Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood Ingredient (Soluble Dietary Fibre/Inulin)
Market
Chicory-root-powder in Brazil is primarily traded as inulin (HS 110820 / commonly referenced as NCM 11082000) for use as a functional soluble dietary fibre ingredient in food and dietary supplement formulations. Brazil is an import-dependent market: UN Comtrade data (via WITS) reports imports of about US$4.46 million (1,465,040 kg) of inulin in 2023. Import supply is concentrated, with Chile the dominant origin in 2023, followed by smaller volumes from the Netherlands, China, Belgium and Mexico. For food/food-ingredient imports subject to sanitary surveillance, Anvisa prior consent workflows in Siscomex (LI/LPCO and the phased DUIMP process) make correct administrative treatment and documentation critical for avoiding clearance delays.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RoleImported functional fibre ingredient used in Brazilian food and dietary supplement manufacturing
Specification
Compositional Metrics- Inulin content and chain-length profile (degree of polymerization) are key buyer specification parameters; supplier ranges include standard, long-chain and high-solubility inulin powders
Grades- Standard inulin powder
- Long-chain inulin powder
- High-solubility inulin powder
- Oligofructose-enriched inulin blends
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Chicory cultivation and industrial inulin extraction (primarily outside Brazil) → purification and drying to powder → bagging → sea freight to Brazil → Siscomex import filing and (where applicable) Anvisa prior consent (LI/LPCO and/or DUIMP workflow) → local ingredient distribution → food/supplement manufacturing
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the shipment is subject to Anvisa prior consent in Siscomex (non-automatic licensing) and the LI/LPCO petition, importer regularization, or administrative treatment by NCM is incorrect or incomplete, clearance can be delayed or blocked, disrupting supply to Brazilian manufacturers.Run a pre-shipment classification and Siscomex administrative treatment check by NCM, align the LI/LPCO dossier to Anvisa guidance, and buffer lead time for Anvisa analysis and any DUIMP/LPCO process changes.
Supply Concentration MediumUN Comtrade/WITS data shows Brazil’s inulin imports are highly concentrated by origin (Chile dominates 2023 imports), increasing exposure to supply, pricing, or logistics disruption from a single origin corridor.Qualify alternative origins/suppliers (e.g., EU/Asia) and keep safety stock aligned to manufacturing demand cycles.
Logistics MediumBulk ingredient imports at the observed scale (over 1,400 tonnes/year in UN Comtrade/WITS 2023) are exposed to ocean freight volatility and port delays, which can affect landed cost and manufacturing continuity in Brazil.Contract with lead-time buffers, monitor freight/port conditions, and use rolling forecasts with distributors to reduce stockout risk.
Sustainability- Supplier sustainability positioning (e.g., regenerative agriculture narratives in chicory sourcing) may be relevant to Brazilian buyers supplying multinational brands with procurement due-diligence requirements.
FAQ
Is Brazil a net importer of chicory-root inulin (often sold as chicory root powder/fibre)?Yes. UN Comtrade data published via the World Bank WITS platform reports Brazil imported about US$4.46 million and 1,465,040 kg of inulin (HS 110820) in 2023, indicating import dependence for this ingredient.
Which trade code is most commonly used for inulin/chicory root fibre powder in Brazil import workflows?At the HS-6 level, inulin is classified as HS 110820. In Brazil/Mercosur nomenclature it is commonly referenced as NCM 11082000 (Inulin), but importers should confirm the exact NCM for the specific product description before filing in Siscomex.
What is the main regulatory step that can delay an inulin shipment entering Brazil?For products subject to sanitary surveillance, Brazil requires prior Anvisa consent through Siscomex non-automatic import licensing workflows (LI/LPCO and, in some cases, the DUIMP process). If the dossier or administrative treatment is incorrect, Anvisa analysis can delay clearance.