Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dried broad beans (haba; Vicia faba) are produced in Guatemala mainly in the western highlands, with MAGA highlighting Quetzaltenango, Chimaltenango, and Huehuetenango as key producing departments. MAGA describes a seasonal cycle with harvest typically occurring between June and September. Trade visibility for HS 071350 (dried broad/horse beans, shelled) appears limited in available UN Comtrade/WITS extracts for Guatemala, indicating small recorded import flows in 2022. For cross-border movement of plant products, Guatemala’s MAGA/VISAR Sanidad Vegetal issues official phytosanitary documentation supporting compliance with national and international requirements.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with highland production; limited recorded trade flows
Domestic RoleHighland-produced pulse consumed domestically (fresh and dried forms) with seasonal harvest availability
SeasonalityMAGA describes sowing in the first months of the year and harvest between June and September in the main highland producing departments.
Specification
Physical Attributes- For international trade alignment, Codex CXS 171-1989 emphasizes pulses being safe and suitable for human consumption and free from abnormal flavors/odors, living insects, and filth in amounts that may pose a health hazard.
Packaging- For trade readiness, packaging and handling should protect dried pulses from moisture uptake and pest infestation to support compliance with hygiene/safety expectations described in Codex pulses guidance.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm harvest (highlands) → drying → threshing/shelling → cleaning/sorting → bagging → storage → domestic distribution or export dispatch (with MAGA/VISAR phytosanitary certification when required by destination or import regime)
Shelf Life- Shelf-life performance is primarily driven by moisture control and insect management during storage and transport; infestation or damp storage can drive rapid quality deterioration and SPS non-compliance risk.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Phytosanitary HighPhytosanitary non-compliance (e.g., evidence of live storage pests/infestation or failure to meet destination/import phytosanitary requirements) can block issuance/acceptance of official documentation and trigger border rejection, delay, or destruction/return of dried broad bean shipments linked to Guatemala trade flows.Implement robust post-harvest drying, cleaning, and pest-control protocols; conduct pre-shipment inspections; and coordinate early with MAGA/VISAR Sanidad Vegetal (including SIGIE workflows) to confirm permit/certificate requirements for the specific route and counterparty.
Food Safety MediumCodex CXS 171-1989 requires pulses to comply with maximum limits for pesticide residues and mycotoxins; storage or handling failures that increase contamination risk can lead to failed buyer testing and shipment rejection.Use documented residue-management practices, maintain dry storage conditions, and apply routine contaminant testing plans aligned to target market requirements.
Logistics MediumAs a bulk, freight-sensitive commodity, dried broad bean trade linked to Guatemala can face margin compression and delivery risk from freight rate volatility and route disruption.Use forward freight booking where possible, diversify routing/forwarders, and structure contracts with clear Incoterms and contingencies for delays.
Labor & Social- Guatemala has documented child labor risks in agriculture at the country level (USDOL Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor); buyers may require social compliance screening even for smallholder pulse supply chains.
FAQ
Which Guatemalan departments are highlighted as major haba (broad bean) producing areas?MAGA highlights Quetzaltenango, Chimaltenango, and Huehuetenango as the main departments where haba is cultivated in Guatemala.
When is the typical harvest window for haba in Guatemala according to MAGA?MAGA describes haba harvest occurring between June and September in the main producing areas.
What is the key official phytosanitary document for plant products in Guatemala’s cross-border trade context?MAGA/VISAR Sanidad Vegetal issues official phytosanitary documentation certifying that plants and plant products meet national and international phytosanitary requirements, which is a core requirement pathway for regulated import/export movements.