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Cinnamon IMPORT Requirements: A US & EU Compliance Guide for Importers

Cinnamon cassia Vietnam

To export cinnamon to the US and EU, importers must ensure FDA facility registration (US), Prior Notice submission, phytosanitary certification, and batch-specific Certificates of Analysis covering moisture, coumarin, aflatoxins, and pesticide residues. EU imports additionally require strict compliance with coumarin limits and full traceability under EC 178/2002.

The Complete Guide to US & EU Cinnamon Export Requirements for Importers

For importers, sourcing premium Vietnamese cinnamon involves more than quality and price—it demands navigating complex food safety regulations to prevent costly delays, rejections, or legal issues. Compliance isn’t bureaucratic; it’s a core component of supply chain reliability.

This guide details the specific export requirements for cassia cinnamon entering the United States and European Union, providing importers with the checklist needed to verify suppliers and ensure seamless market entry.

1. Why Compliance is a Critical Sourcing Filter

Cinnamon is regulated as a food product and plant commodity. Non-compliance doesn’t just cause delays—it can result in port detention, destruction of goods, financial loss, and even blacklisting of suppliers. For buyers, partnering with an export-ready supplier is the most effective risk mitigation strategy, transforming compliance from a hurdle into a competitive advantage.

2. US cinnamon export requirements: FDA & Customs Requirements

Importing cinnamon into the US requires adherence to regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

For US imports, compliance centers on FDA registration, shipment notification, and accurate labeling — not product pre-approval.

Requirement Description The Que Vietnam's Compliance Action FDA Food Facility Registration "The foreign processing facility must be registered with the FDA. " "Our processing facilities are FDA-registered, and we provide the registration number for your records." Prior Notice Submission "Must be filed electronically for each shipment at least 4-12 hours before US arrival. " We handle the Prior Notice submission as part of our export documentation service. Labeling & Traceability "Shipments must be clearly labeled with accurate product description, weight, and shipper/consignee details." We ensure all labels meet FDA standards and include full traceability back to the harvest lot. Documentation Package Requires a complete set of commercial and transport documents. "We provide the full dossier: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and Certificate of Origin. "

Key US Focus: The FDA prioritizes preventative controls for food safety. While no specific approval is needed for cinnamon itself, the agency can detain shipments if they appear adulterated, misbranded, or from an unregistered facility.

3. EU cinnamon import regulations: Strict Contaminant Limits & Traceability

EU food safety regulations (under EC 178/2002) are among the world’s strictest, emphasizing prevention, traceability, and importer liability.

For the EU, chemical compliance (coumarin, aflatoxins) and traceability are the primary causes of border rejections.

Requirement EU Regulation / Limit Why It Matters & How We Comply Coumarin Content Maximum Level: 50 mg/kg in traditional bakery goods. "Coumarin is a key concern. We provide batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA) verifying levels, essential for your due diligence. " Mycotoxin Limits Aflatoxin B1: 2 μg/kg. Total Aflatoxins: 4 μg/kg. We implement strict moisture control during drying and storage to prevent mold growth and test for aflatoxins. Pesticide Residues Must comply with EU MRLs (Maximum Residue Levels). We source from farms adhering to safe agricultural practices and provide pesticide residue screening reports. Phytosanitary Certificate Mandatory for plant products. Issued by the national plant protection organization. We obtain the official Phytosanitary Certificate from the Vietnamese Plant Protection Department for every EU shipment.

The “Importer of Record” Liability: Under EU law, you, the importer, bear primary responsibility for ensuring the product complies with all regulations. Your strongest safeguard is working with a supplier who provides the verifiable documentation listed above.

Internal Link: For details on coumarin limits and the quality parameters behind these tests, see our guide on Saigon Cinnamon Specifications Explained.

4. Common Compliance Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Most shipment delays stem from preventable documentation and specification errors.

Pitfall Consequence Preventive Action for Importers Vague Product Descriptions Customs holds for classification. Insist on precise HS Codes (0906.11.00 for non-ground cinnamon) and detailed commercial invoices. Missing or Incorrect Certificates Automatic rejection at EU borders. Specify required certificates (Phytosanitary, CoA) in your contract and verify them before shipment. Inconsistent Information Across Documents Raises red flags, causing inspection delays. Use a supplier with a professional export department that cross-checks all paperwork. Poor Packaging & Labeling Contamination risk, physical damage. Specify food-grade, moisture-proof inner packaging and secure, labeled outer cartons.

5. Your Supplier Verification Checklist

Before finalizing a contract, use this list to vet your exporter:

  • Can they provide a valid FDA Facility Registration number? (For US)

  • Do they offer batch-specific CoAs for coumarin, aflatoxins, and pesticide residues? (For EU)

  • Who handles the Phytosanitary Certificate and Prior Notice submission?

  • Can you see a sample of their export documentation pack?

  • Do their processing protocols align with international food safety standards (HACCP principles)?

👉 Read More: How Vietnamese Cinnamon is Processed for Export

Partner with an Exporter Who Manages Compliance for You

Navigating US FDA and EU food safety law is complex. Your cinnamon should meet the highest standards of quality and paperwork.

At The Que Vietnam, we provide a seamless, compliant export service. You focus on your business; we ensure your cinnamon arrives without regulatory incident.

📥 Request Your Compliance Documentation Pack
Contact The Que Vietnam to:

  1. Receive samples of our FDA Registration, Phytosanitary Certificate, and a typical CoA.

  2. Get a consultation on your target market’s specific requirements.

  3. Obtain a compliant quotation for your next shipment.

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FAQs: Answering Key Importer Questions

Q1: What is the single most important document for EU imports?

A: The Phytosanitary Certificate is the mandatory entry ticket. However, the Certificate of Analysis for coumarin is equally critical for compliance upon arrival. Never accept a shipment without both.

Q2: Are Vietnamese cinnamon exporters automatically compliant with US/EU law?

A: No. Compliance is the result of deliberate processes, registration, and testing. It is your responsibility to verify your supplier’s compliance, not assume it.

Q3: What costs are associated with compliance?

A: Testing (for coumarin, aflatoxins) and certification add to the product cost, but they are non-negotiable for market access. Consider them essential insurance against far greater losses from a rejected shipment.

Q4: How does The Que Vietnam ensure compliance?

A: We build it into our process. From FDA registration and HACCP-based processing to partnering with accredited labs for testing and managing all export documentation in-house, we ensure your shipment is prepared correctly from the start.

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