Market
Pakistan cultivates turmeric (Curcuma longa), with Punjab identified as a major contributor and cultivation also documented in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The country participates in two-way trade in HS 091030: UN Comtrade data via WITS shows exports in 2024 of about USD 0.45 million (mainly to Saudi Arabia) and imports in 2023 of about USD 0.54 million (notably from Ethiopia and Vietnam). Dried turmeric is traded as whole/fingers, pieces, or ground powder, and quality specifications commonly reference Codex limits for moisture, ash, and minimum curcuminoids content. The most critical market-access risk is food-safety non-compliance, especially lead contamination consistent with lead chromate adulteration reported in turmeric samples collected in Pakistan markets.
Market RoleTwo-way trader (both importer and exporter) with domestic cultivation
Domestic RoleWidely used culinary spice and food ingredient; traded through domestic wholesale/retail markets and supplied to local spice grinders/packers
SeasonalityProduction is seasonal, but the dried form supports year-round market availability in domestic channels and export programs when stored correctly.
Risks
Food Safety HighLead contamination consistent with lead chromate adulteration has been reported in turmeric samples collected from Pakistan markets (including Karachi and Peshawar), creating a deal-breaker risk of import rejection, recalls, and severe health liability for Pakistan-origin dried turmeric and powders.Implement supplier qualification and food-fraud controls; require accredited lab testing for lead (and chromium ratio screening where relevant) by lot; strengthen chain-of-custody and avoid informal grinding/repacking without controls.
Food Safety MediumSpices are a recognized high-risk category for Salmonella contamination in international trade; shipments offered for import can face detention and intensified testing when contamination is suspected.Use validated pathogen reduction steps (e.g., steam treatment/irradiation where accepted), enforce GMPs across drying/handling, and run microbiological testing aligned to buyer requirements.
Regulatory Compliance MediumExport clearance delays or rejection can occur if DPP phytosanitary certification steps or required documents (e.g., destination import permit/requirements, traceability certificate where required) are incomplete or inconsistent.Align shipment documentation to DPP and destination-market requirements before stuffing; use PSW-enabled workflows and pre-shipment document checks against importer SOPs.
Quality MediumNon-conformance with Codex quality parameters for dried turmeric (e.g., moisture limits, ash/acid-insoluble ash, physical cleanliness) and poor storage (humidity/infestation) can trigger buyer claims, downgrades, or rejection.Control drying to Codex moisture limits, use clean storage and pest control, and verify key parameters (moisture/ash/foreign matter) per contract specs before export.
Labor & Social- Food fraud and consumer safety: a peer-reviewed 2024 study reported evidence consistent with lead chromate adulteration in turmeric sampled across South Asia, including samples collected from markets in Pakistan (Karachi and Peshawar), creating serious health and brand-liability exposure for buyers.
FAQ
Is Pakistan mainly an importer or exporter of dried turmeric?Both. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal reports Pakistan exported about USD 0.45 million of HS 091030 (turmeric) in 2024 and imported about USD 0.54 million in 2023, indicating a two-way trade position rather than a purely export- or import-dependent market.
Which documents are commonly required to export dried turmeric from Pakistan?Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) export procedure for plant and plant products centers on obtaining a phytosanitary certificate, supported by documents such as a commercial invoice and packing list, plus the importing country’s import permit or official requirements notification where applicable. DPP also lists traceability documentation for high-risk commodities and treatment certificates when treatments are required.
What is the single biggest compliance risk for Pakistan-origin dried turmeric in international trade?Lead contamination linked to food fraud is the most critical risk. A 2024 peer-reviewed study reported evidence consistent with lead chromate adulteration in turmeric samples collected in Pakistan markets (including Karachi and Peshawar), which can trigger import rejection and severe health and reputational liabilities.