Sri Lanka Sourcing Guide

Import Cardamom from Sri Lanka to China

What it takes to source Cardamom 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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Cardamom from Sri Lanka
ProdutoCardamomoHS 0908.31
Indicative FOB$50–80 / 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 Cardamom crop typically lands October–February, see the harvest calendar.

Why source Cardamom from Sri Lanka

Ceylon cardamom (true cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum) is grown in Sri Lanka’s cool central highlands and prized for its aroma and bold green pods. Available whole or ground, conventional or organic.

Forms & grades: Green pods (bold / AGEB grades), whole or ground; conventional or organic. Browse current listings on our Cardamom 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 Cardamom 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 Cardamom moves FOB Colombo 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

Cardamom is indicatively $50–80 / 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 Cardamom into China

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

Request quotes →

Want to check quality first? Encomendar uma amostra. Or, for a Sri Lankan grocery store, see grocery wholesale.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cardamom 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 Cardamom from Sri Lanka cost?

Indicatively $50–80 / 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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