Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormEdible vegetable oil (HS 151319 non-crude/refined fractions)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient (Edible Oil)
Market
Coconut oil in Paraguay is a small, import-supplied edible-oil ingredient market, with 2023 imports of HS 151319 reported at about USD 354K (86,480 kg) and sourced mainly from Brazil and Malaysia. Recorded exports are minor (e.g., HS 151319 exports in 2024 were only hundreds of kilograms), though some trade in crude coconut oil (HS 151311) has been reported as exported to Chile, suggesting occasional re-export or small-scale processing flows. For market access, Paraguay’s food sanitary registration and controls have shifted from INAN to DINAVISA following Law 7361/2024-related communications. As a landlocked country reliant on river/overland corridors, Paraguay faces elevated logistics disruption risk during low-water events on the Paraguay River, which can increase costs and delay inbound cargo.
Market RoleNet importer (niche volumes) with occasional re-exports/limited export flows recorded
Domestic RoleImport-supplied edible oil ingredient used in the domestic food market; limited local supply base indicated in public statistics
Specification
Compositional Metrics- Quality specifications for edible coconut oil are commonly aligned to Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils (CODEX STAN 210-1999) for parameters used in commercial specifications (e.g., identity and quality criteria for named vegetable oils).
Grades- Crude coconut oil (HS 151311) vs non-crude/refined coconut oil (HS 151319) are distinct trade forms used in customs classification and procurement specifications.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Supplier (Brazil/Malaysia) → ocean freight to regional seaport → inland movement to Paraguay (river/overland) → importer warehousing/distribution → domestic sale/use
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Logistics HighLow-water events on the Paraguay River can reduce navigable draft, increasing cost and delay risk for cargo to/from Paraguay; carriers have implemented low-water surcharges for Paraguay-linked shipments during such events, which can disrupt coconut oil import programs.Build buffer inventory, confirm contingency routing (overland alternatives), and contract with suppliers on delivery windows that account for seasonal river-level risk.
Regulatory Compliance HighProducts may be blocked from lawful commercialization if sanitary registration/authorization and labeling requirements are not met; regulatory responsibilities for food registrations have been communicated as shifting from INAN to DINAVISA, increasing the risk of process or documentation mismatch during transitions.Validate the current competent authority/workflow (DINAVISA DGRAPA), align label files to MERCOSUR labeling rules, and confirm dossier completeness before shipment and launch.
Reputational MediumGlobal scrutiny of coconut supply chains (notably Thailand-origin products associated with monkey-labor allegations) can create reputational and customer-acceptance risk if origin controls are weak, even in markets where enforcement is not the primary barrier.Require origin documentation, supplier declarations, and (where relevant) third-party audits or credible assurance programs for coconut sourcing.
Labor & Social- If coconut oil is sourced from Thailand (or Thailand-origin inputs are in the chain), buyers may face heightened scrutiny due to widely reported monkey-labor allegations in Thai coconut harvesting and resulting retailer delistings; origin transparency and supplier due diligence can be required by downstream customers.
FAQ
Is Paraguay primarily an importer or producer/exporter of coconut oil?Paraguay is primarily a net importer for HS 151319 coconut oil, with 2023 imports reported at about USD 354K (86,480 kg) and suppliers led by Brazil and Malaysia; recorded exports for HS 151319 are very small in comparison.
Which countries supplied Paraguay’s coconut oil imports in the most recent reported year in this record?For HS 151319 in 2023, Paraguay’s reported suppliers were led by Brazil and Malaysia, with smaller amounts from countries such as Germany, Belgium, and the United States.
Which authority should importers look to for food product sanitary registration and related controls in Paraguay?INAN communications note that, following Law 7361/2024, food registration procedures that were previously handled at INAN are now under DINAVISA (via its food regulation directorate, DGRAPA).