Iranian Damask rose and rose water wholesale: rose water, rose oil and dried buds

Iran distils rose water (golab) from Damask rose (Rosa damascena, gol-e mohammadi), mainly in Kashan and the nearby villages of Qamsar and Niasar, and in Fars and Kerman provinces. The flowers are picked in May and June and distilled within hours, giving rose water, a very small amount of rose oil, and dried buds and petals for tea and cooking. On ASL Market you can compare rose products from Iranian distillers and packers, ask for lab results in chat and pay through escrow.

159 listings on ASL Market now, usually $3.00–$1800.00 per piece.

Where and when Iranian Damask rose is harvested

The best-known area is Kashan in Isfahan province, especially Qamsar and Niasar, where traditional distillation is part of local culture. Fars (for example Meymand) and Kerman (Lalehzar) also have large rose fields.

Picking runs from about early May to mid June, early in the morning while the scent is strongest. Distillers work through the season, so new rose water is usually available from June. Ask for the distillation date on every offer.

Rose products and their uses

ProductWhat it isTypical use
Rose water (golab)Aqueous distillate of fresh Damask rose petalsFood and sweets, drinks, cosmetics, religious and household use
Double-distilled rose water (do-atasheh)Distilled a second time or with a higher petal ratio; stronger scentPremium food and cosmetic use
Rose oil (attar)Essential oil separated during distillation; needs several tonnes of petals per kilogramPerfumery and cosmetics
Dried rose budsWhole buds dried in shade or with dryersHerbal tea, decoration, cooking
Dried rose petalsLoose dried petalsTea blends, sweets, spice mixes

Quality points for rose water

Synthetic rose aroma is the main adulteration risk. A lab can check the aroma profile by gas chromatography; ask for this when buying in volume. For rose oil, ISO 9842 describes the quality characteristics of Rosa damascena oil.

  • Made only from Damask rose petals and water, with no added synthetic aroma, alcohol or preservatives unless agreed.
  • Strength of scent, often expressed as the petal-to-water ratio or by essential oil content.
  • Clear, colourless liquid without sediment.
  • Microbial count within the limits for food or cosmetic use in your market.
  • Food-grade packaging and a clear distillation and expiry date.
  • For export to food markets, a lab analysis report on the lot.

Packaging, MOQ, shelf life and storage

Rose water MOQs usually start from a pallet for bottled goods and from one or a few drums for bulk. Dried buds are often sold from a few hundred kilograms. Price depends on product, strength, season, packing and quantity.

ProductUsual packingUsual shelf life
Rose water, retail250 ml to 1 litre bottles, often with buyer's labelAbout 1–2 years unopened, cool and dark
Rose water, bulkFood-grade PE jerrycans or drums, about 20–220 litresAbout 1–2 years in cool storage
Rose oilSmall aluminium or glass bottlesLong; keep sealed, cool and dark
Dried buds and petalsCartons or bags with liner, often 5–20 kgAbout 12–24 months, dry and dark

HS codes, documents and shipping

Usual documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and a health certificate and lab analysis for food-grade rose water. Dried buds need a phytosanitary certificate in many markets. Import rules differ by country; check your own country's rules on trade with Iran before you order.

Bulk liquid goes by sea from Bandar Abbas, often via Jebel Ali, or by road to neighbouring markets. Rose oil and small orders often go by air. See /guides/export-documents-from-iran.

  • Rose water (aqueous distillate of essential oils): usually HS 3301.90.
  • Rose oil (essential oil): usually under HS 3301.29.
  • Dried rose buds and petals: often HS 1211.90 (plants used in perfumery or pharmacy), depending on use.
  • Check the full code with your customs broker.

How to buy rose products on ASL Market

Browse /categories/asl_herbal_natural, or post a buying request at /post-request with product, strength, packing, quantity and destination. Chat with distillers through ASL Market; your contact details stay private.

The supplier confirms price, quantity, freight, Incoterm and ship-by date before you pay, and adds the checked freight to the invoice. Payment is in USDT today; more payment methods are coming soon. ASL Secure Pay holds the payment until you confirm receipt, or until it is confirmed automatically after a set period if you neither confirm nor dispute. ASL Market decides disputes and may grant a partial refund. See /trade-assurance.

Listings

FAQ

Where does the best Iranian rose water come from?

Kashan, and especially the villages of Qamsar and Niasar, is the best-known area for traditional rose water. Fars and Kerman also produce large volumes. Quality depends more on the distiller and the petal ratio than on the town name.

What is double-distilled rose water?

Double-distilled (do-atasheh) rose water is distilled a second time or made with more petals per litre, so its scent is stronger. It is used for premium sweets and cosmetics. Ask the supplier how their grades are defined.

How can I tell if rose water contains synthetic aroma?

A gas chromatography test on the aroma compounds can show added synthetic rose scent. Smell alone is not reliable. Ask for a lab report when buying in volume and keep a sealed sample.

When is new-season Iranian rose water available?

Damask roses are picked from about early May to mid June. Fresh rose water is usually available from June. Ask for the distillation date.

What is the HS code for rose water?

Rose water is usually classified under HS 3301.90 as an aqueous distillate of essential oils, and rose oil under 3301.29. Dried buds are often 1211.90. Check the full code with your customs broker.

How long does rose water keep?

Unopened rose water usually keeps about one to two years in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it cool and use it within a few months. Avoid heat during transport.

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