Sri Lanka Sourcing Guide

Import Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka to China

What it takes to source Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka and bring it into China: tariff treatment, import requirements, shipping times and indicative pricing, with a free route to quotes from verified exporters.

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Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka
ProductCeylon CinnamonHS 0906
Indicative FOB$18–38 / kggrade-dependent
Tariff routeAPTA*see below
Sea transit~2–4 wksfrom Colombo

China is one of Sri Lanka’s largest export markets, taking US$261 million of goods in 2024 (UN Comtrade). Fresh Ceylon Cinnamon crop typically lands May–November (peeled year-round), see the harvest calendar.

Why source Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the home of true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), sweeter, lower in coumarin and far more prized than the cassia sold as “cinnamon” elsewhere. Over 80% of the world’s true cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka, graded by quill quality (Alba, C5 Special, C5) with full traceability to the estate.

Forms & grades: Quills (Alba / C5 Special / C5), quillings, and ground powder. Browse current listings on our Ceylon Cinnamon category page.

Duty & tariff treatment for China

Sri Lanka and China both belong to the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), which grants tariff concessions (a margin of preference) on a list of products. Not blanket duty-free, so confirm whether your HS line is covered. (A China–Sri Lanka FTA has been negotiated but is not yet in force.)

APTA preference requires an APTA Certificate of Origin for products on the concession schedule.

Always confirm the current rate. Tariffs and preference schemes change. Check your exact HS line in the China Customs (GACC), and estimate duty + freight + insurance together with our landed-cost calculator. We don’t publish line-item tariff figures because they move and depend on your precise product and origin proof.

Import requirements for China

Typical requirements for bringing Ceylon Cinnamon into China include:

  • GACC registration (China Customs) is mandatory for overseas food manufacturers/exporters before shipping food to China.
  • CIQ inspection on arrival, Chinese labeling, and product-specific protocols (e.g. for tea, spices).
  • A phytosanitary / health certificate for plant and food products.

Your exporter prepares the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin; see our export documents checklist for the full set.

Certificates this market asks for

Lists of Sri Lankan suppliers holding each one, taken from the scheme’s own public register. A certificate covers named products, so our Trade Desk confirms it covers your order.

Shipping & lead time from Colombo

Roughly 2–4 weeks by sea from Colombo to Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen; air freight a few days for samples. Most Ceylon Cinnamon moves FOB Kolombo or CIF China. Agree the Incoterm up front so responsibilities are clear. Estimate ocean freight and your landed cost with the freight & landed-cost calculator.

Indicative pricing

Ceylon Cinnamon is indicatively $18–38 / kg FOB, varying by grade, order volume, packaging and certification. Track current reference ranges on our Ceylon commodity prices page, then get a firm, current quote for your exact specification below.

Get quotes to import Ceylon Cinnamon into China

Tell us your grade, volume and destination. We’ll match you with verified Sri Lankan Ceylon Cinnamon exporters and get you firm FOB/CIF quotes, free, no obligation.

Request quotes →

Want to check quality first? Zamów próbkę. Or, for a Sri Lankan grocery store, see grocery wholesale.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka duty-free into China?

Sri Lanka and China both belong to the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), which grants tariff concessions (a margin of preference) on a list of products. Not blanket duty-free, so confirm whether your HS line is covered. (A China–Sri Lanka FTA has been negotiated but is not yet in force.) Confirm the exact rate for your HS line via the China Customs (GACC), or estimate your full landed cost with our landed-cost calculator.

What does Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka cost?

Indicatively $18–38 / kg FOB, depending on grade, volume and certification. See live ranges on our Ceylon commodity prices page, then request a firm quote.

How long does shipping from Colombo take?

Roughly 2–4 weeks by sea from Colombo to Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen; air freight a few days for samples.

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