Saffron

Saffron — the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus — is among the world's highest-value spices by weight, and all US imports clear under a single tariff line (0910200000). Spain has historically been the leading declared source for US imports, though a significant share of globally traded saffron originates in Iran and is re-exported through intermediary countries; importers must exercise due diligence on true country of origin given US sanctions restrictions on Iranian-origin goods. FDA regulates saffron as a food ingredient subject to Prior Notice and adulteration standards, and the spice's high value makes it a frequent target for fraud involving artificial coloring or blending with lower-grade material. Authentication testing (spectrophotometric grading per ISO 3632) is a recognized industry standard for verifying quality and origin claims.