Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder (Dried/Dehydrated)
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Ingredient
Market
Onion powder typically trades under HS 071220 (dried onions, including powder), and Denmark functions primarily as an import-dependent ingredient market within the EU single market. In 2023, Denmark imported HS 071220 “dried onions” valued at about USD 4.98 million (1,343,060 kg), with Spain, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and Belgium among the largest suppliers by value. This import pattern indicates reliance on both intra-EU supply chains and selected third-country origins for dried onion products used as seasonings and food-manufacturing inputs. Retail seasoning products labeled as 100% onion powder are also marketed in Denmark, supporting year-round end-use demand in home cooking and foodservice.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient market (net importer within the EU single market)
Domestic RoleUsed primarily as a dry seasoning and as an ingredient input for Danish food manufacturing and foodservice; supply is largely import-sourced.
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by storage-stable product form and continuous import supply.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Dried, powdered onion used as a seasoning/ingredient; moisture control is a key practical requirement in Danish retail handling to avoid caking and quality loss.
Packaging- Tightly sealed packaging suitable for dry, ambient storage; when sold prepacked to consumers in Denmark, mandatory food information must follow Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin-country dehydration and milling → bulk packing → transport to EU/Denmark → importer/warehouse dry storage → use as ingredient in Danish manufacturing or retail packing/distribution
Temperature- Typically stored in a dry place at room temperature and out of direct sunlight; keeping packaging tightly sealed supports shelf-life stability in Denmark’s retail channel.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life performance is highly dependent on preventing moisture ingress (caking risk); resealing and dry storage are standard practical controls.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighA single non-compliant consignment (e.g., pesticide residues above EU MRLs or contaminants above EU maximum levels) can be detained, rejected, or trigger withdrawals, disrupting Denmark-bound supply of onion powder and creating high financial and reputational exposure for importers and downstream Danish food manufacturers.Implement supplier approval and COA/lot testing aligned to EU MRL (Reg. 396/2005) and contaminant limits (Reg. 2023/915); maintain robust traceability and rapid recall capability per Reg. 178/2002.
Food Safety MediumLow-moisture seasoning ingredients can still pose microbiological risk if produced or handled under poor hygiene; microbiological non-conformities can lead to enforcement actions and customer delisting in the Danish/EU market.Require HACCP-based controls and verification testing consistent with EU hygiene and microbiological criteria frameworks (Reg. 852/2004; Reg. 2073/2005) and buyer audit expectations.
Logistics MediumThird-country supply lanes (e.g., India-origin dried onion products) face shipping schedule and freight-rate volatility, which can cause delivery delays and cost swings for Denmark importers compared with intra-EU sourcing.Maintain dual sourcing (EU + third-country), hold safety stock for critical SKUs, and contract freight with flexibility for peak-season disruptions.
Standards- BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety (GFSI-recognised)
- FSSC 22000 (GFSI-recognised)
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used to classify onion powder in trade statistics for Denmark?Onion powder is commonly captured under HS 071220, which covers dried onions “whole, cut, sliced, broken or in powder” (not further prepared).
Where did Denmark source most of its HS 071220 (dried onions, including powder) imports from in 2023?In 2023, Denmark’s largest HS 071220 suppliers by import value were Spain, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and Belgium (based on UN Comtrade data via WITS).
What are the main EU compliance areas an importer should check when placing onion powder on the Danish market?Key checks include EU food law and traceability (Reg. 178/2002), hygiene/HACCP (Reg. 852/2004), pesticide MRL compliance (Reg. 396/2005), contaminant limits (Reg. 2023/915), and correct consumer food information/labelling when sold prepacked (Reg. 1169/2011), with official controls governed by Reg. 2017/625.