Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDried (Flakes)
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Ingredient
Market
Dried onion flakes in South Korea function primarily as a shelf-stable food ingredient market that is materially import-dependent. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) for HS 071220 (dried onions) shows South Korea imported about USD 4,437.63 thousand and 1,507,090 kg in 2023, with China and the United States as the largest suppliers. Market access is shaped by imported food safety controls under the MFDS framework and standard customs clearance via Korea Customs Service (UNI-PASS). Depending on the APQA plant quarantine classification for the specific shipment, phytosanitary documentation and quarantine inspection can be a critical clearance requirement.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient market (net importer)
Domestic RoleIngredient used by food manufacturers, seasoning/blend producers, and foodservice; imported supply is significant relative to recorded exports for HS 071220
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by shelf-stable imports and inventory-based supply.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Flake cut/size uniformity and low broken content
- Color and absence of scorching/browning
- Low foreign-matter presence (e.g., stones, metal, plant debris)
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control to prevent caking and quality loss
- Typical buyer focus on rehydration performance and flavor strength (specification-driven)
Grades- Buyer-defined grades (industrial/bulk vs retail-grade) driven by flake size, cleanliness, and sensory profile
Packaging- Bulk moisture-barrier lined bags/cartons for B2B ingredient trade
- Retail pouches/jars designed to reduce moisture uptake after opening
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas dehydration/packing → ocean freight → Korean port arrival → customs (UNI-PASS) + imported food controls → importer warehouse → ingredient distributors/food manufacturers/retail
Temperature- Ambient transport is typical; keep dry and avoid heat exposure that can accelerate aroma loss
Atmosphere Control- Humidity control is critical to prevent moisture uptake, caking, and mold risk during storage and distribution
Shelf Life- Shelf stability is primarily moisture- and packaging-dependent; quality deteriorates if packaging integrity is compromised
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with South Korea’s imported food safety requirements (e.g., contaminant, hygiene, labeling, or inspection findings) can lead to border delays, rejection/disposal, or downstream recall actions that effectively block shipments.Align specifications and documentation to MFDS requirements; implement supplier approval, pre-shipment testing/COA routines, and lot-level traceability to support inspections and corrective actions.
Regulatory Compliance MediumIf APQA plant quarantine requirements apply to the specific dried onion flake shipment, missing or non-conforming phytosanitary documentation can trigger clearance delays, treatment, return, or disposal.Confirm APQA import conditions for the exact product form and origin before shipping; ensure the phytosanitary certificate (when required) matches shipment details and any prescribed treatments are completed.
Supply Concentration MediumUN Comtrade/WITS indicates South Korea’s HS 071220 import supply is concentrated in a small number of origin countries (notably China and the United States), creating exposure to origin-specific crop, policy, or compliance shocks.Maintain qualified alternate origins/suppliers and safety stock policies for critical manufacturing inputs.
Logistics MediumOcean freight disruption and port congestion can delay deliveries and increase landed costs for imported dried onion ingredients, especially when manufacturers operate on tight production schedules.Use forecast-based ordering, buffer inventory, and diversified routing/forwarders for key SKUs.
FAQ
Is South Korea primarily an importer or exporter of dried onions (including dried onion flakes)?South Korea is primarily a net importer for HS 071220 (dried onions): UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows imports of about USD 4,437.63 thousand and 1,507,090 kg in 2023, while recorded exports for the same HS code are comparatively small.
Which countries are the main suppliers of dried onions to South Korea under HS 071220?UN Comtrade/WITS lists China and the United States as the top suppliers of South Korea’s HS 071220 (dried onions) imports in 2023.
What are the key clearance systems and regulators relevant to importing dried onion flakes into South Korea?Customs clearance is handled through the Korea Customs Service import declaration process via UNI-PASS, while imported food safety requirements fall under the MFDS framework. For plant/plant-product quarantine conditions (including phytosanitary certificate requirements where applicable), APQA plant quarantine rules are a key reference.