Indian Tea Export to Iraq | Bulk Orthodox & CTC Supply
Iraq represents a major international consumption market for full-bodied Indian Orthodox black tea and brisk CTC varieties. Traditional Iraqi tea culture centers on aromatic, deeply colored black tea brewed strong and served sweet in elegant glass Istikan cups. Operating from our Siliguri sourcing hub in North Bengal, Byahut Tea Company coordinates commercial bulk tea sourcing and containerized export supply for tea merchants, wholesale distributors, and blenders servicing markets across Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil. Quoted primarily on FOB Kolkata or CIF Port of Umm Qasr terms, consignments are prepared subject to buyer grading specifications and destination import requirements.
Iraq Trade & Regulatory Parameters
- • Primary Discharge Port: Port of Umm Qasr (South / North terminal), Basra, Iraq.
- • Preferred Commercial Terms: CIF Umm Qasr or CFR Umm Qasr from Kolkata / Haldia docks.
- • Indicative Maritime Transit: Approximately 18 to 22 days ocean voyage from Kolkata departure.
- • Quality & Conformity: Coordinated in alignment with buyer contracts and applicable COSQC guidelines; third-party inspection arranged upon request.
- • Export Documentation: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, statutory Phytosanitary Certificate, and Clean Shipped On Board Ocean Bills of Lading.
- • Bulk Packaging: Commercial bulk multiwall kraft paper sacks with food-grade liners, configured to buyer specification.
Iraqi Tea Consumption Dynamics & Brewing Preferences
Understanding Iraqi tea serving traditions is essential for configuring successful commercial consignments of bulk Indian Orthodox and CTC invoices.
Istikan & Samovar Tradition
In Iraqi households and tea houses (Chaikhanas), tea is concentrated in a double-boiler samovar and served in small curved glasses called Istikan. The brew must exhibit a brilliant deep reddish color, distinct malt fragrance, and moderate astringency that harmonizes with generous amounts of sugar and cardamom.
Orthodox Broken Leaf Preference
While whole-leaf grades are valued for specialty gifting, broken grades such as BOP and FBOP represent the bulk of Iraqi demand. Their regular particle cut ensures rapid extraction and uniform liquor depth without releasing excessive bitterness during extended samovar holding.
Commercial Wholesale Distribution
Major tea merchants in Baghdad’s Shorja market and Basra distribute tea in bulk multiwall sacks to local packers who repack into branded consumer cartons. Consistency in leaf density and moisture protection during sea transit is critical to preserve shelf freshness.
Dominant Tea Grades for the Iraqi Market
Key Indian tea grades recommended for commercial buyers supplying retail and wholesale channels across Iraq.
| Grade / Cut | Origin Region | Liquor & Leaf Profile | Target Iraqi Application | Standard Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodox Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) | Assam & Terai | Uniform bold broken cut, deep reddish amber liquor, brisk malt character | Traditional samovar brewing, national retail carton packs | Multiwall paper sacks with food-grade liner, configured to buyer specification |
| Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe (FBOP) | Upper Assam | Well-twisted black leaf with visible golden tips, fragrant aroma | Premium bazaar retail brands & hospitality trade | Foil-lined barrier sacks, configured to buyer specification |
| Assam CTC Broken Pekoe (BP) | Assam Valley | Dense granular cut, quick deep infusion, strong briskness | Everyday tea blends, restaurant & commercial cafeteria supply | Multiwall paper sacks with food-grade liner, configured to buyer specification |
| Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (GFOP) | Assam Orthodox | Long tippy leaf, honeyed sweet cup, delicate clear liquor | Specialty gifting packets & regional bazaar specialty shops | Foil-lined barrier sacks, configured to buyer specification |
Quality Verification & Ocean Logistics to Umm Qasr
Coordinating bulk tea consignments to Iraq requires careful pre-shipment lot sampling, robust packaging, and complete customs documentation.
Pre-Shipment Counter-Sampling
Before order confirmation, representative batch samples drawn from prospective lots are dispatched via international express air courier, allowing Iraqi buyers to cup and approve the exact liquor color, strength, and leaf appearance. Explore our tea sampling protocol.
Statutory Clearances
All export consignments undergo inspection by Indian Plant Quarantine to receive an official Phytosanitary Certificate. Third-party inspection agency verification (such as Bureau Veritas or SGS) can be coordinated at Kolkata port CFS upon buyer specification. Review our export documents guide.
Container Care & Transit
Sacks are packed into dry, clean 20ft or 40ft maritime containers fitted with protective craft paper lining and desiccant poles to shield against moisture changes across the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf route. Learn more on our tea logistics page.
Frequently Asked Questions: Iraq Tea Export
Which tea grades are traditionally preferred in the Iraqi market?
Iraqi consumers overwhelmingly prefer orthodox black teas—particularly broken grades such as BOP, FBOP, and GFBOP. These teas produce a bright reddish-amber liquor, clean aroma, and smooth briskness suitable for traditional samovar preparation and Istikan glass serving. Granular Assam CTC BP is also utilized for high-volume commercial catering and everyday consumer blends.
What discharge ports are utilized for containerized tea shipments to Iraq?
Containerized ocean shipments are typically routed to the Port of Umm Qasr (South and North terminals) in Basra, from which cargo is cleared and distributed overland to commercial centres including Baghdad, Erbil, and Najaf.
How are quality and import standards coordinated for Iraq?
Consignments are assembled in conformance with contract specifications and applicable destination regulations, including Iraqi Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) guidelines. Pre-shipment laboratory testing and third-party inspection certificates can be arranged per commercial agreement.
What commercial shipping terms are standard for tea contracts to Iraq?
Standard commercial contracts are typically quoted on CIF Port of Umm Qasr or CFR Umm Qasr terms from Kolkata or Haldia docks, supported by irrevocable Letters of Credit (LC at Sight) or confirmed bank documentary collection mechanisms.
Request CIF Umm Qasr Pricing Schedules
Submit your target grade, container volume, and packing requirements to receive indicative freight schedules and courier counter-samples.