Technical Documentation
Dehydrated Onion Specifications
Export-grade quality parameters aligned with Codex Alimentarius, EU, and USDA import requirements.
HS 0712.20 Export
15+ Destination Markets
Lot Traceability
Third-Party Lab Tested
APEDA Registered
Global Shipping
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Technical Data Sheet
Complete specification document for your quality team and import compliance review.
Physical
Physical Characteristics
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Cream-white to light cream flakes/pieces; free from scorched particles | Visual inspection |
| Odour & Flavour | Characteristic onion; free from rancid, musty or foreign odours | Organoleptic panel |
| Moisture | Typically ≤5–6% (buyer specs often ≤5–8%) | Oven / Karl Fischer per lab SOP |
| Particle Size | Per cut grade — flakes, kibbled, granules, powder mesh as agreed | Sieve analysis |
| Foreign Matter | Within buyer/COA limits; metal detection on packing line | Visual + metal detector |
| Rehydration | Good rehydration performance for flakes/kibbled in hot water systems | Buyer application trial |
Chemical
Chemical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| HS Classification | 0712.20 / ITC-HS 07122000 — dried onions, not further prepared | Customs classification |
| Ash (indicative) | Within commercial limits per buyer specification | Gravimetric |
| Acid Insoluble Ash | As per buyer COA / destination standard | Gravimetric |
| SO₂ / Preservatives | Declared if used; many export lots unsulphured on request | Titration / lab panel |
| Pesticide Residues | Below destination MRLs (EU/US panels on request) | GC-MS/MS & LC-MS/MS |
| Heavy Metals | Pb, Cd, Hg, As within Codex/buyer limits | ICP-MS / AAS |
Microbiological
Microbiological Parameters
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | Per buyer COA (commonly ≤10⁵ CFU/g class) | ISO 4833-1 |
| Yeast & Mold | Per buyer specification | ISO 21527 |
| Coliforms / E. coli | Absent or within agreed limits | ISO methods |
| Salmonella spp. | Absent in 25g | ISO 6579-1 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Per buyer specification | ISO 6888 |
| Bacillus cereus | Per buyer specification where required | ISO 7932 |
Safety
Residue Testing & Contaminants
Pesticides
Method: GC-MS/MS & LC-MS/MS multi-residue screening
- Multi-residue panel aligned to EU MRLs or US tolerances
- Organophosphates / organochlorines — below applicable limits
- Buyer-specific panels available for Japanese and EU retail programmes
Heavy Metals
Method: ICP-MS / AAS
- Lead (Pb) — within Codex / buyer limits
- Cadmium (Cd) — within Codex / buyer limits
- Arsenic (As) & Mercury (Hg) — screened per destination rules
Allergens & Contaminants
Method: Process controls + third-party lab as specified
- Allergen labelling per destination (onion is not a major EU allergen but cross-contact controls apply)
- Foreign matter and glass/metal control via process CCP
- Mycotoxin screening on request where buyer requires
Organic Lots
Method: Certifier TC + lab verification
- NPOP transaction certificate for organic claims
- Residue profile consistent with organic programme rules
- USDA/EU organic documentation via accredited certifier when required
Notes
Specification Notes
- Specifications are indicative of export-grade dehydrated onion. Final parameters are agreed per cut, colour and destination market.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) is issued per lot with batch/lot number, production date and packing date.
- Oil-fried or further-prepared onion may classify under Chapter 20 — confirm HS with your customs broker.
- US MFN duties differ by HTS line (~29.8% powder/flour 0712.20.20; ~20–21.3% other dried onion 0712.20.40) — factor into landed-cost quotes.
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