dwell time can degrade aroma and trigger mustiness/mould defects, reducing acceptance and shelf life in Pakistan’s distribution chain.Use container liners/desiccants, sealed inner liners, and humidity monitoring; minimize dwell time by pre-clearing documentation and booking timely inspection slots.
FAQ
Which documents are typically required to clear a shipment of dried cloves into Pakistan?Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) lists a valid DPP import permit and a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country as key requirements, along with standard shipping and customs documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and bill of entry. DPP also lists a Good Declaration (G.D.) and a treatment certificate if applicable as part of the release order document set.
What moisture limits are commonly referenced for whole vs ground cloves?Codex CXS 344-2021 sets maximum moisture content at 12% for whole cloves and 10% for ground/powdered cloves.
Who were Pakistan’s main supplier countries for cloves in 2023?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS tool shows Indonesia, Madagascar and Comoros as the largest recorded suppliers to Pakistan by import value in 2023, with smaller amounts from countries such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam.