Licorice

Buyers should prioritize the Glycyrrhizic Acid content, which is the primary active compound; for high-quality extracts, this should typically range between 4% to 25% depending on the concentration level. Additionally, check for moisture content (ideally <12%) to prevent mold during transit and ensure the ash content meets pharmacopoeia standards (usually <7% for root powder).

For food applications, products must adhere to ISO 22000 or HACCP certifications. If the licorice is intended for medicinal or supplement use, it must comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and specific pharmacopoeia standards such as USP (US), EP (Europe), or ChP (China). Ensure the supplier provides a Phytosanitary Certificate to clear customs.

Request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for every batch. Specifically, look for Heavy Metal limits (Lead <2ppm, Mercury <0.1ppm) and Pesticide Residue testing results. For the European market, compliance with PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) limits is critical. Third-party testing by labs like SGS or Eurofins is highly recommended before final payment.

Licorice is typically traded as Crude Root (sticks/slices), Fine Powder, or Spray-Dried Extract Powder. For confectionery and beverage industries, Block Licorice or Liquid Paste is common. Ensure the packaging uses vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bags or moisture-proof fiber drums to maintain chemical stability.

The most significant risk is species substitution or the mixing of inferior wild-harvested roots with cultivated ones. Another risk is aflatoxin contamination due to poor drying processes. To mitigate this, use Trade Assurance services on Made-in-China.com and insist on pre-shipment inspections (PSI) to verify that the physical goods match the approved samples.

Licorice prices fluctuate based on harvest seasons (typically autumn). Negotiate for FOB (Free On Board) terms to maintain control over shipping costs, but ensure the supplier handles the Export License for botanical products. For long-term contracts, seek a tiered pricing model where a 10-20% discount is applied when annual volume exceeds 5 metric tons.

Licorice is a biological product; therefore, you must confirm if your country requires an Import Permit for plant derivatives. Ensure the HS Code (typically 1211.90 or 1302.12) is correctly declared to avoid misclassification fines. Use temperature-controlled containers (reefers) if shipping high-concentration liquid extracts through tropical climate zones to prevent fermentation.

Always verify the supplier's Business License and Export Qualification on the Made-in-China.com platform. Avoid direct wire transfers to personal accounts; instead, use Escrow-based payment systems or Irrevocable Letters of Credit (L/C) for large-scale bulk orders to ensure funds are only released upon verification of shipping documents.