Vegetables, alliaceous; garlic, fresh or chilled

HS code 070320 covers the import and export of fresh or chilled garlic, a member of the alliaceous vegetable family. Garlic is a widely used ingredient in cuisines around the world, valued for its distinctive flavor and aroma. As a staple food item, the global trade in fresh garlic plays a significant role in the broader agricultural and food processing industries.

Garlic is typically grown from individual cloves planted in the soil. The plants are harvested when the leaves begin to die back, usually 4-8 months after planting. The garlic bulbs are then cured, a process that involves drying and curing the harvested crop to improve its storage life and flavor. Careful handling and storage are important to maintain the quality of fresh garlic throughout the supply chain.

The primary inputs for the fresh garlic industry include fertile agricultural land, planting stock (garlic cloves), water for irrigation, and labor for planting, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Specialized equipment such as tillers, harvesters, and curing facilities may also be required, depending on the scale of production.

The main output of HS code 070320 is fresh or chilled garlic bulbs. These are widely used as a seasoning and flavoring agent in a variety of food products, including 150410 Vegetable oils and their fractions, 200190 Vegetables, fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved, and 210390 Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings. The garlic produced under this code may also be further processed into other garlic-based products, such as garlic powder or garlic paste.