Cloves Export

What It Is and What Export of It Is

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are aromatic flower buds harvested from the clove tree. Known for their intense fragrance and spicy-sweet flavor, cloves are a vital spice in global trade. They are used in culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

Export of cloves involves harvesting, drying, sorting, grading, and packaging the buds in compliance with international standards before shipping them to import destinations.

Uses of Cloves

• Food & Culinary:

  • Spice for curries, marinades, baked goods, and beverages.

  • Essential in spice blends like garam masala, curry powder, and mulled wine mixes.

• Pharmaceutical & Health:

  • Clove oil contains eugenol, used in dental care, antiseptics, and pain relief.

  • Natural remedy for digestion and coughs.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care:

  • Used in perfumes, soaps, and toothpaste.

• Industrial:

  • Extraction of clove oil for pharmaceuticals and flavorings.

Forms Available for Export

• Whole Cloves

• Ground Cloves (Powder)

• Clove Oil

Export Specifications

• Moisture Content: 10–12% max

• Foreign Matter: ≤ 2%

• Eugenol Content (Oil Yield): 15–20% (for cloves), 70–85% (for clove oil)

• Size: Uniform, well-formed, full buds preferred

• Color: Dark brown, free from mold/discoloration

• Packaging:

  • Whole/Powder: 25–50kg polypropylene/jute bags, food-grade pouches

  • Clove Oil: Sealed containers or drums (5L, 25L, 200L)

Packaging for Export

• Whole Cloves: Packed in strong PP/jute bags lined with polythene.

• Powdered Cloves: Packed in food-grade foil pouches, cartons, or bags to preserve aroma.

• Clove Oil: Exported in sealed aluminum containers or HDPE drums.

• Labels should include:

  • Product name (whole/powder/oil)

  • Net weight

  • Batch/lot number

  • Origin

  • HS code

HS Code

• 0907.11 – Whole cloves (not ground)

• 0907.20 – Ground cloves

• 3301.29 – Clove oil

Major Importing Countries

• Europe: UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy

• Asia: India, Pakistan, Indonesia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China

• North America: USA, Canada

• Africa: Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

Export Value & Market Demand

• Global clove market projected to exceed USD 6 billion by 2030.

• Demand driven by pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

• Whole cloves are highly demanded in India and the Middle East for culinary use.

• Clove oil has growing demand in Europe and the USA for dental and pharmaceutical applications.

Tip for Exporters: To succeed in the clove export business, ensure compliance with phytosanitary standards and maintain uniform quality. Buyers prefer hand-picked, clean, and well-graded cloves with a high eugenol content.