Bakery Equipment in Jordan: A Growing Middle Eastern Market with Tourism Potential

Jordan is a growing market for bakery equipment in the Middle East. Our first shipment to Jordan was in 2023, to a medium-sized bakery in Amman that needed to upgrade its production line. They ordered a 40kg spiral mixer, a 2-deck oven, an automatic dough divider, and a bread slicer — total value about $6,500. I was impressed by the quality consciousness of the Jordanian market — customers in Jordan, especially in Amman, have high expectations for product quality and are willing to pay for good equipment. The market is also diverse, from traditional bakeries making Arabic bread to high-end hotel bakeries and trendy cafes in Amman's Abdali and Rainbow Street areas.

Three years later, Jordan remains an matters and growing market for us. The market is small (about 11 million people) but growing, with a developing middle class, rapid urbanization (especially in Amman), and a strong tourism sector that's recovering strongly after the pandemic. Jordan is also a major hub for Iraqi and Syrian refugees, which has increased demand for affordable bakery products. Customers are quality-conscious and value durability and reliability, especially in the hotel and tourism sector. The import duties are moderate (15%-25% total), and Jordan has signed free trade agreements with several countries and blocs that may provide duty benefits. Even with the import duties, importing directly from China is often still cheaper than buying from local suppliers. This guide is everything we've learned about the Jordanian bakery equipment market after three years of shipping to the Hashemite Kingdom.

The Jordanian Bakery Market: Quality-Conscious and Tourism-Driven

Jordan's bakery market is quality-conscious and growing, with a strong emphasis on the country's vibrant food culture and recovering tourism sector. With a population of about 11 million people (including Many refugees), a growing middle class, rapid urbanization (especially in the Amman metropolitan area, which is home to over 4 million people), and a strong food culture, the demand for bakery products is large and growing. Bread and bakery products are an fundamental part of the Jordanian diet — from traditional Arabic bread (khubz) and manakish to Western-style bread, buns, cakes, and pastries, which are increasingly popular, especially among the urban middle class.

The bakery market in Jordan is worth an estimated $300-500 million USD and is growing at 5%-8% annually, following the country's economic growth and tourism recovery. The market is driven by several factors: a growing population and middle class, urbanization, increasing demand for convenience foods, a strong food culture, a large refugee population that increases demand for affordable bread, and — most importantly — the rapid recovery of the tourism sector, which is a major driver of demand for bakery equipment in hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

The bakery market in Jordan can be divided into several important segments:

• Medium and large commercial bakeries: This is a major segment in Jordan. Medium and large bakeries produce bread, buns, cakes, pastries, and snacks for supermarkets, retail outlets, and distribution across the country. Companies like Al-Marwa Bakery, Al-Ameed Bakery, and other well-known local bakeries are major players. These are medium to high-volume operations that need durable, reliable, high-quality equipment.
• Small neighborhood bakeries and traditional bakeries: There are thousands of small bakeries across Jordan, especially in neighborhood markets and local communities. These bakeries produce fresh Arabic bread (khubz), manakish, buns, cakes, pastries, and snacks for local consumption. They're smaller operations but quite Many, and they form the backbone of the Jordanian bakery market. Many bakeries are family-owned and have been in operation for generations. The Jordanian government also subsidizes bread for low-income families, which supports the traditional bakery segment.
• Hotel and resort bakeries: This is a quite a priority and growing segment in Jordan, driven by the country's booming tourism sector. Jordan is a major tourist destination, known for Petra (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and the Red Sea resort of Aqaba. Every major hotel and resort — from five-star hotels in Amman to luxury resorts at the Dead Sea and Aqaba to boutique hotels in Petra and Wadi Rum — has an in-house bakery. These are medium to high-volume operations that need reliable, high-quality equipment and expect consistent performance to meet the expectations of international guests.
• Restaurant and cafe bakeries: Jordan has a vibrant restaurant and cafe scene, especially in Amman's trendy neighborhoods like Abdali, Rainbow Street, Jabal Amman, and Sweifieh. Many restaurants and cafes have in-house baking operations, serving fresh bread, pastries, cakes, and desserts. This segment is growing rapidly, especially among the urban middle class, expat community, and tourists. Jordan is also known for its Great coffee culture, and many specialty coffee shops have in-house baking.
• Supermarket and retail bakeries: Chains like Carrefour, C-Town, Cozmo, and Tawaweel have in-store bakeries that produce fresh bread and pastries daily. This segment is growing as the supermarket sector expands in Jordan's major cities.
• Artisanal and specialty bakeries: A small but growing segment, especially in affluent areas of Amman and in tourist areas. These bakeries specialize in sourdough, croissants, artisan breads, and specialty cakes, catering to the expat community, affluent locals, and tourists. This segment is still relatively small but growing, driven by the cafe culture and tourism.

What does this mean for equipment? The Jordanian market is diverse, with different segments having different equipment preferences. Medium and large commercial bakeries want durable, reliable, high-capacity equipment at competitive prices. Small neighborhood bakeries want affordable, durable equipment that's easy to operate and maintain. Hotels and resorts want reliable, high-quality equipment that can handle consistent production and meet the expectations of international guests. Restaurants and cafes want compact, good-quality equipment that fits in small spaces. Across all segments, Jordanian customers are quality-conscious — they want good value for money, but they're also willing to pay for quality, durability, and reliability, especially in the hotel, tourism, and upscale cafe segments. Stainless steel construction is a must, and heavy-duty components are preferred. After-sales support is a priority, but Jordanian customers are generally quite hands-on and have their own maintenance teams or local technicians who can handle repairs and maintenance.

Voltage and Electrical Standards

Jordan uses these electrical standards:

• Standard outlets: 230V / 50Hz (Type C, D, F, and G plugs — Jordan uses a mix of plug types, with Type C and F being most common in newer buildings, and Type D and G in older buildings)
• Commercial / industrial: 400V / 50Hz three-phase (this is what most bakery equipment will use)
• Plug types: Jordan uses a mix of plug types, but for industrial equipment, you'll typically hardwire the machine to your electrical panel rather than using a plug.

For bakery equipment, you'll almost always want 400V 50Hz three-phase for larger machines (mixers over 40kg, rotary ovens, production lines) and 230V 50Hz single-phase for smaller machines (tabletop sheeters, small dividers, countertop mixers). Most Chinese suppliers can configure the voltage for you at no extra cost — just make sure to specify it when you order.

Electrical infrastructure in Jordan is generally reliable in major cities and tourist areas, though there can be occasional power outages, especially during peak demand periods in the summer (when air conditioning use is high) or in smaller cities and rural areas. Jordan has invested noticeably in its power infrastructure in recent years, including the addition of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and the country has one of the highest rates of solar panel adoption in the world. For commercial and industrial customers, it's common to have backup generators to ensure continuous operation, especially in hotels and restaurants where power outages can affect guest experience. For sensitive equipment with digital controls, we recommend installing voltage stabilizers and surge protectors to protect against power fluctuations and surges. Three-phase power is available in most commercial and industrial premises in Amman and major cities, but it may be less reliable in smaller towns and rural areas.

Shipping: Via Aqaba, with Alternative Routes

Shipping from China to Jordan is relatively straightforward and affordable. The main port of entry is the Port of Aqaba, located on the Red Sea in southern Jordan. Aqaba is Jordan's only seaport and a major logistics hub for the region, serving not only Jordan but also neighboring countries like Iraq and parts of Syria and Saudi Arabia. Because Jordan is close to major shipping routes and has regular sailings, freight rates are reasonable. There are also alternative shipping routes via the Port of Beirut (Lebanon) or Port Said (Egypt), followed by trucking to Jordan, which can sometimes be faster or more cost-effective for certain destinations.

To put this in perspective: a typical 40kg spiral mixer is about 1.5 cubic meters and weighs about 500kg. Shipping it from China to Amman via the Aqaba route (LCL) would cost about $90-$180 in total freight (including sea freight to Aqaba and trucking to Amman). That's reasonable for such a large, heavy piece of equipment. And it would arrive in 20-28 days (including customs clearance). This makes importing equipment from China to Jordan cost-effective, especially when compared to buying from local suppliers, who often mark up equipment by 100%-200%.

One worth noting thing to note about shipping to Jordan: the Port of Aqaba is a free trade zone, and goods imported through Aqaba may qualify for certain duty benefits or exemptions, especially if they're destined for re-export or for use in designated industrial areas. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) offers various incentives for businesses operating in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, including reduced or zero customs duties. If you're setting up a business in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, check with ASEZA to see what duty benefits You can qualify for.

Customs clearance in Aqaba is generally efficient, though it can sometimes take 3-7 days depending on the volume of cargo and the complexity of your shipment. We strongly recommend working with an experienced customs broker in Jordan who knows the system and can expedite the clearance process. A good broker will also make sure your documentation is in order and that you pay the correct amount of duty and tax.

Trucking from Aqaba to Amman is straightforward — the drive takes about 4-5 hours on the Desert Highway, and the cost is about $80-$150 for a pallet or two. From Aqaba to Petra is about $60-$120 (the drive takes about 2 hours). From Aqaba to the Dead Sea is about $80-$150. If you're ordering a full container, it can be delivered directly to your door in Amman or other major cities. For hotels and resorts in remote areas like Wadi Rum or Petra, You can need to arrange additional local transportation from the nearest major city.

Import Duties and Taxes: Moderate, with Free Trade Benefits

Jordan has a relatively moderate import duty structure for industrial machinery compared to many other countries in the region. The duty structure includes customs duty and General Sales Tax (GST), and the rates can vary depending on the specific HS code, the type of importer, and whether the equipment qualifies for any exemption schemes or free trade benefits. It's matters to understand the full cost before you order, because the total landed cost can be noticeably higher than the machine price plus shipping.

Here's the typical breakdown of what you'll pay when importing bakery equipment from China to Jordan:

1. Customs Duty: 0%-10% depending on the specific HS code of your equipment. Most bakery equipment falls under HS code 8438 (machinery for the food industry) and typically attracts a customs duty of 0%-5%. Some types of basic industrial machinery may qualify for 0% duty under Jordan's industrial policy or free trade agreements. Jordan has signed free trade agreements with several countries and blocs, including the US (US-Jordan FTA), EU (Euro-Mediterranean Agreement), and Arab countries (Greater Arab Free Trade Area), which may provide duty benefits for certain goods. However, these agreements typically apply to goods originating from the partner country, so Chinese-made equipment may not qualify for these benefits unless it undergoes sufficient processing in the partner country.
2. General Sales Tax (GST): 16% on the CIF value plus customs duty. Jordan's standard GST rate is 16%, which is moderate compared to many other countries. For commercial and industrial customers who are GST-registered, it may be possible to claim input tax credit for the GST paid on imports, but the process can be complex and there are restrictions.
3. Customs handling fees and port charges: These include port demurrage, container handling charges, documentation fees, and other miscellaneous charges. These can add up to $80-$200 depending on the size and type of your shipment.
4. Customs broker fees: We strongly recommend using a professional customs broker in Jordan. The fee is typically $80-$200 depending on the complexity of your shipment, but it's well worth it for the time and hassle saved.

Let me give you a real example. A medium-sized bakery in Amman ordered a 40kg spiral mixer for $1,800, a 2-deck oven for $2,200, and an automatic dough divider for $1,500. Total machine cost = $5,500. Shipping to Amman (via Aqaba, LCL) was $300 (including sea freight and trucking). Insurance was $55. CIF value = $5,855. Customs duty at 5% = $292.75. Subtotal for GST calculation = $5,855 + $292.75 = $6,147.75. GST at 16% = $983.64. Customs handling fees = $120. Customs broker fees = $100. Total landed cost = $5,500 + $300 + $55 + $292.75 + $983.64 + $120 + $100 = $7,351.39. For three machines that cost $5,500, the total additional cost was $1,851.39 — that's about 33.7% over the machine price for shipping, insurance, duties, taxes, and fees. A local supplier in Amman might charge $12,000-$16,000 for the same three machines, so importing directly from China still saves a notable amount of money. And if the bakery qualified for a duty exemption scheme, the savings would be even greater.

One a priority note: Jordan has various duty exemption and reduction schemes for industrial machinery under its investment promotion structure, administered by the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC), the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, and the Jordan Customs Department. If you're setting up a new industrial bakery or a JIC-approved investment project, You can be eligible for: 1) Exemption from or reduction of customs duty on imported plant and machinery, 2) Exemption from or reduction of GST on imported plant and machinery, 3) Income tax holidays for new investment projects, 4) Reduced tax rates for industrial undertakings. These schemes are designed to encourage industrial investment and economic development, and the savings can be notable. The application process can be complex and time-consuming, but it's well worth the effort for medium and large investments. Also, businesses operating in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone may qualify for even more generous incentives, including zero customs duty and reduced GST. If you're planning a notable investment in bakery equipment, especially for a new industrial bakery or a business in Aqaba, we strongly recommend consulting with a trade lawyer or investment consultant in Jordan to see if you qualify for any duty exemptions or tax incentives.

Certification and Regulatory Requirements

Jordan has a developing regulatory structure, but for most industrial bakery equipment, the requirements are relatively straightforward. Here's what You should know:

• Electrical safety: Electrical equipment should meet IEC international standards. CE certification is generally accepted as evidence of compliance for industrial equipment. The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) has adopted many IEC standards for electrical equipment. For some types of electrical equipment, JSMO certification may be required, but most industrial bakery equipment is exempt.
• Gas equipment: If you're buying gas-powered ovens or other gas equipment, the installation must meet Jordanian gas safety regulations. You'll need a licensed gas fitter to install the equipment, and it may need to be checked by the local gas authority (the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources or the relevant gas distribution company). Gas connections in commercial areas are regulated, and You can need to apply for a commercial gas connection. LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is commonly used in Jordan, especially in areas without piped natural gas.
• Food contact materials: Equipment that comes into direct contact with food (like dough dividers and mixers) should use food-grade materials (like 304 stainless steel). The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) regulates food safety, and food contact materials should meet international food-grade standards. All our equipment uses food-grade stainless steel for food contact parts.
• Workplace safety: The Ministry of Labour has workplace safety and health regulations that apply to commercial and industrial equipment. Equipment should have proper safety guards, emergency stop buttons, and clear operating instructions. Our equipment meets international safety standards and includes all required safety features.
• Environmental regulations: Jordan has environmental regulations about noise, emissions, and waste disposal, administered by the Ministry of Environment. If you're buying gas-powered equipment, make sure it meets reasonable emission standards. Noise levels should also be within acceptable limits for commercial premises. For equipment that generates waste, you'll need to comply with Jordanian waste disposal regulations. Jordan has strict water conservation regulations, so water-efficient equipment is preferred.
• Import licensing and investment registration: Most industrial machinery can be imported into Jordan without a specific import license, under the "free import" category. However, for larger investments or if you want to qualify for duty exemption schemes, You can need to register your project with the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) and get the necessary approvals. It's always best to check with your customs broker or the JIC to confirm the requirements for your specific situation.
• Food business licensing: If you're setting up a bakery or food production business in Jordan, you'll need to get the appropriate food business license from the local health authority (like the Greater Amman Municipality or the Ministry of Health) and register with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). This is more relevant to your business operations than the equipment itself, but it's something to be aware of. The licensing process typically involves an checkion of your premises and equipment.

In general, importing bakery equipment into Jordan is straightforward from a regulatory perspective. The main challenges are the logistics of shipping and the customs clearance process, not regulatory certification requirements. The main thing is to make sure your documentation is in order (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, CE certification) and that the equipment meets basic safety and food-grade standards. For most standard bakery equipment, you won't need any special permits or certifications beyond what's standard. If you're unsure about any specific requirements, check with your customs broker or a regulatory consultant in Jordan.

Best-Selling Machines in Jordan

Jordan's diverse, quality-conscious bakery and hospitality market has specific equipment preferences. Different segments have different needs, but across the board, Jordanian customers value durability, reliability, and quality. Here's what sells best, from our actual sales to Jordan:

#1: Spiral Mixers (20kg-80kg)

This is our best-selling category in Jordan. The 20kg and 40kg models are the most popular for medium and small bakeries, cafes, and hotels, while the 60kg and 80kg models are preferred by large commercial bakeries and high-volume hotel kitchens. Jordanian customers prefer mixers with heavy-duty construction, powerful motors, and solid gearboxes that can handle long hours of continuous operation. They often ask about the motor power, the gearbox design, the build quality, and the durability — they want mixers that are built to last and can handle heavy, continuous use without breaking down. Digital controls are nice to have but not necessary — many Jordanian customers prefer simple, solid mechanical controls that are less likely to fail and easier to repair. The 40kg model is by far the most popular for medium-sized bakeries and hotels, while the 20kg model is the most popular for small bakeries, cafes, and small hotels. For large commercial bakeries, the 60kg and 80kg models are preferred. For hotels and resorts in tourist areas, 40kg-60kg models are popular because they can handle the fluctuating demand of the tourist season.

#2: Deck Ovens and Rotary Ovens

Ovens are the second most popular category in Jordan. Deck ovens are the most popular for medium and small bakeries, cafes, and hotels, while rotary rack ovens are preferred by large commercial bakeries and high-volume operations. Jordanian customers often buy 2-deck and 3-deck ovens to maximize production capacity. Gas ovens are generally more popular than electric ones in Jordan because LPG is widely available and often cheaper than electricity, especially in areas with high electricity costs. Jordanian customers often ask about the capacity, the temperature range, the recovery time, the fuel consumption, and the durability — they want ovens that can handle consistent production, recover quickly between bakes, and operate efficiently and reliably. The 2-deck gas oven is by far the most popular for medium-sized bakeries and hotels, while the 1-deck gas oven is the most popular for small bakeries, cafes, and small hotels. For large commercial bakeries, rotary rack ovens are preferred. For hotels and resorts, 2-deck and 3-deck gas ovens are popular because they offer flexibility and can handle Various products.

#3: Dough Dividers and Rounders

Consistency and efficiency are matters for commercial bakeries, and dough dividers and rounders are a must for achieving consistent portioning. Our manual dough divider is popular in Jordan, especially for small bakeries, cafes, and start-ups, because it's affordable, compact, and easy to use. Our automatic divider rounder is preferred by medium and large bakeries and hotels. We also sell Many hydraulic dividers to large commercial bakeries and high-end hotels that need maximum precision and versatility. Jordanian customers often ask about the capacity (pieces per hour), the dividing accuracy, the range of dough weights, the ease of cleaning, and the durability — they want dividers that are fast, precise, versatile, easy to maintain, and built to last. The automatic divider rounder with a capacity of 2,000-3,000 pieces per hour is the most popular for medium and large bakeries and hotels in Jordan, while the manual dough divider is popular for small bakeries, cafes, and start-ups.

#4: Dough Sheeters (Tabletop and Floor Models)

Croissants and laminated pastries are growing in popularity in Jordan, especially among hotels, resorts, upscale cafes, and the growing artisanal segment. Tabletop sheeters are popular for small cafes, patisseries, boutique bakeries, and small hotels, while floor model vertical sheeters are popular for medium and large bakeries and hotels. Jordanian customers prefer sheeters with precise thickness control, compact design (for tabletop models) or heavy-duty construction (for floor models), and easy cleanup. They also often ask about the roller quality, the thickness accuracy, and the durability — they want sheeters that are precise, reliable, and built to last. The tabletop sheeter with 40cm-50cm rollers is the most popular for small cafes, patisseries, and small hotels in Jordan, while the floor model vertical sheeter with 50cm-60cm rollers is the most popular for medium and large bakeries and hotels. For hotels and resorts, floor model sheeters are preferred because they can handle the higher volume of the tourist season.

#5: Bread Slicers

Bread slicers are popular in Jordan, especially among commercial bakeries, supermarkets, and retail bakeries that sell sliced bread. Sliced bread is popular in Jordan, especially in supermarkets and retail outlets in urban areas. Jordanian customers prefer slicers with adjustable slice thickness, durable blades, and easy cleanup. They also often ask about the noise level, the safety features, and the durability. Countertop models are the most popular for small retail bakeries, cafes, and small hotels, while floor model slicers with higher capacity are preferred by large commercial bakeries and supermarkets. The bread slicer is an important piece of equipment for any bakery that sells packaged sliced bread in Jordan.

#6: Proofing Chambers and Retarder Provers

Jordan's climate varies noticeably depending on the region — from the hot and dry desert climate of Aqaba and Wadi Rum to the mild and rainy climate of Amman and the highlands to the unique climate of the Dead Sea (the lowest point on Earth). This makes temperature control important for dough fermentation in many parts of the country. Proofing chambers are popular among Jordanian bakeries and hotels because they allow precise control of temperature and humidity for consistent fermentation, regardless of the ambient climate. Medium and small floor model provers are the most popular for bakeries and hotels, while smaller models are preferred by cafes and small operations. Retarder provers are also gaining popularity among large bakeries and hotels that want to prepare dough in advance and have fresh bread ready for early morning breakfast service. Jordanian customers often ask about the capacity, the temperature range, the humidity control, and the energy efficiency — they want provers that are spacious, precise, reliable, and energy-efficient. For hotels and resorts, retarder provers are especially popular because they allow bakers to prepare dough in advance and have fresh bread and pastries ready for the early morning breakfast rush, which is a important service for hotel guests.

A Real Customer Story: The Medium-Sized Bakery in Amman

We have watched bakery owners make the same mistakes on this for years. Here is how to avoid them: Omar is the owner of a medium-sized bakery in Amman's Sweifieh district that produces bread, buns, cakes, pastries, and manakish for supermarkets, retail outlets, and cafes across the Amman metropolitan area. His bakery had been in operation for over 10 years, and it had grown from a small neighborhood bakery into a medium-sized commercial operation with about 12 employees. But by 2023, his equipment was old and inefficient, and he was struggling to keep up with growing demand from cafes and supermarkets. He needed to upgrade his production line to increase capacity and improve consistency.

Omar got quotes from several local equipment suppliers in Amman, and the prices were quite high — a production line upgrade (mixer, oven, divider, slicer) was quoted at JOD 8,000-12,000 ($11,300-$16,900). That was a notable investment. Omar was looking for ways to reduce costs without compromising on quality. He had heard about importing directly from China and was curious about whether it could save him money, even with the import duties and shipping costs.

Omar found us through a Google search for bakery equipment suppliers. He reached out to see if we could provide the equipment he needed at a better price. We worked with him to specify exactly what he needed for his production line — a 40kg spiral mixer, a 2-deck gas oven, an automatic dough divider rounder, and a bread slicer. We quoted him a total price of $6,500 for all the equipment — noticeably less than the local suppliers, even after accounting for shipping and import duties.

Omar was initially concerned about the shipping process and the import duties in Jordan. He had never imported equipment directly before, and he was worried about the complexity and the total landed cost. We helped him understand the shipping process and the duty structure, provided him with all the necessary documentation (including a detailed commercial invoice and packing list with correct HS codes), recommended an experienced freight forwarder who could handle the shipping to Aqaba and trucking to Amman, and recommended an experienced customs broker in Jordan who could handle the clearance process. We also helped him check if his equipment qualified for any duty exemptions — unfortunately, his bakery didn't qualify for a full exemption at that time, but the broker was able to help him minimize the duty through correct classification and documentation.

The total order value was $6,500. Shipping to Amman (via Aqaba, LCL) was $300 (including sea freight and trucking). Insurance was $65. CIF value = $6,865. Customs duty at 5% = $343.25. Subtotal for GST calculation = $6,865 + $343.25 = $7,208.25. GST at 16% = $1,153.32. Customs handling fees = $120. Customs broker fees = $100. Total landed cost = $6,500 + $300 + $65 + $343.25 + $1,153.32 + $120 + $100 = $8,581.57. For a complete production line upgrade that would have cost $11,300-$16,900 from local suppliers. Omar saved over $2,700 — enough to invest in additional equipment and expand his product line.

The shipping took 22 days from Yantian to Aqaba, then trucking to Amman, then customs clearance. The freight forwarder and customs broker handled everything smoothly, and Omar was kept updated throughout the process. The equipment was delivered to his bakery in Amman in good condition. Omar told us the quality of the equipment exceeded his expectations — the mixer was powerful and durable, the oven had Great temperature recovery and fuel efficiency, the divider was fast and precise, and the slicer was reliable and easy to use. With the new equipment, Omar was able to increase his production capacity by 50% and improve the consistency of his products. His bakery now supplies bread and bakery products to over 20 supermarkets, cafes, and retail outlets across Amman, and he's planning to expand to other cities like Zarqa and Irbid.

Since then, Omar has ordered equipment from us one more time — when he expanded his production line and added a proofing chamber and a dough sheeter. He's also recommended us to several other bakery owners in Amman. Omar's advice for other Jordanian bakery owners Given importing from China: "Don't be intimidated by the import process — yes, there are duties and shipping takes a bit longer, but with a good freight forwarder and customs broker, the process is smooth and manageable. And the savings are large — even with shipping and duties, importing directly from China is much cheaper than buying from local suppliers. Find a supplier who provides good documentation with correct HS codes, ask for videos of the machines being tested, and find experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers who know the Jordanian market. Also, check if you qualify for any duty exemption schemes — the government has incentives for industrial investment, and the savings can be Large. I saved enough to expand my business and create more jobs. And the quality is just as good as the expensive brands, if not better."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating shipping time. Shipping to Jordan via Aqaba takes 18-25 days total, which is longer than shipping to many other countries in the region. Always plan ahead and allow enough time for shipping, especially if You've a specific opening date or deadline for your bakery or hotel.
2. Not exploring alternative shipping routes. While the Aqaba route is the most common, there are alternative routes via Beirut (Lebanon) or Port Said (Egypt) that can sometimes be faster or more cost-effective, especially for certain destinations in northern Jordan. Discuss the best shipping option with your freight forwarder from your specific location and timeline.
3. Not checking for duty exemptions and tax incentives. Jordan has various duty exemption and reduction schemes for industrial machinery under its investment promotion structure, especially for new industrial setups, JIC-approved projects, and businesses operating in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. If you're setting up a new industrial bakery, a JIC-approved project, or a business in Aqaba, You can be eligible for notable duty savings — in some cases, even complete exemption. Check with the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) and the Jordan Customs Department, or consult with a trade lawyer, to see if you qualify.
4. Not using an experienced customs broker. Customs clearance in Jordan can be complex. We strongly recommend using an experienced customs broker who knows the system and can expedite the clearance process. A good broker will also ensure your documentation is in order, help you classify your equipment correctly to minimize duty, and ensure you pay the correct amount of tax. The fee is well worth it for the time and hassle saved.
5. Incorrect HS codes on commercial invoice. The HS code figure outs the duty rate, and using the wrong code can result in overpayment or delays in customs clearance. Make sure your supplier provides a commercial invoice with correct HS codes for each item. If you're unsure, consult with your customs broker.
6. Not Given power quality and availability. While the power supply in Jordan is generally reliable, occasional power outages can still occur, especially during peak demand periods in the summer. For sensitive equipment with digital controls, we recommend installing voltage stabilizers and surge protectors. Also, make sure You've a backup generator if you're running a commercial bakery or hotel — You can't afford to lose production or affect guest experience during power outages. Jordan has Great solar potential, and many businesses are installing solar panels to reduce electricity costs — this is worth Given for your bakery or hotel.
7. Buying equipment that's too small for your needs. Don't buy equipment that's too small for your production needs — you'll end up overworking the machines and they'll break down sooner. Invest in equipment with enough capacity to handle your current production and some room for growth. This is especially a priority for hotels and resorts, where demand can fluctuate noticeably with tourist seasons — you want equipment that can handle the peak season without being overworked.
8. Not asking for a video test. Always ask your supplier to send a video of your machine being tested with actual dough before shipment. This is especially important for production equipment where reliability and consistency are important. It also gives you peace of mind that the equipment is working properly before it ships — and with the shipping time to Jordan, you don't want to discover a problem after the equipment arrives.
9. Not planning for spare parts. While our equipment is durable and reliable, it's always a good idea to keep some common spare parts on hand (like belts, seals, and heating elements) to minimize downtime if something needs to be replaced. This is especially matters in Jordan, where sourcing spare parts locally can be difficult and time-consuming, and importing replacement parts takes time Because of the shipping process.

Putting It All Together

Jordan is a small but growing and increasingly diverse market for bakery equipment. With a population of about 11 million people (including a large refugee population), a growing middle class, rapid urbanization (especially in Amman), a strong food culture, and — most importantly — a rapidly recovering tourism sector, the demand for bakery equipment is meaningful and growing. The market is diverse — from medium and large commercial bakeries to small neighborhood bakeries and traditional bakeries, to hotels and resorts across the country, to a growing cafe and restaurant scene in Amman. If You can provide durable, reliable, high-quality equipment at competitive prices, the Jordanian market offers good opportunities — both for bakery owners looking to set up or expand, and for distributors looking to supply this growing market.

The main challenges with importing bakery equipment into Jordan are logistics (shipping via Aqaba takes 18-25 days, and there are alternative routes via Beirut or Port Said that may be worth exploring) and the moderate import duties (15%-25% total). However, there are duty exemption and tax incentive schemes available for industrial machinery, especially for new industrial setups, JIC-approved projects, and businesses operating in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. And even with the logistics costs and import duties, importing directly from China is often still noticeably cheaper than buying from local suppliers in Jordan, who typically mark up equipment by 100%-200%. The important is to plan ahead and allow enough time for shipping, look at alternative shipping routes, calculate the full landed cost (including all shipping and transit fees), check if you qualify for any duty exemptions or tax incentives, work with an experienced customs broker who can find your way through the duty structure and expedite clearance, and make sure your documentation (especially HS codes) is correct.

Other things to watch out for include power quality and availability (install voltage stabilizers and have backup generators, especially during the summer peak demand period; consider installing solar panels to reduce electricity costs, as Jordan has Great solar potential), buying equipment with enough capacity for your production needs (don't undersize, especially for hotels and resorts where demand fluctuates with tourist seasons), planning for spare parts (keep common parts on hand to minimize downtime, since importing replacements takes time), and asking for video tests before shipment (since the shipping time means you don't want to discover problems after arrival). Get those right, and the import process, while slightly more complex than in some other countries, is manageable and cost-effective.

If You've questions about specific machines, shipping routes and costs (including alternative routes via Beirut or Port Said), duty rates, HS codes, duty exemption schemes, JIC-approved projects, Aqaba Special Economic Zone benefits, or the import process for Jordan, feel free to reach out to us. We've helped many Jordanian bakery owners and hoteliers import equipment successfully, and we're happy to share what we've learned. We can also provide detailed quotations with CIF Aqaba pricing and correct HS codes, and we can recommend experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers in Jordan. We provide CE certification and food-grade stainless steel construction as standard, and we can configure voltage for Jordan (230V/400V 50Hz) at no extra cost.