How to Import Garlic – Regulations, Duties & Procedures by Country

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Country-by-Country Garlic Import Regulations

Importing garlic involves navigating different regulatory frameworks, phytosanitary requirements, and tariff structures for each target market. This guide covers the essential requirements for major garlic-importing countries and regions, updated for the current trade year.

Essential Export Documents (All Destinations)

Every international garlic shipment from China requires these core documents:

  • Phytosanitary Certificate — Issued by China Customs (GACC), confirms pest/disease-free status
  • Certificate of Origin — Verifies the garlic is produced in China (Form E for ASEAN, Form F for Chile, Form A for GSP countries)
  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List — Detailed product description, HS codes, quantities, values
  • Bill of Lading — Shipping document issued by the carrier
  • Fumigation Certificate — Required by certain countries (Australia, New Zealand, some EU states)

European Union

Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) System

The EU operates a TRQ system for garlic imports. In-quota imports benefit from reduced duty rates; out-of-quota volumes face significantly higher tariffs. The quota year runs June 1 to May 31, aligned with the garlic harvest cycle.

HS Code Product In-Quota Duty Out-of-Quota Duty
0703.20.00 Fresh/chilled garlic 9.6% + €120/ton 9.6% + €1,200/ton

Key Compliance Requirements

  • Pesticide MRLs: Strict Maximum Residue Levels under EU Regulation 396/2005 — our garlic is tested against 400+ active substances
  • Contaminants: Heavy metal limits (cadmium ≤0.05 mg/kg, lead ≤0.10 mg/kg) per EC 1881/2006
  • Food Contact Packaging: Must comply with EU Regulation 1935/2004
  • Traceability: One-step-back, one-step-forward traceability per EC 178/2002
  • Certifications Expected: GLOBALG.A.P., BRC or IFS for retail channels

United States

FDA & FSMA Requirements

  • FDA Facility Registration: Foreign supplier must register with US FDA (biennial renewal)
  • Prior Notice: Electronic submission to FDA before shipment arrival (no later than 2 hours before arrival by truck, 4 hours by air, 8 hours by sea)
  • FSVP: US importer must maintain a Foreign Supplier Verification Program per FSMA
  • Detention Without Physical Examination (DWPE): Garlic is subject to FDA import alert monitoring for pesticide residues

USDA APHIS Inspection

Fresh garlic (HS 0703.20.0010) is inspected by APHIS on arrival for pests including garlic leaf miner, bulb mites, and nematodes. Proper fumigation and phytosanitary documentation significantly reduce inspection delays.

Additional Duties

Check current Section 301 tariffs — Chinese garlic may be subject to additional duties beyond the base MFN rate. Contact your customs broker for the latest HTS classification and duty rates.

Middle East & GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain)

  • HALAL Certification: Mandatory for all food imports — we provide accredited HALAL certificates
  • GSO Standards: Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO 1016/2015) microbiological limits apply
  • Arabic Labeling: Product name, country of origin, production/expiry dates, net weight, and storage instructions must appear in Arabic
  • SASO (Saudi Arabia): Additional Certificate of Conformity through the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization
  • UAE: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) import permit required

Southeast Asia

Indonesia

  • Import permit (SPI) from Ministry of Agriculture — quota-based, renewal required
  • Mandatory pre-shipment inspection by KSO Succofindo-approved surveyor
  • Labeling in Bahasa Indonesia (product name, weight, expiry, importer details)
  • Food safety registration with BPOM

Thailand

  • Import license from Ministry of Commerce, Department of Foreign Trade
  • Thai FDA food product registration
  • Thai-language labeling per FDA Notification No. 367

Vietnam

  • Food safety registration with Ministry of Health (VFA)
  • Vietnamese labeling, phytosanitary inspection at port of entry
  • Certificate of Free Sale may be requested

Africa

Nigeria

  • SONCAP: Standards Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program — mandatory for all food imports
  • NAFDAC: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration registration
  • Pre-shipment inspection certificate from an approved inspection agent

South Africa

  • Import permit from Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
  • NRCS compliance (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications)
  • Strict phytosanitary inspection — allium rust (Puccinia allii) is a regulated pest

Latin America

Brazil

  • ANVISA food registration
  • MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) import authorization
  • Portuguese labeling required

Mexico

  • SENASICA phytosanitary import requirements
  • COFEPRIS food safety registration
  • Spanish labeling per NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010

How We Support Your Import Process

At Jinxiang Garlic, we handle export documentation for every shipment:

  • Phytosanitary Certificate issued by GACC (China Customs)
  • Certificate of Origin (standard, Form E, Form A, Form F as applicable)
  • GLOBALG.A.P., ISO 22000, HACCP, HALAL certificates
  • Fumigation Certificate when required
  • Pre-shipment inspection coordination with SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek
  • Complete lab test reports for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiology

Contact our export documentation team for country-specific requirements or to request sample certificates for your customs broker review.