Importing industrial garlic from Europe involves much more than finding a reliable supplier—it requires compliance with sanitary regulations, knowledge of logistical and customs requirements, and assurance that each batch meets international quality standards.
Whether your company is based in America, Asia, or the United Kingdom, understanding this process is key to safe, profitable, and smooth import operations.
This practical guide covers everything you need to know about importing garlic from Europe, with special attention to specific requirements in countries like Spain, one of the world’s largest garlic producers. From phytosanitary certificates to import licenses and logistics formats, we address each aspect with a practical and up-to-date approach.
At The Garlic Factory, we’ve been leading wholesale industrial garlic supply in Europe for over 100 years. We work exclusively with 100% Spanish raw materials and offer industry-adapted formats: garlic powder, garlic paste, garlic flakes, peeled garlic cloves, granulated garlic, garlic cubes, garlic extract, and black garlic—all with full traceability, available certifications, and guaranteed international delivery.
Why Import Industrial Garlic from Europe?
Europe—and Spain in particular—is one of the global benchmarks for industrial garlic production. Importing from this market ensures access to high-quality raw material, regulatory compliance, stable supply, and formats tailored to the demands of the global food industry.
Below, we review the main reasons why international importers choose Europe as a trusted source for their wholesale garlic purchases.
Benefits of Working with European Suppliers
European garlic suppliers operate under the strict food safety, traceability, and quality standards established by the European Union. This means the exported garlic has undergone rigorous controls at every stage of the value chain, minimizing health risks and ensuring a consistent and homogeneous product.
In addition, European exporters are used to working with demanding markets and can provide complete technical documentation, such as phytosanitary and origin certificates, residue analyses, and declarations of conformity. This simplifies the import process, particularly for markets like the U.S., the UK, Canada, Japan, or the UAE.
100% Spanish Garlic: Traceability and Safety Guarantee
Spain is the leading garlic producer in Europe and among the top globally. Its climate, agricultural tradition, and strict regulations ensure high-quality garlic free of contaminants and with full traceability.
Spanish garlic is especially valued for its flavor profile, low residue content, and adaptability to various industrial processes. Whether fresh, dried, frozen, or in liquid form, Spanish garlic is a safe and reliable choice in the global food industry.
The Garlic Factory: Over 100 Years Leading Wholesale Garlic Supply
At The Garlic Factory, we’ve been supplying wholesale garlic to customers worldwide for more than a century. We work exclusively with 100% Spanish raw materials and control the entire process—from field to packaging—to ensure maximum traceability and food safety.
We offer a wide range of industrial formats such as garlic powder, granulated garlic, garlic flakes, garlic paste, garlic cubes, garlic extract, peeled garlic cloves, and black garlic. We guarantee stable pricing, continuous stock, and all the technical certifications needed for export.
Our goal is to make the import process as easy as possible so that our international clients can operate with confidence, security, and full documentary support.
Documentation and Legal Requirements for Garlic Importation
In order to import industrial garlic from Europe legally and without interruption, it is essential to comply with a series of documentary requirements common to most international markets.
These documents not only guarantee regulatory compliance, but also facilitate the entry of the product through customs, minimise delays and ensure the traceability required by the health authorities.
Phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin
The phytosanitary certificate is mandatory for most importing countries and guarantees that the exported garlic is free of pests, diseases and prohibited residues. This document is issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country -in this case, Spain- and is usually required for fresh, peeled, frozen or minimally processed garlic.
The certificate of origin, on the other hand, accredits that the product has been grown and processed in a specific country. In the case of Spanish garlic, this certificate is key for accessing tariff benefits in bilateral trade agreements or for complying with specific regulations in certain destinations, such as the United States, Canada or the Gulf countries.
At The Garlic Factory, we provide both certificates along with our exports, ensuring that each shipment meets the technical and legal requirements of the destination country.
Import licences (A/B licence) and EORI number
In markets regulated by tariff quotas – such as the UK and some EU countries for imports from third countries – it is necessary to obtain an import licence type A or B. These licences are associated with annual quotas and guarantee that the importer will be able to access a reduced tariff or a certain volume of product. These licences are associated with annual quotas and guarantee that the importer will be able to access a reduced tariff or a certain volume of product.
In addition, every economic operator involved in a foreign trade operation within the EU must have an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). This number is essential for lodging customs declarations and tracking the movement of goods in the European system.
Although exporting from Spain to other EU countries does not require licences, licences are required for shipments to countries outside the EU. At The Garlic Factory, we usually work with importers who manage A/B licences and we provide the necessary documentation for each operation.
Customs declarations and CN code 0703 20 00
Every consignment of industrial garlic requires a detailed customs declaration, usually in the form of a Single Administrative Document (SAD or SAD, depending on the country). This document includes the CN code (Combined Nomenclature) for the product.
For fresh or chilled garlic, the standard tariff code is 0703 20 00, while for processed or dehydrated garlic other codes may apply depending on the format.
This code defines the type of product for the purposes of tariff classification, calculation of import taxes, and compliance with sanitary and technical regulations. Some countries also require the declaration of the customs value, the country of origin, the net/gross weight and the incoterm of the operation.
Our team at The Garlic Factory provides all the technical and logistical data necessary to correctly complete the customs documentation and facilitate the clearance of the product at destination.
Health and food quality regulations
Importing industrial garlic from Europe involves complying with rigorous food safety standards established by both the European Union and the destination countries. These standards not only guarantee the safety of the product, but are also a mandatory requirement at customs in order to release the goods.
Below, we explain the main sanitary aspects that affect industrial garlic in its different formats.
Residue limit for pesticides, heavy metals and PAHs
The European Union sets maximum residue levels for pesticide residues in agricultural products through Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. Garlic must comply with these levels to be exported or re-exported to countries with similar regulations, such as the USA, Japan or Canada.
There are also restrictions for contaminants such as heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), especially in dehydrated or thermally processed garlic. These substances are regulated by Regulation (EU) No. 2023/915, which sets maximum permitted limits in food intended for human consumption.
At The Garlic Factory, we carry out regular analytical checks and provide laboratory reports to ensure that all our formats – including garlic powder, garlic flakes, black garlic and garlic paste – comply with the parameters required by current legislation.
Microbiological controls and sterilisation requirements
Garlic products, especially in their dehydrated, peeled or frozen version, must comply with microbiological criteria that vary according to the importing country. Amongst the most controlled parameters are:
- Salmonella (absence in 25g)
- E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes.
- Mould and yeast counts.
In the case of dried or powdered garlic, some countries require additional treatment such as steam sterilisation or irradiation, depending on the perceived level of risk at the origin of the product.
The Garlic Factory has standardised sterilisation processes without chemical additives and can provide documentation certifying compliance with microbiological requirements for export to markets such as the USA, Canada, Australia or Asia.
Required certifications for dehydrated, fresh and frozen garlic
International garlic buyers usually require official certifications that accredit the quality, traceability and safety of imported garlic. Some of the most common are:
- GlobalG.A.P.: guarantees good agricultural practices in garlic cultivation.
- IFS or BRCGS: certifies safe production and handling processes at industrial level.
- ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000: food safety management systems.
- Organic certification (EU Organic, USDA Organic, etc.), especially for products such as organic peeled garlic cloves.
At The Garlic Factory we work with internationally recognised standards and offer technical data sheets, health certificates, laboratory analysis and complete documentation to guarantee unhindered importation into any market.
Logistical requirements and transport planning
Efficient import of industrial garlic depends not only on regulatory compliance, but also on proper logistical planning.
Choosing the right format, ensuring optimal preservation and working with a garlic supplier that guarantees availability and on-time deliveries are key factors to avoid disruptions in the supply chain.
Choice of appropriate format: powder, flakes, diced, peeled, extract or black garlic
Each industrial application requires a specific garlic format. Choosing the right one not only improves the quality of the final product, but also optimises transport and handling:
- Garlic powder and garlic granules: ideal for dry mixes, dehydrated sauces and products with long shelf life. High density and excellent logistical efficiency.
- Garlic flakes and garlic cubes: preferred in soups, ready meals and culinary mixes. They require protection from moisture during transport.
- Peeled garlic cloves and frozen garlic: recommended for fresh or chilled food manufacturers. They require a guaranteed cold chain.
- Garlic extract and garlic paste: versatile formats for sauces, marinades and gourmet products. They are transported in airtight containers or IBCs.
- Black garlic: value-added product with application in functional, gourmet and vegan foods. Requires adapted packaging to protect its texture and properties.
At The Garlic Factory we offer all these formats with technical specifications, industrial packaging and solutions adapted to each importer profile.
Packaging, preservation and traceability during shipment
The correct preservation of garlic during transport is essential to maintain its quality and avoid rejections at destination. Each format has different requirements:
- Dried garlic (powder, flakes, granules): must be transported in multilayer bags or boxes with anti-humidity protection, palletised and labelled with batch, date and origin.
- Peeled or frozen garlic: requires refrigerated or frozen transport at a controlled temperature, with cold chain records.
- Paste, extract or black garlic: sent in drums, industrial buckets or vacuum packs, always with full documentation and guaranteed traceability.
At The Garlic Factory, all shipments include batch identification, production date and traceability documentation in accordance with European standards. In addition, we use carriers specialised in agri-food products.
Estimated delivery times and stock availability
One of the main concerns of importers is the stability of supply. At The Garlic Factory, we guarantee continuous stock throughout the year thanks to production planning adjusted to international demand.
As for delivery times, these may vary depending on the country of destination, the format of the product and the agreed logistical conditions.
As a guideline:
- For shipments within the European Union, delivery times are usually between 5 and 10 working days.
- For exports outside the EU (America, UK, Middle East or Asia), shipments may take 2-4 weeks, depending on the mode of transport, required documentation and customs procedures.
We offer door-to-door service, full logistical coordination and documentary support to ensure that each import arrives on time, in optimum condition and with all the necessary certificates.
Specific considerations by country of destination
Although the general import principles are similar, each country or region has specific regulations that international buyers should be aware of before starting an operation.
The following are the main requirements for importing industrial garlic from Spain to three key destinations: the United States, the United Kingdom and countries in Asia and the Middle East..
Exporting garlic from Spain to the United States
To import garlic from Spain to the USA, the product must comply with the requirements established by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the USDA-APHIS (for fresh vegetable products).
The keys are:
- Registration of the exporter with the FDA (mandatory for processing plants).
- Phytosanitary certificate issued by the Spanish authority.
- Prior Notice filed with the FDA prior to shipment.
- Analysis of pesticide residues and control of microorganisms, especially in the case of dehydrated or powdered garlic.
- For fresh produce, entry is subject to review by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and may require quarantine.
At The Garlic Factory, we are familiar with these processes and provide the required documentation, including laboratory analysis and technical data sheets adapted to the US market.
Requirements for importing garlic into the United Kingdom
Since Brexit, the United Kingdom has been managing its own system for importing agricultural products, with important changes with respect to the EU model.
To import garlic from Spain, the following is required:
- Specific import licence if the products are within the tariff quota. The UK publishes ‘notice to traders’ every year with details of the quota and application deadlines.
- Mandatory phytosanitary certificate for fresh, peeled or frozen garlic.
- Importer registration and declaration in the UK customs system (CHIEF/CDS).
- Application of tariff code 0703 20 00, with tariffs that may vary if the allocated quota is exceeded.
At The Garlic Factory we are used to dealing with British importers and can assist in the preparation of documentation in accordance with DEFRA and HMRC requirements.
Import rules in Asia and the Middle East
Asian and Gulf countries have increased their sanitary and administrative requirements in recent years. Some key aspects to take into account:
- Halal certification, commonly required in countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates or Malaysia, especially for processed products (garlic paste, extract or black garlic).
- In China, South Korea and Japan, controls focus on pesticide residues, heavy metals and pathogenic micro-organisms. A health certificate and, in some cases, proof of sterilisation (steam sterilised garlic) is required.
- In many cases it is mandatory to present the Health Certificate, together with certificate of origin and physico-chemical analysis.
At The Garlic Factory, we regularly export to Asia and the Middle East. Our products comply with the technical standards required by each country and we can provide Halal certificates, laboratory analysis and full official documentation for each batch.
Conclusion: how to ensure efficient and risk-free garlic imports
Importing industrial garlic from Europe, and especially from Spain, is an excellent strategic decision for companies seeking quality, safety and regulatory compliance.
However, each market has its own technical, documentary and logistical requirements that must be managed with precision to avoid delays, penalties or blockages at customs.
Having an experienced supplier is key. At The Garlic Factory we have been a leading wholesale garlic supplier in Europe for over 100 years, working with 100% Spanish raw material and offering all the formats demanded by the industry: garlic powder, garlic flakes, garlic paste, garlic cubes, garlic granules, peeled garlic cloves, garlic extract and black garlic.
We offer continuous stock, stable prices, full traceability and all the necessary technical and sanitary documentation to export to any market in the world.
If your company is looking for a reliable garlic supplier to import this raw material from Europe, we are ready to accompany you every step of the way.