Quick Summary — USA Importers
Overview: The US Ceylon Cinnamon Import Market
The United States is one of the world's largest consumers of cinnamon by volume, with over 50,000 metric tons imported annually. Yet the vast majority of cinnamon consumed in America is Cassia — a cheaper, coumarin-heavy substitute from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Authentic Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) from Sri Lanka represents a rapidly growing premium segment driven by health-conscious consumers, Whole Foods and natural grocery trends, and food brands seeking clean-label, high-quality ingredients.
Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned as the world's sole authentic origin of true Ceylon cinnamon — not a substitute, not a blend. For US importers, this means sourcing from Sri Lanka is both the regulatory-safe and market-premium choice. The import process is well-established, 0% tariff, and — with the right supplier — straightforward to execute.
Who Imports Ceylon Cinnamon into the USA?
Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka serves a wide spectrum of US buyers. Understanding which category you fall into shapes your documentation, MOQ, and supplier requirements.
Food Manufacturers & Brands
Spice blends, baked goods, beverages, supplements, and natural food brands sourcing compliant, traceable Ceylon cinnamon as a clean-label ingredient. FSMA FSVP documentation essential.
Importers & Wholesalers
US spice importers, ethnic grocery distributors, and specialty food wholesalers supplying retailers, restaurants, and food service. FCL container volumes. Looking for consistent grade and documentation.
Organic & Natural Retailers
Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, and online health food retailers. Require USDA NOP organic certification, non-GMO documentation, and clean supply chain traceability.
Supplement & Nutraceutical Companies
Ceylon cinnamon extracts, capsules, and powders for the health supplement market. Require standardized extract COAs, heavy metal testing, and identity verification (HPLC/GC-MS).
Specialty Coffee & Beverage
Artisan coffee shops, kombucha brands, spiced tea and chai companies sourcing premium Ceylon cinnamon quills and powder for authentic flavour and clean label positioning.
Private Label & E-commerce
Amazon sellers, DTC spice brands, and private label buyers sourcing retail-ready Ceylon cinnamon packs with custom labelling. Lower MOQs available. FDA labelling compliance required.
Ceylon vs Cassia Cinnamon: What Every US Importer Must Know
Most cinnamon sold in US supermarkets is Cassia — not Ceylon. The difference matters significantly for health, regulation, and market positioning.
| Factor | Ceylon Cinnamon | Cassia Cinnamon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cinnamomum verum | C. cassia / C. aromaticum / C. loureiroi |
| Origin | Sri Lanka (90% of world supply) | China, Vietnam, Indonesia |
| Coumarin Content | ✓ ~0.004% — negligible | ✗ 0.3% to 7% — potentially harmful at high doses |
| Flavour Profile | Delicate, complex, mildly sweet, floral | Stronger, sharper, more pungent |
| Quill Structure | Multi-layered, thin, papery rolls | Single thick, hard bark layer |
| US HTS Duty | 0% (Sri Lanka, no Section 301) | Subject to China tariffs (Vietnamese, Chinese) |
| GRAS Status (FDA) | ✓ Recognized as safe | ✓ Recognized as safe (at typical food use levels) |
| Premium Market Position | ✓ Premium / health / clean label | Standard commodity |
| Sri Lanka GI Protection | ✓ Geographically protected origin | ✗ None |
Step-by-Step: Importing Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka to USA
Follow this process in order. Steps 1–4 are handled by your Sri Lanka supplier. Steps 5–8 are your responsibility as the US importer of record.
-
1
Supplier: Confirm FDA Registration & FSMA Compliance
Your Sri Lanka supplier's facility must be registered with the US FDA under the Bioterrorism Act (21 CFR Part 1, Subpart H). This is a mandatory prerequisite for any food product entering the United States. As the US importer, you are responsible under FSMA's Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) for verifying that your supplier meets the same food safety standards required of domestic US producers. Request your supplier's FDA registration number before placing any commercial order.
Ceylonspizee Global is FDA-registered and can provide full FSVP documentation upon request.
Mandatory — FSMA 21 CFR Part 1.500 -
2
Supplier: Prepare Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory must accompany every shipment. For the US market, the COA must cover: moisture content, volatile oil content, coumarin level (GC-MS), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury), microbial limits (total plate count, E. coli, Salmonella, yeast & mold), and pesticide residues per EPA MRL schedules. This document is also your primary FSVP documentation for regulatory audits.
Mandatory for FDA & FSVP -
3
Supplier: Obtain Export Documents from Sri Lanka
Your Sri Lanka exporter prepares: Phytosanitary Certificate (Dept. of Agriculture Sri Lanka), Health Certificate, Certificate of Origin (Sri Lanka EDB), Commercial Invoice (with correct HTS code and declared value), and Packing List. These are handed to the freight forwarder for shipment booking at Colombo Port or Bandaranaike International Airport.
Mandatory — Sri Lanka Export Side -
4
Importer: File FDA Prior Notice (PNSI)
Under the FDA Bioterrorism Act (21 CFR Part 1, Subpart I), a Prior Notice must be submitted to FDA before any food shipment arrives at a US port of entry. This is filed electronically via the FDA Prior Notice System Interface (PNSI) or through your customs broker. Prior Notice must be filed at minimum 2 hours before arrival (air) or 8 hours before arrival (ocean freight). Failure to file results in shipment refusal at the US border.
Mandatory — Bioterrorism Act 2002 -
5
Importer: File US Customs Entry (CBP)
Your licensed US customs broker files an Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using the correct HTS code. For cinnamon quills, this is HTS 0906.11.0000; for powder, HTS 0906.20.0000. The declared origin (Sri Lanka) must match the Certificate of Origin. CBP may select the shipment for physical examination (X-ray or physical inspection) on a risk-adjusted basis. All Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka enters at 0% import duty — no additional tariffs or Section 301 duties apply.
Mandatory — CBP / HTS Classification -
6
FDA Port Examination (if selected)
A percentage of food shipments are selected by FDA for examination at the port of entry. This may involve documentary review (label review, COA check), sampling for laboratory analysis, or physical examination. Cinnamon from Sri Lanka does not appear on FDA's automatic detention or import alert list as of 2025. Compliant shipments with full documentation and an accredited-lab COA are released promptly. Average FDA examination time for compliant spice shipments: 1–5 business days.
Risk-Based — FDA PREDICT System -
7
Delivery to US Warehouse / Fulfillment
Once customs released and FDA cleared, your shipment is delivered by your freight forwarder or customs broker to your designated US warehouse or 3PL facility. For LCL shipments, drayage from port container freight station (CFS) to warehouse is arranged by your logistics partner. Maintain lot traceability records from this point for FSMA compliance — each lot number ties back to the COA and Certificate of Origin from Sri Lanka.
Logistics / Your Responsibility -
8
Optional: USDA Organic Certification for US Market
If importing USDA NOP Organic certified Ceylon cinnamon, your Sri Lanka supplier must hold certification from a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Major bodies operating in Sri Lanka include CCOF, OneCert, and Ecocert. A valid USDA Organic Transaction Certificate accompanies the shipment. As importer, you must also hold a valid USDA Organic Handler's Certificate to sell product as organic in the US market.
Optional — Required for USDA Organic Label
Complete Document Checklist for USA Imports
Every Ceylon cinnamon shipment from Sri Lanka to the USA requires the following documents. Ceylonspizee Global prepares and co-ordinates all supplier-side documents on your behalf — you and your customs broker handle the US-side filings.
FDA Prior Notice (PNSI)
Filed by US importer or customs broker before shipment arrival. Mandatory under Bioterrorism Act. Filed at FDA PNSI portal.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
ISO 17025 accredited lab. Must cover coumarin, heavy metals, microbiology, pesticide residues, moisture, volatile oil. Primary FSVP document.
Phytosanitary Certificate
Sri Lanka Dept. of Agriculture. Confirms product is pest/disease free. Per-shipment specific. Required by USDA APHIS at US port entry.
Certificate of Origin
Sri Lanka EDB or Chamber of Commerce. Confirms Sri Lanka origin. Required by CBP for correct HTS classification and 0% duty rate.
Commercial Invoice
States HTS code, declared value in USD, Incoterm, botanical name (Cinnamomum verum), seller/buyer details, lot numbers.
Packing List
Gross/net weight per carton/bag, total count, lot numbers, package dimensions. Required for CBP entry and freight documentation.
Bill of Lading / AWB
Ocean Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air). Issued by shipping line or airline. Required for customs clearance and cargo release.
Health Certificate
Issued by Sri Lanka competent authority. Confirms product is fit for human consumption per US requirements.
USDA Organic Transaction Cert.
Optional. From USDA-accredited certifying agent. Required if selling as USDA Organic in US market.
Kosher / Halal Certificate
Optional. Available on request. Required for specific market channels — kosher delis, halal food manufacturers, certain retailers.
Non-GMO Verification
Optional. Non-GMO Project Verified documentation available. Requested by natural food retailers and clean-label brands.
FSVP Supplier Verification File
US importer's FSMA obligation. Include COA, audit records, FDA registration number, and hazard analysis for each production lot.
US HTS Codes & Import Duty Rates for Ceylon Cinnamon
Use the correct US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code when filing your CBP Entry Summary. Incorrect classification can trigger reclassification, additional duties, and CBP penalties.
| Product | HTS Code | MFN Duty Rate | Section 301 (Sri Lanka) | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon quills / sticks | 0906.11.0000 | 0% | N/A — not applicable | 0% |
| Cinnamon powder / ground | 0906.20.0000 | 0% | N/A — not applicable | 0% |
| Cinnamon essential oil | 3301.29.5050 | 3.8% | N/A — not applicable | 3.8% |
| Black pepper (whole) | 0904.11.0000 | 0% | N/A | 0% |
| Cloves (whole) | 0907.10.0000 | 0% | N/A | 0% |
| Cardamom | 0908.31.0000 | 0% | N/A | 0% |
FDA & FSMA Requirements for Ceylon Cinnamon Imports
The US Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) fundamentally changed how food importers verify the safety of their foreign suppliers. Here is what US importers of Ceylon cinnamon must know.
| Regulation / Requirement | What It Requires | Ceylon Cinnamon Status |
|---|---|---|
| FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) | US importer must verify supplier meets equivalent food safety standards. Requires hazard analysis, supplier verification activities, and records retention. | Applies. COA + FDA registration + supplier audit satisfies FSVP for cinnamon. |
| FDA Prior Notice — 21 CFR Part 1 | Electronic prior notice via PNSI before shipment arrives at US border. Min 2hr (air) or 8hr (sea) before arrival. | Mandatory for every shipment. Filed by importer/customs broker. |
| FDA Food Facility Registration | Sri Lanka food manufacturing facility must be registered with FDA. Registration renewed biennially. | Ceylonspizee Global is FDA-registered. Registration number provided on request. |
| 21 CFR Part 110 — cGMP | Current Good Manufacturing Practice for food facilities. Covers sanitation, pest control, employee hygiene, traceability. | Supplier must demonstrate cGMP compliance. Ceylonspizee Global audit-ready. |
| Pesticide MRLs — EPA 40 CFR 180 | Maximum Residue Limits for pesticides on food commodities. Cinnamon has specific EPA MRLs for multiple pesticide actives. | COA must include multi-residue pesticide screen per EPA MRL schedule. |
| GRAS Status — 21 CFR 182 | Cinnamon is listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) as a spice and natural flavour. | Ceylon cinnamon GRAS — no restriction on use level in food |
| FDA Food Labelling — 21 CFR 101 | US labelling requires common name, net weight, ingredient declaration, nutrition facts, country of origin if applicable. | Applies to retail packed products. Declare as "Cinnamon (Ceylon)" or "Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)". |
Ceylon Cinnamon Products & Grades Available for US Import
Sri Lanka produces Ceylon cinnamon in multiple forms and grades. Understanding the grading system is essential for specifying exactly what you need — and ensuring consistent quality across shipments.
Cinnamon Quills (Sticks) — SLS 81 Graded
Cinnamon Powder
Ground Ceylon cinnamon is available in multiple mesh sizes: 20 mesh (coarse), 40 mesh (standard), 60 mesh (fine), and 80 mesh (superfine). Standard powder for retail packing is typically 40–60 mesh. Superfine 80 mesh is preferred for beverage applications, supplement blending, and pharmaceutical-grade use.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Available as Bark Oil (main flavour compound: cinnamaldehyde, ~60–75% content) for food flavouring, and Leaf Oil (main compound: eugenol, ~70–90% content) for fragrance, cosmetics, and industrial applications. GC-MS analysis COA included with every lot.
USDA Organic Ceylon Cinnamon for the US Market
The US organic spice market continues to grow year-on-year. USDA Organic certified Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka commands a significant price premium in natural food retail, supplement, and food manufacturing channels. Here is how organic certification works for Sri Lanka-origin Ceylon cinnamon entering the US:
Ceylonspizee Global maintains USDA NOP and EU Organic certified Ceylon cinnamon stock year-round across quill grades and powder mesh sizes. Contact our team for certified organic availability and pricing.
Shipping & Logistics: Colombo to US Ports
The Port of Colombo is Sri Lanka's main container export hub with direct and transshipment services to all major US ports on both East and West Coasts. Transit times are reliable with established carrier service from all major shipping lines.
| Route | Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) | Air Freight | Main Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo → Los Angeles (LA) | 16–20 days | 3–4 days | Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM |
| Colombo → Long Beach | 16–21 days | 3–4 days | Evergreen, Yang Ming |
| Colombo → New York / Newark | 20–25 days | 4–5 days | MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE |
| Colombo → Savannah | 19–24 days | 4–5 days | CMA CGM, Maersk |
| Colombo → Houston | 21–26 days | 4–5 days | Hapag-Lloyd, MSC |
| Colombo → Chicago (via rail) | 22–27 days (via LA) | 4–5 days | Intermodal from West Coast |
Incoterms available: FOB Colombo (standard for experienced US importers who manage their own freight), CIF named US port, DDP named US destination (we manage all freight and customs — ideal for buyers new to direct import). We recommend FOB or CIF for buyers with freight relationships, and DDP for first-time direct importers to simplify the process.
Container sizes: 20ft FCL: approximately 14–18 MT of cinnamon quills (varies with packing density). 40ft FCL: approximately 24–28 MT. LCL (Less-than-Container Load) available for orders under one container, consolidated at Colombo CFS with other exporters' cargo.
How to Choose the Right Ceylon Cinnamon Supplier from Sri Lanka
Not every Sri Lanka cinnamon exporter is equipped to supply the US market. FDA registration, FSVP-compatible documentation, and US labelling knowledge are non-negotiable for smooth import clearance.
When evaluating a Ceylon cinnamon supplier for the US market, verify all of the following:
- ✓ FDA Facility Registration: Ask for the FDA registration number. Verify it on the FDA website (fda.gov/food/registration-food-facilities). An unregistered facility cannot legally export food to the USA.
- ✓ ISO 17025 Lab COA: Demand a full COA from an independent, ISO 17025 accredited laboratory — not an in-house test only. The COA must cover all parameters relevant to US FDA and FSVP requirements. Verify the lab's accreditation scope on the accreditation body's website.
- ✓ EDB Export Registration: Supplier must be registered with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and hold a valid spice export licence. This is the foundational Sri Lanka-side compliance credential.
- ✓ FSMA-Aware Documentation: The supplier should understand FSVP and be able to provide the complete documentation package a US importer needs to maintain their FSVP file. Ask: "Can you provide documentation to support our FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program?" The answer should be yes, with specifics.
- ✓ Lot-Level Traceability: Every bag or carton must be traceable to a specific production lot, linked to a dated COA, field/farm records, and processing batch. This is a FSMA requirement. Suppliers who cannot provide lot-level traceability documentation represent a compliance liability.
- ✓ Pre-shipment Sample Policy: Any credible exporter offers a pre-shipment sample from the actual lot to be shipped — not a reference sample from stock. Insist on this before committing to a commercial order. A good supplier will send a sample with the COA at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions — US Importers
Ready to Import Ceylon Cinnamon
from Sri Lanka to the USA?
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