Buyer Knowledge Base · Kohenoor International
Sourcing, pricing, MOQ, grades, food safety, certifications, customs, shipping, storage — the canonical answers to every question commercial buyers ask before placing a rose petal, rose bud, rose powder, or rose water order with a Pakistani exporter.
Rosa damascena, the Damask Rose, is the species of rose grown commercially for food, fragrance, essential oil, and rose-water production. It originated in the Middle East and is now cultivated at scale in Pakistan, Iran, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Morocco. Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh rose belts produce some of the highest-essential-oil-content Rosa damascena in the world.
In the Punjab and Sindh rose belts. Major growing districts include Pattoki, Kasur, and Sheikhupura in Punjab, and the Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas regions in Sindh. The combination of alkaline soil, low rainfall during flowering, and intense morning sunlight produces petals with high anthocyanin and essential-oil content.
Rosa damascena (Damask Rose) is the global gold standard. Rosa centifolia (Cabbage Rose) is used in French and Mediterranean confectionery. Rosa gallica is used in traditional European confections. Rosa rugosa is edible and used in Asian cuisine. Avoid hybrid tea roses sold as cut flowers — bred for visual appeal, not food safety.
Rose petals are individual petals separated from the calyx and dried — used in tea, baking, cosmetic inclusion, and confetti. Rose buds are the whole closed flower (1.5-3.5 cm) harvested before opening and dried whole — used in premium tea, decoration, and herbal medicine. Buds command a 35-50 percent price premium because hand-harvesting before opening is more labour-intensive. Full comparison guide.
Rose petal powder is dried rose petals ground to a specified mesh (40, 60, 80, 100, or 200). Used in cosmetic face masks and body powders, soap and bath product inclusions, natural food colouring, ice cream and sorbet flavouring, herbal supplement capsule fills, and pharmaceutical extract production. Mesh 80 is the most common cosmetic grade.
Pure rose water is the hydrosol produced when fresh rose petals are steam-distilled. The steam vapour passes through the petals, picks up the volatile aromatic compounds and a small amount of essential oil, and condenses back to a fragrant liquid (rose water) plus a separate essential oil layer (rose otto). True rose water contains no alcohol, no preservatives, no synthetic fragrance. 1 kg of fresh petals yields approximately 3-5 L of rose water.
Same product, different terminology. 'Rose water' is the common consumer term used in food and traditional medicine contexts. 'Rose hydrosol' is the technical term used in aromatherapy and cosmetic chemistry. Both refer to the aromatic water produced by steam-distillation of rose petals. Avoid products labelled 'rose water' that contain alcohol, glycerin, or synthetic fragrance — these are synthetic blends, not true hydrosol.
Mesh 80 (approximately 0.18 mm particle size) is the most-shipped cosmetic grade. It disperses smoothly in lotions and emulsions, gives a fine texture in face masks and body powders, and dissolves quickly in water-based formulations. Standard for premium body powders, high-end mask blends, exfoliant additives, and natural-pigment skincare products.
Yes — but only food-grade dried rose petals from a certified exporter. Florist roses, garden roses, and craft-store potpourri are NOT safe (treated with pesticides, fungicides, or fragrance oils). Food-grade dried rose petals must be HACCP-processed, lab-tested for pesticides and microbiology, and come with a Certificate of Analysis. Full food-safety guide.
Food grade means: pesticide residue below EU MRL / US FDA tolerance, moisture content under 8 percent, foreign matter under 0.5 percent, total plate count under 10,000 CFU/g, salmonella and E. coli not detected, no preservatives or sulphites added. The facility must be HACCP and ISO 22000 certified. Each batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis.
No. Florist roses, garden-centre roses, roadside roses, craft-store potpourri, and decorative dried roses are NOT safe to eat. They are typically treated with insecticides, fungicides, chemical preservatives, fragrance oils, or colour-fixing agents that are approved for ornamental use but not for human consumption. Only food-grade roses from a certified food exporter are safe.
Dried Rosa damascena petals contain polyphenols (gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin), anthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, myricetin), small amounts of vitamin C and minerals (iron, calcium, potassium), and essential-oil compounds (citronellol, geraniol, nerol). Documented antioxidant, mild anti-inflammatory, and digestive-supportive properties. Used in Unani, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries.
There is no established upper limit in healthy adults — dried rose petals are treated as a culinary ingredient. Typical consumption: 1-2 grams per cup of tea, 1-3 grams per serving in baking or confectionery, fractions of a gram as garnish. Pregnant women, people with Rosaceae allergies (almonds, apples, strawberries, peaches), and people on certain medications should consult a healthcare professional before regular consumption.
Grade A1 is the premium grade: deepest colour saturation, largest uniform petal size (3-4 cm), moisture ≤7 percent, foreign matter ≤0.3 percent. Grade A2 is the commercial workhorse: still food-safe, with slightly more variation in size (2-3.5 cm) and colour, moisture ≤8 percent, foreign matter ≤0.5 percent. A1 commands a 15-25 percent price premium. Full grades guide.
Yes. Grade B meets the same food-safety thresholds (HACCP, ISO 22000, microbiology, pesticide residue) as A1 and A2. The B classification reflects more variation in petal size and colour (1.5-3 cm with broken pieces), slightly higher foreign matter tolerance (up to 1 percent). Grade B is fully suitable for tea blends where appearance is secondary, baking, cosmetic powder feedstock, and cost-sensitive private-label SKUs.
Grade A1. The visual experience of large, vivid, intact rose petals in clear-glass tea packaging is a core part of the premium tea proposition. Grade A2 works well for blended pyramid sachets where the petals are mixed with other botanicals. Grade B is acceptable for budget loose-leaf tea where price-per-cup is the buying criterion.
For face masks, body powders, lotions, and emulsions where the petal is ground or dispersed, Grade A2 is cost-effective — the visual properties of A1 are lost in the formulation anyway. For visible inclusion in soap, bath bombs, candles, use Grade A1 or our Cosmetic Grade (visual-selected line).
Kohenoor International's standard MOQ for dried rose petals is 100 kg. For dried rose buds, MOQ is 50 kg (the lowest of the three solid forms). For rose petal powder, MOQ is 100 kg. For rose water, MOQ is 200 litres. First-order buyers can negotiate 50 percent of these MOQs with prepayment to support market entry.
Indicative 2026 FOB Karachi pricing by volume tier: 100-499 kg $7.80-9.50/kg, 500-999 kg $7.20-8.00/kg, 1,000-4,999 kg $6.80-7.50/kg, 5,000-9,999 kg $6.80-7.50/kg, 10,000+ annual contract $6.20-7.00/kg. Pricing varies by grade (A1 carries 15-25 percent premium over A2, Grade B sells 15-20 percent below A2).
The two primary methods are T/T (telegraphic bank transfer) and L/C (irrevocable letter of credit at sight from a reputable bank). For first-time buyers, standard terms are 30 percent T/T advance plus 70 percent T/T at sight against shipping documents, OR 100 percent L/C at sight. PayPal, Western Union, and cryptocurrency are not accepted on first orders.
Dried rose petals at 500-999 kg: 10-12 days. Dried rose buds at 250-499 kg: 10-12 days. Rose petal powder at 500-999 kg: 12-14 days. Rose water at 1,000-4,999 L: 14-18 days. Lead time scales with quantity — a 5,000 kg order takes 14-18 days. Annual contract holders are prioritised during peak season.
Yes. Kohenoor International provides 50-100g sample sachets of any solid product (petals, buds, powder) and 500 mL of rose water free of charge. Buyer pays courier (DHL, FedEx, typically $60-120 depending on destination). Samples ship within 24-48 hours of request. Larger evaluation samples (1-5 kg) for serious commercial buyers are negotiated case-by-case.
Required minimum: HACCP food safety certification, ISO 22000 international food safety management, Phytosanitary certificate per shipment, and HALAL certification if your market requires it. Optional but valuable: ISO 9001 quality management, organic certification (EU/USDA), and a batch Certificate of Analysis from a third-party lab (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas).
A Certificate of Analysis is the batch-specific lab report that documents measured values for moisture content, foreign matter percentage, pesticide residue, microbiology (total plate count, salmonella, E. coli, mould), and physical specifications (colour, petal size, mesh size for powders). A reputable exporter provides the CoA with every shipment and a sample for independent verification before bulk PO.
Yes, on contract basis. Organic certification (EU 834/2007 equivalency or USDA NOP) requires dedicated grower contracts, separate processing lines, and chain-of-custody documentation. Organic Rosa damascena typically commands a 30-50 percent premium over conventional grades. MOQ for organic orders is 500 kg minimum to justify the dedicated processing line.
HS Code 0603.90.00 — Cut flowers and flower buds suitable for bouquets, fresh, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared — Other (dried). This applies to dried rose petals, dried rose buds, and dried whole rose flowers. Rose petal powder may classify under 1211.90 when significantly processed. Rose water hydrosol classifies under 3301.29.00. Full customs guide.
HS Code 0603 covers cut flowers and flower buds suitable for bouquets, in fresh, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated, or otherwise prepared form. 0603.10 is fresh cut flowers; 0603.90 is dried, dyed, bleached, or otherwise prepared. Dried rose petals, dried rose buds, and dried whole roses for tea, cosmetic, or decorative use all classify under 0603.90.00.
Required by most importing countries: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill), Phytosanitary Certificate from the exporting country's Department of Plant Protection, Certificate of Origin, HACCP/ISO 22000 certificates, batch Certificate of Analysis. Some markets require additional documents: EU CHED, USA FDA Prior Notice, China GACC registration.
FOB (Free On Board) Karachi means the price quoted includes all costs to deliver the goods, load them onto the vessel at Karachi port, and clear them for export. The buyer takes responsibility from the moment the cargo crosses the ship's rail — ocean freight, marine insurance, destination customs, and inland transport to the buyer's warehouse are the buyer's cost. CIF includes ocean freight and insurance; DAP includes everything to the buyer's door.
Approximate transit from Karachi (KHI/PQM) to: Jebel Ali UAE 7-9 days, Jeddah Saudi Arabia 9-11 days, Shanghai China 18-22 days, Hamburg Germany 21-25 days, Rotterdam Netherlands 22-25 days, Long Beach USA 28-35 days, New York USA 32-38 days, Sydney Australia 30-35 days. Plus 7-14 days from order confirmation to vessel loading.
FCL (Full Container Load) means the buyer rents an entire shipping container (20-ft or 40-ft) for one consignee. LCL (Less than Container Load) means the buyer's cargo shares container space with other shippers' cargo. FCL is cheaper per kg above ~5 MT and offers better cargo security. LCL is appropriate for first orders under 2 MT. We typically recommend buyers reach 5 MT before moving to FCL.
Yes, and it's a smart cost-saving strategy. A typical mixed 40-ft FCL might contain 2,000 kg dried rose petals + 500 kg dried rose buds + 300 kg rose petal powder + 1,000 L rose water. Each line qualifies for its own volume tier, and you share one ocean freight and one customs clearance. This consolidation typically saves 18-25 percent per unit landed.
24 months when sealed in food-safe multi-wall kraft bags with PE liner, stored at 18-25 degrees Celsius, relative humidity below 60 percent, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, transfer to airtight HDPE drums to prevent moisture re-absorption. Rose water keeps 18 months unopened and 30 days refrigerated after first opening. Vacuum-sealed rose petal powder keeps 18-24 months.
Unopened: 18 months at 18-25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight, in food-safe HDPE or glass containers. Once opened: refrigerate at 4-8 degrees Celsius and use within 30 days. For commercial bulk storage (200 L drums), keep sealed in a cool warehouse and re-test microbiology before each manufacturing run. Pure rose water with no preservatives degrades quickly once exposed to air.
Request: HACCP certificate (less than 12 months old), ISO 22000 certificate, HALAL certificate if relevant, recent batch CoA, Phytosanitary certificate, PSEB / Export Promotion Bureau registration (Pakistan export license), facility photos and video walkthrough, free sample, bank reference letter for orders over $5,000, and references from existing buyers in markets adjacent to yours. Any reputable exporter provides all without hesitation.
Hand-picked between 4:00-8:00 AM before the day's heat volatilises the essential oils. Pickers wear food-safe gloves. Harvest baskets are clean wicker or food-grade plastic, never reused with non-food crops. Field-to-facility transit must be under 6 hours to prevent fermentation. Petals are visually graded, washed in food-grade water, shade-dried at controlled humidity, sieved, and packed in food-safe materials.
The main rose harvest in Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh rose belts runs from March through June, with peak flowering in April-May. A secondary smaller harvest occurs in September-October. Buyers placing orders in February-March typically receive premium-batch petals processed during peak season. Annual contract holders are guaranteed first allocation regardless of harvest timing.
Both are premium origins. Iranian Rosa damascena from Kashan is famous for the highest essential-oil content, used heavily in attar and perfumery. Pakistani Rosa damascena from Punjab and Sindh offers excellent food-grade quality, competitive pricing, easier export documentation, and reliable shipping schedules from Karachi. Pakistani petals dominate the food, tea, and bulk cosmetic markets. Full origin comparison.
Kohenoor International's export desk operates in English, Arabic (for GCC and Middle East buyers), Russian (for CIS region buyers), Mandarin Chinese (for Mainland China and overseas Chinese buyers), and Urdu (for Pakistani logistics partners). WhatsApp, email, Telegram, and WeChat are all monitored. Standard reply time during business hours is under 4 hours.
Kohenoor International ships to 65+ countries. Major ongoing export markets include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, USA, UK, France, Turkey, China, Japan, Australia, Egypt, Morocco, Russia, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya. Country pages with localised guidance.
Three direct channels: (1) WhatsApp +92 310 4929292 — fastest response, typically within 1-2 hours during business hours. (2) Email export@kohenoorint.com with product, target quantity, destination port, and timeline — Pro Forma Invoice issued within 4 hours. (3) Web form — same response window. Quotes are valid 14 calendar days.
Our export desk replies within 4 hours during business hours, in English, Arabic, Russian, Mandarin, or Urdu.
Knowledge base maintained by Usman Hayat, Export Director at Kohenoor International — a multi-generational Rosa damascena export house operating since 1957 from Hyderabad, Pakistan & Officer VIC, Australia.