Market
Cumin seed (HS 090930) in Bolivia is primarily an import-dependent spice market, with imports far exceeding exports in recent UN Comtrade data. In 2024, Bolivia imported about USD 535k (about 98.8 t) of cumin seed, overwhelmingly sourced from India. Recorded exports in 2024 were minimal (about USD 2k), indicating Bolivia is not a meaningful origin supplier in this product. Market access and continuity are most sensitive to SENASAG import authorization (food safety and plant quarantine controls) and customs document completeness at clearance.
Market RoleNet importer
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption spice market supplied mainly by imports
Market GrowthDeclining (2023 to 2024)import value and quantity fell year-on-year in the latest two reported years
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIncomplete or inconsistent customs/SENASAG documentation (including required prior authorizations/certifications where applicable) can trigger shipment holds, observations, reprocessing of filings, or refusal/return/destruction decisions at the border for plant-origin food products.Use a pre-shipment clearance checklist aligned to Aduana Nacional DIM support documents and SENASAG permit requirements; reconcile HS code, product description, lot IDs, net weights, and origin certificates before dispatch.
Food Safety MediumCumin is subject to contaminant and pesticide-residue expectations under Codex standards; non-compliance (e.g., excess foreign matter/filth, microbial contamination, or residues) can lead to rejection by regulators or buyers and reputational risk for importers.Require supplier COAs and, where risk-based, third-party lab testing aligned to Codex contaminant/pesticide frameworks and the Codex CXS 327-2017 quality requirements before shipment.
Logistics MediumAs a landlocked destination, Bolivia’s landed cost and delivery reliability can be affected by multimodal transit bottlenecks and border clearance timing; delays can increase storage costs and expose cargo to humidity/pest risks.Use moisture-barrier packaging, verified fumigation/cleanliness where needed, and route planning with buffer lead times; prioritize carriers/forwarders experienced with Bolivia’s import corridors and document workflows.
FAQ
Is Bolivia mainly an importer or exporter of cumin seed?Bolivia is mainly an importer. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Bolivia importing about USD 535k of cumin seed (HS 090930) in 2024, while recorded exports in 2024 were about USD 2k.
Who supplies most of Bolivia’s imported cumin seed?India supplies the majority of Bolivia’s recorded cumin-seed imports in recent UN Comtrade data. In 2024, WITS reports most of Bolivia’s HS 090930 imports coming from India, with smaller volumes from Peru and the United States.
What documents are typically needed to clear imported cumin seed into Bolivia?Customs clearance commonly requires at least a commercial invoice, packing list, and a transport document, plus any prior authorizations/certifications that apply. For food imports under SENASAG procedures, importers may also need SENASAG permissions and supporting sanitary-origin documentation depending on the product and import regime.