Why species identity comes first on this one
Star anise is the one line on this list where the botanical name is a safety specification rather than a label. Illicium verum is the culinary species. Its close relative Illicium anisatum, Japanese star anise, looks similar enough to pass a casual inspection and is not safe to eat — adulteration between the two has caused real incidents in the international trade.
So the first question to ask any supplier is not the price. It is what identity check stands behind the lot. If your specification requires botanical identity confirmation, say so on the enquiry and we will tell you exactly what testing we can put behind it before you place the order, rather than after.
Specification
This is a made-to-order line, so the grade is agreed against your purchase order rather than fixed here. Every parameter below is measured and reported on the NABL-accredited Certificate of Analysis that ships with the lot.
| Parameter | Basis |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Illicium verum |
| Species identity | Confirmed to the level your specification requires — ask before ordering |
| Origin | Confirmed on the purchase order |
| Grade | Agreed against your specification |
| Volatile oil | Measured and reported on the NABL CoA |
| Broken and imperfect stars | Measured and reported on the NABL CoA |
| Moisture | Measured and reported on the NABL CoA |
| Extraneous matter | Measured and reported on the NABL CoA |
| Ethylene oxide | Not detected |
Forms and packaging
- Whole stars — graded to your specification.
- Broken — on request, where appearance does not matter and cost does.
- Ground — on request; grind size specified by you.
- Packing — agreed on the PO.
Reference standards for this line
These are the public standards and trade terms buyers write specifications against. They are reference points, not SpiceModo commitments: the figures that bind are the ones agreed on your purchase order and reported on the lot Certificate of Analysis.
| Reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product standard | ISO 11178:1995 — Star anise (Illicium verum), specification |
| Test methods | Volatile oil ISO 6571 · moisture ISO 939 · extraneous matter ISO 927 |
| Grades and trade terms | Species identity is the specification that matters: Illicium verum is the culinary species; Illicium anisatum (Japanese star anise) is toxic and looks similar |
| HS heading | 0909.61 (badian, neither crushed nor ground) |
Commercial terms
Made to order against a confirmed purchase order, so lead times are longer than our stocked lines. Price and minimum order quantity are quoted per contract on an FOB or CIF basis — there are too many variables in origin, grade, packing and freight for a list price to mean anything. Ask and we will put a number and a date against your specification.
Compliance
Every lot ships with a NABL-accredited Certificate of Analysis, a Certificate of Origin and a Phytosanitary Certificate. Ethylene oxide is not used at any stage; residues are reported against the EU sum limit of 0.1 mg/kg for ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol under Reg. (EC) 396/2005, and against the US tolerance of 7 ppm under 40 CFR 180.151. Aflatoxin and ochratoxin A are reported against the maximum levels in Reg. (EU) 2023/915.
Common questions
How do you rule out Japanese star anise?
Ask us on the enquiry and we will tell you what identity testing we can put behind your lot before you commit. We would rather answer that question honestly up front than make a blanket claim on a web page.
Why is there no price here?
Star anise pricing moves with grade, origin and season. We quote against your specification on an FOB or CIF basis.
What documentation ships with it?
A NABL-accredited Certificate of Analysis, a Certificate of Origin, a Phytosanitary Certificate, and a Health Certificate where the destination requires one.