Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormExtract (liquid/paste/powder)
Industry PositionBotanical extract used as a flavor ingredient
Market
Licorice root extract in the Netherlands is primarily an imported botanical ingredient supplied to food and beverage manufacturers, with the Netherlands also functioning as an EU distribution and re-export hub. Regulatory compliance is a defining feature of the market because glycyrrhizinic acid in liquorice triggers specific EU labeling statements in certain confectionery and beverage applications. Rotterdam’s logistics ecosystem supports bulk import, warehousing, and onward distribution across the EU. Trade statistics for HS/CN liquorice extract indicate the Netherlands participates on both the import and export side, consistent with a hub role.
Market RoleImporter and EU distribution/re-export hub; domestic consumer market downstream (notably liquorice confectionery)
Domestic RoleB2B ingredient input for Dutch and EU confectionery and beverage manufacturing; downstream domestic consumption includes traditional liquorice products
Risks
Food Safety HighEU/NL enforcement on botanical ingredients (including pesticide residues and contaminants) can result in border rejection, forced withdrawal/recall, and rapid notification through RASFF if licorice extract is non-compliant with EU limits or documentation is inconsistent with product reality.Implement a documented supplier-approval program; require accredited-lab testing against EU MRL/contaminant requirements per lot; maintain EU-compliant specs/CoA; monitor RASFF trends and any temporary increased-control listings relevant to the shipment’s origin and product scope.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDownstream products containing licorice can trigger specific EU labeling statements tied to glycyrrhizinic acid thresholds (including hypertension-related warnings at higher levels); formulation and labeling misalignment can cause enforcement or recall risk.Quantify glycyrrhizinic acid contribution from the extract in finished products and validate label statements and thresholds under EU food information rules during product development and pre-market review.
Fraud MediumBotanical and 'herbs/spices'-adjacent supply chains are recognized as vulnerable to adulteration and specification manipulation, which can affect authenticity and compliance in EU markets.Use authenticity screening (fit-for-purpose analytical methods), tighten incoming QC against agreed specs, and buy from suppliers with transparent sourcing and third-party certification where feasible.
Sustainability MediumWhere licorice root inputs are wild-harvested, unsustainable collection can threaten supply continuity and create ESG scrutiny for EU buyers.Prefer suppliers aligned with recognized sustainable wild-collection standards and require documented harvest management and chain-of-custody evidence.
Logistics MediumSea-freight disruption and congestion affecting Rotterdam-bound cargo can extend lead times and increase landed costs; while the extract is typically non-perishable, manufacturing schedules can still be disrupted.Maintain safety stock for key SKUs, use dual sourcing and forward contracts where appropriate, and plan buffer lead times for ocean shipments through Rotterdam.
Sustainability- Wild-collection sustainability risk in upstream licorice root supply chains (where applicable), increasing the value of verified sustainable wild-collection programs and transparent chain-of-custody.
Labor & Social- Upstream wild-collection supply chains can involve informal labor and weak documentation; buyer due diligence and supplier auditability are important for EU-facing supply into the Netherlands.
Standards- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
- IFS Food
FAQ
What EU labeling warning can be required for foods and drinks containing licorice (glycyrrhizinic acid)?EU food information rules include specific mandatory statements for confectionery and beverages when glycyrrhizinic acid (or its ammonium salt) exceeds defined thresholds—such as declaring “contains liquorice” and, at higher levels, adding a warning for people with hypertension to avoid excessive consumption.
What is the common HS/CN classification reference for liquorice extract used in trade into the Netherlands?A common trade classification anchor for liquorice extract is HS/CN 1302.12 (often shown as 13021200 in the EU Combined Nomenclature), which covers liquorice extract as a vegetable sap/extract and is distinct from confectionery preparations.
If a consignment is subject to official controls when entering the EU via the Netherlands, what system is used for prior notification?For consignments that are subject to official controls at a Dutch border control post, prior notification is done by submitting an electronic Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to the NVWA using the NVWA’s required national systems, with registration in TRACES.