Market
Green tea in Jordan is primarily an import-dependent consumer market supplied through international tea trade flows rather than domestic cultivation. Trade is commonly captured under HS 090210 (green tea in immediate packings ≤3 kg) and HS 090220 (other green tea, typically bulk), indicating both retail-ready imports and bulk supply that can support local repacking/blending. UN Comtrade-based trade splits show green tea is a small segment relative to Jordan’s overall tea (HS 0902) imports, which are concentrated among a limited set of supplier origins. Market access and continuity are shaped by sea-logistics exposure through Jordan’s Port of Aqaba and by border controls focused on labeling and food safety oversight by Jordanian competent authorities.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market reliant on imported green tea in retail packs and bulk formats; limited role for domestic primary production
Market Growth
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports; supply continuity depends on shipping schedules and border clearance.
Risks
Logistics HighRed Sea navigation crises and related rerouting/surcharges can materially disrupt lead times and raise landed costs for Jordan-bound cargo moving via the Port of Aqaba, creating availability shocks for import-dependent products such as tea.Use diversified forwarders and routing options, negotiate contingency space/priority clauses, and hold higher safety stock for retail programs during periods of elevated Red Sea risk.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliant or ambiguous Arabic labeling/marking under JSMO requirements can trigger delays or shipment rejection at entry.Pre-approve Arabic labels with the importer against JSMO expectations (product name, manufacturer details, net weight, lot number, best-before), and align label content with shipping documents.
Food Safety MediumFood shipments may be inspected and tested at the border; if technical requirements are not met or the product is deemed unfit, authorities can remove it from distribution and destroy it.Implement pre-shipment QC and maintain documentation packs (COA where applicable, traceable lotting, compliant labeling) to reduce non-compliance findings.
Sustainability- Climate and yield variability in origin countries can transmit price and availability volatility into Jordan’s import-dependent market.
- Packaging waste and recyclability expectations may emerge in retail programs, especially for small consumer packings.
Labor & Social- Tea supply chains in some origin countries have documented child labor or forced/bonded labor risks; importers may face due-diligence and reputational exposure depending on sourcing origin and supplier controls.
- Supplier social-compliance screening (including recruitment-fee and debt-bondage risks where applicable) is relevant for long-term procurement programs.
FAQ
Which HS codes are commonly used for green tea imports into Jordan?Green tea imports are commonly captured under HS 090210 (green tea in immediate packings not exceeding 3 kg) and HS 090220 (other green tea, typically bulk formats).
What labeling language is required for imported tea sold in Jordan?Jordan’s standards authority (JSMO) requires imported products to have labels in Arabic or an Arabic stick-on label. General label elements include the product name, manufacturer details, net weight, lot number, and best-before date, and shipments can be rejected if labeling is ambiguous.
What documents are commonly needed to ship tea to Jordan for import clearance?Common documentation includes a commercial invoice, an airway bill or bill of lading, and a packing list. A certificate of origin is a common practice and may be requested by Jordan Customs in some cases, and the customs declaration is filed electronically by an authorized forwarding agent in Jordan.
What is the main near-term logistics risk for supplying imported green tea into Jordan?Regional Red Sea navigation disruptions can increase shipping costs and cause delays for cargo moving to Jordan via the Port of Aqaba, creating lead-time and landed-cost volatility for import-dependent products such as tea.