Whole Vanilla Beans (Neither Crushed nor Ground)

Whole vanilla beans are subject to FDA prior notice as a food commodity and may be examined for pesticide residues and filth. There is no USDA APHIS phytosanitary permit required for dried vanilla beans entering the US, but importers should confirm current APHIS requirements for the specific origin, as quarantine rules can change. A licensed customs broker or regulatory consultant can confirm current admissibility requirements.

Because Madagascar produces the large majority of global Bourbon vanilla, a single adverse weather event or political disruption can cause sharp price spikes and supply shortfalls. Buyers managing this risk often maintain dual-source relationships with Indonesian or Ugandan suppliers, accept Tahitian-type beans for certain applications, or use forward contracts to lock in supply ahead of the harvest season (typically October–December).