Market
Licorice-root powder in Great Britain (GB) is primarily an import-dependent botanical ingredient used in food and drink formulations and in herbal-product supply chains. Trade classification commonly aligns with HS 1211.10 “Liquorice roots … whether or not cut, crushed or powdered”, but importers should confirm the exact GB commodity code and measures in the UK Trade Tariff tool for their specific product presentation. Market access risk is shaped by GB plant health controls for plants and plant products, where phytosanitary requirements depend on the goods’ risk category under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). Downstream compliance is also material because GB labelling rules require specific “contains liquorice” statements (and, at higher thresholds, a hypertension warning) for certain foods and drinks containing glycyrrhizinic acid or liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Dried herbs/spices supply chains (including roots and powders) carry recognized microbiological and authenticity/adulteration risks, so importer due diligence typically emphasizes hygiene controls, authenticity checks, and traceability documentation.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer and downstream manufacturing market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDownstream manufacturing and consumer market for liquorice-flavoured foods/drinks and botanical ingredient applications; primary agricultural supply largely imported
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighGB plant health controls for plants and plant products can require a phytosanitary certificate and (for high/medium risk A) IPAFFS pre-notification; misclassification of the product’s risk category or missing plant health documentation can trigger border delays, holds, or refusal of entry.Before contracting, use Defra’s plant health information services to confirm the BTOM risk category for the exact plant product format and origin; build the required phytosanitary certificate and (if applicable) IPAFFS/CHED-PP pre-notification steps into the shipment SOP and broker checklist.
Regulatory Compliance MediumIf licorice-root powder is used in downstream GB foods/drinks at levels triggering glycyrrhizinic-acid liquorice statements, missing or incorrect mandatory “contains liquorice”/hypertension warning text can cause non-compliance, withdrawals, or relabelling cost.For intended uses in confectionery or beverages, validate formulation and (where relevant) glycyrrhizinic-acid concentration against GB labelling thresholds and run label compliance review before first commercial sale.
Food Safety MediumDried herbs/spices (including roots and powders) have recognized microbiological hazards (notably Salmonella and spore-formers) and have been linked to outbreaks; powders used in ready-to-eat applications can elevate consumer-risk exposure if not controlled.Require supplier HACCP-based food safety controls, specify microbiological criteria in the purchase specification, and apply risk-based verification (e.g., COAs, targeted testing, and validated decontamination/kill-step evidence where applicable).
Traceability MediumGround/powdered herbs and spices have documented risks of adulteration (substitution, fillers, non-authorised dyes, mislabelling of species/origin), and these risks are harder to detect visually once crushed or mixed.Implement an authenticity vulnerability assessment and verification plan (identity/species checks, targeted adulterant screening, supplier approval/audits, and chain-of-custody documentation) proportionate to the sourcing risk profile.
Consumer Health MediumGlycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) from liquorice can cause serious adverse effects (including blood-pressure and electrolyte impacts) in high or prolonged intakes, increasing sensitivity concerns for certain consumer groups and raising the importance of accurate ingredient communication and responsible use levels.Ensure accurate ingredient declaration and apply the required GB liquorice labelling statements where thresholds apply; consider customer-facing guidance for high-liquorice products and conduct due diligence on glycyrrhizin content where relevant to product positioning.
FAQ
Do you normally need a health certificate to import licorice-root powder (a herb/spice-type product) into Great Britain?For herbs and spices, UK Food Standards Agency guidance says you do not normally need a health certificate to import them into GB, but you still must meet GB food hygiene and safety standards and check whether any specific restrictions apply.
When is a phytosanitary certificate required for importing plant products into Great Britain under BTOM?Defra’s BTOM risk categorisation guidance says high risk and medium risk A goods require a phytosanitary certificate and IPAFFS pre-notification (CHED-PP), medium risk B requires a phytosanitary certificate but not pre-notification, and low risk requires neither.
What liquorice warning statements can be triggered on GB labels for confectionery or drinks containing liquorice-derived ingredients?GOV.UK labelling guidance says that for specified confectionery or drinks containing glycyrrhizinic acid (or its ammonium salt) or the liquorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra), labels may need to state “contains liquorice”, and at higher concentrations the statement “contains liquorice – people suffering from hypertension should avoid excessive consumption” is required.