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Ceylon cinnamon is in demand worldwide, but exporting it isn’t as simple as packing and shipping.
For many Sri Lankan exporters, the real challenge begins after production: meeting strict food safety rules, navigating destination-specific import requirements, preparing the right paperwork, and ensuring the product arrives fresh and compliant. One missed document or labeling detail can lead to customs delays, inspections, or even shipment rejection.
This guide will show you how to export cinnamon from Sri Lanka more confidently by identifying key international markets, explaining compliance and documentation, and providing tips on how to ship cinnamon internationally with DHL Express Sri Lanka.
Why Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka is in global demand
Globally, the top three exporters of Cinnamon are Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka1. Sri Lanka exported 2,629 shipments of Cinnamon from Jun 2024 to May 2025, and in May 2025 alone, 124 export shipments were made1. This data underscores the immense potential for Sri Lankan businesses to tap into a broad global customer base.
But first, it is important to clarify what exactly is “Sri Lankan cinnamon”. When buyers talk about ‘true cinnamon,’ they’re usually referring to Ceylon cinnamon, of which Sri Lanka is widely recognized as the world’s primary source2. Ceylon cinnamon is valued for qualities that set it apart from Cassia, such as:
- A sweeter, more delicate flavor profile
- A lighter texture and aroma
- Naturally lower coumarin levels compared to Cassia (important for wellness-focused markets)
As a result, exporting Ceylon cinnamon is no longer limited to traditional spice buyers. Demand is increasingly driven by culinary use in restaurants and home cooking, wellness and health markets, including functional foods and food manufacturing and retail, where quality consistency strengthens buyer trust.
Key export markets for Sri Lankan cinnamon
Sri Lankan exporters have access to multiple high-potential markets, but the key is understanding that exporting cinnamon to each destination comes with different expectations.
Some of the most common international markets include:
- USA: Strong demand across traditional cooking, food manufacturing, and growing interest in wellness and functional food products
- Mexico: Widely used in traditional cuisine and food service, with steady demand from food processing/importers
- Peru: Commonly used in food and beverage applications, including local traditional cuisine
- EU & UK: Demand spans retail cooking, premium specialty food, and regulated food supply
These markets are strong entry points for exporters, but requirements can differ depending on:
| Market | Key regulatory agencies | Documentation | Food safety compliance | Labelling |
USA | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) | Prior Notice of Imported Food (FDA), commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill (AWB), phytosanitary certificates where required (USDA/APHIS). | Importers are responsible for ensuring safe, sanitary conditions. | Labels must be accurate and in English; documentation must support safety claims and ingredients. |
Mexico | Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) | Commercial invoice, packing list, AWB, certificate of origin, sanitary import documentation/permits when required. | Imported foods are subject to COFEPRIS review, and some food products may need prior sanitary authorization. | Label approval under applicable Mexican health standards (e.g., NOM labeling standards). |
Peru | SUNAT, DIGESA | Commercial invoice, packing list, AWB, certificate of origin, SUNAT Customs Merchandise Declaration (DAM), phytosanitary certificate where required. | Peru applies layered checks involving customs and health agencies. | Labels often must meet Spanish language requirements, product composition, and storage info. |
EU & UK | European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Commission DG SANTE, Food Standards Agency (FSA), national food control agencies. | Commercial invoice, packing list, AWB, certificate of origin, Common Health Entry Document (EU) for food imports. | The EU maintains strict food safety and hygiene controls, traceability and contaminant limits. | Food safety compliance comparable to EU standards post-exit. |
Import requirements can vary depending on the cinnamon form (sticks vs powder), shipment value, end use, and local enforcement updates. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to consult a reliable logistics partner like DHL Express Sri Lanka to support your shipping and documentation process.
Understanding export requirements for cinnamon from Sri Lanka
Cinnamon exports are typically classified as food and agricultural products, which means they are subject to stricter scrutiny than general goods. This means exporters need to comply with Sri Lanka Customs requirements, destination-country food safety authorities, and import rules.
This is where many exporters run into problems. Even if your product quality is excellent, issues such as incomplete declarations, inconsistent descriptions, or missing supporting documents can trigger inspections, delays, and even rejections.
To reduce risk, exporters should ensure every shipment has accurate product descriptions, consistent declared values, and correct commodity classifications such as appropriate HS Codes. Getting these basics right also supports long-term scalability in the cinnamon export market in Sri Lanka, where overseas buyers often expect predictable documentation and shipment performance.
Key documents needed to export cinnamon
To export cinnamon from Sri Lanka, documentation accuracy is critical.
Here’s a practical checklist most exporters will need:
- Commercial invoice: Product description, declared value, quantity, and the HS code for cinnamon.
- Packing list: Carton count, net/gross weight, and packaging format.
- Air waybill (AWB): Issued by the carrier as part of your shipment.
- Export Customs Declaration (CUSDEC): Mandatory for Sri Lankan exports3.
- Certificate of origin: Often requested by overseas buyers and authorities
- Food safety certificates (destination-specific)
How to prepare cinnamon for international shipping
Because cinnamon is a food-grade product with aroma-sensitive qualities, secure packaging matters as much as speed. Good shipping practices help preserve freshness, protect product integrity, and reduce the chance of inspection issues.
Preserving freshness and aroma
To protect the product during shipping cinnamon internationally, use:
- Moisture-resistant, food-grade packaging
- Sealed bags or inner liners for cinnamon powder
- Strong outer cartons that prevent crushing in transit
Preventing contamination
Food-grade shipments should follow clean handling practices such as:
- Packing in a clean, dry environment
- Sealing inner and outer packaging properly
- Using tamper-evident packaging where needed
Bulk vs retail packaging considerations
Depending on your buyer type, packaging may differ:
- Bulk shipments (for manufacturers): larger sealed units, fewer retail markings
- Retail-ready shipments: branded labels, smaller units, consumer-facing details
Labeling best practices
Labels should be consistent and easy for customs officers to review. Consider including:
- Product name and form (sticks, powder, cut pieces)
- Country of origin
- Batch numbers or lot codes for traceability
- Destination language requirements where applicable
Common challenges cinnamon exporters face
Even experienced exporters can run into avoidable disruptions when exporting regulated food products.
Some of the most common issues include:
- Regulatory delays due to incomplete documentation
- Rejections from food safety authorities
- Quality degradation due to slow transit times
- Rising logistics costs from inefficient shipping workflows
- Managing buyer expectations on delivery timelines and tracking
How DHL Express helps Sri Lankan cinnamon exporters succeed
The faster a shipment moves, the easier it is to maintain quality and meet buyer expectations, especially for premium cinnamon. That’s where DHL Express Sri Lanka supports businesses with reliable international solutions designed for exporters.
Reliable, time-definite delivery
Cinnamon is valued for its freshness, aroma, and appearance. Faster transit helps reduce:
- Exposure to humidity and heat
- Packaging deterioration
- Quality loss from long storage periods
Customs and regulatory expertise
Exporters shipping to multiple markets often need help navigating varying requirements. DHL Express supports businesses by helping them prepare for:
- Import clearance expectations
- Documentation checks
- Market-specific requirements for regulated goods
End-to-end shipment visibility
Exporters and buyers benefit from better shipment transparency through:
- Real-time tracking
- Delivery notifications
- Fewer surprises during transit
Tools that simplify exporting
DHL Express provides digital tools that reduce admin workload and help exporters scale. These include:
- MyDHL+ for booking shipments, documentation support, and tracking
- On-Demand Delivery (ODD) to help reduce failed deliveries overseas
Ready to export Ceylon cinnamon with confidence?
Ceylon cinnamon remains one of Sri Lanka’s most premium exports, and the global opportunity is only growing. But to compete in international markets, exporters need more than a great product. They need shipping that protects quality, meets compliance standards, and supports consistent delivery performance.
If you’re ready to scale exporting cinnamon into global markets, open a DHL Express business account to ship faster, smarter, and with confidence.
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