Walk into any kitchen in Karachi or Dhaka when the biryani is on and you can smell half our product list: cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, a little nutmeg and mace, fresh ginger in the masala. Pakistan and Bangladesh grow very little of these themselves, so almost all of it is imported. Indonesia is one of the natural places to buy from. Here is where our spices fit, and what we would sort out before a first order.
Where Indonesia fits
Cloves. Whole cloves go into biryani, pulao, korma, garam masala and kahwa, and they are bought all year with a peak before Ramadan and Eid. Indonesia is the world’s largest clove grower. Our clove buying guide explains how lots are graded, including headed and headless buds, and what to write into the contract.
Cinnamon. The thick, sweet, reddish bark sold as dalchini in many South Asian markets is often cassia, and Indonesian cassia (Cinnamomum burmannii) is one of the main kinds. It is bold enough for biryani and garam masala and suits grinders well. Our cinnamon guide compares it with Ceylon cinnamon.
Cardamom, with a caution. South Asian cooking uses two cardamoms: small green cardamom (elaichi) and large black cardamom (badi elaichi). Indonesia exports neither of those. Our cardamom is Java cardamom, Amomum compactum: round, creamy white and cooler in taste. It is not a replacement for green elaichi in sweets or tea. It can work in masala blends, extraction and products where a cardamom note matters more than the exact flavour. Please read our Java vs green cardamom guide and ask for a sample before you decide.
Ginger. Both countries use a lot of ginger, fresh and dried. We supply elephant ginger as fresh rhizomes or dried slices. Our ginger guide explains the difference and how fresh ginger travels.
Nutmeg and mace. Smaller volumes, but essential in garam masala, nihari and shahi dishes. Indonesian nutmeg is sold in grades AB, ABCD, SS and BWP; our nutmeg guide explains them simply.
Duty and the certificate of origin
Pakistan and Indonesia have a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Under it, some goods of Indonesian origin can enter Pakistan at a reduced duty when they come with the correct certificate of origin. Whether your spice is covered, and at what rate, depends on the tariff line and the current schedule, so please ask your customs broker to check the HS code before you calculate landed cost. If you need the preferential certificate, tell us at the inquiry stage so it is issued with the shipping documents.
Bangladesh does not have a bilateral trade agreement with Indonesia that we can point you to with confidence. Duty, import permits and any testing on arrival should be confirmed with your customs broker or clearing agent.
Documents and food safety
The documents usually asked for are a commercial invoice and packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate and a Certificate of Analysis. Some importers or authorities ask for more. Tell us early which documents your importer or authority requires and we will confirm what we can arrange.
Food safety rules for spices, such as limits for moisture, aflatoxin and pesticide residues, are set by the authorities in each country and do change. Confirm the current numbers with your broker, and we will agree them in the contract and check the lot against them before it leaves Surabaya.
Practical points for a first order
- Ask for a sample, especially of Java cardamom and cinnamon, so your buyers can judge the look and taste.
- Agree the specification in writing: moisture, foreign matter, and for cloves the share of headless buds you will accept.
- Plan around Ramadan. Demand rises sharply before it. Order early enough to allow for preparation, documents and the sea voyage.
- Book your freight. We sell FOB Surabaya. Your forwarder books the vessel from Tanjung Perak to Karachi, Port Qasim or Chittagong. Our FOB vs CIF guide explains who pays for what.
We are a young company, and we would rather earn your trust with a good sample and straight answers than with big claims. See our products, our wholesale page, or send us your requirements.
