Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormRoasted, decaffeinated, ground (packaged)
Industry PositionRetail Packaged Beverage (Dry Grocery)
Market
Decaffeinated ground coffee in Chile is primarily supplied through imports of roasted decaffeinated coffee and imported coffee inputs for downstream roasting/packing. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Chile imported roasted decaffeinated coffee (HS 090122) in 2024 with reported value of about USD 1.57 million and quantity about 114,930 kg. Supplier mix for HS 090122 includes traditional coffee-roasting origins such as Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Spain, and Ecuador (example: 2023 import partner breakdown). In modern retail, decaffeinated offerings include ground decaf SKUs alongside other decaf formats, indicating established shelf presence in supermarkets. Market access is most sensitive to documentary and sanitary clearance (customs + health authority) rather than to seasonality.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer for decaffeinated roasted/ground coffee)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imported product and imported coffee inputs
Specification
Primary VarietyArabica (commonly marketed on premium decaf ground SKUs)
Physical Attributes- Roast level and grind specification (e.g., espresso/drip suitability) are key buying attributes for ground coffee
- Packaging integrity (seal/vacuum/tin) is important to protect aroma and prevent moisture ingress
Compositional Metrics- Residual caffeine content is a common decaf specification on branded products (some brands state a maximum caffeine content such as ≤0.1%).
Packaging- Retail ground-coffee packs around 250 g are common in Chilean modern retail for decaffeinated ground coffee
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin green coffee procurement → industrial decaffeination → roasting → grinding → retail packaging → ocean freight → Chile port entry → customs + health authority clearance → distributor/retail delivery
Temperature- Ambient (dry) handling is typical; moisture and odor control are critical to preserve quality in transit and storage
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImported decaffeinated ground coffee can be held or delayed if customs/health documentation is incomplete or if required health authority steps are not completed (e.g., CDA handling where applicable and SEREMI de Salud authorization for the use/consumption/disposition of imported foods). Non-compliant labeling under Chile’s food rules can also trigger enforcement actions before product can be placed on the market.Use an experienced customs broker; align Spanish labels and product dossier with Chile’s food sanitary regulation and MINSAL labeling guidance; confirm whether CDA and SEREMI authorization apply for the shipment and schedule any sampling/inspection lead times.
Phytosanitary MediumSAG border controls for plant-origin products and related requirements (including treatment/verification expectations and ISPM 15 for wood packaging) can cause delays if import requirements change or if packaging/documentation is non-compliant.Confirm current SAG import requirements for the specific coffee presentation and origin; ensure compliant wood packaging (ISPM 15) and maintain complete inspection-ready documentation.
Commodity Price MediumCoffee price volatility driven by adverse climatic conditions in producing countries can materially affect import costs and retail pricing for decaffeinated ground coffee in Chile.Diversify origins/suppliers, use longer-term contracts where feasible, and align inventory strategy with global coffee market risk signals.
Labor & Human Rights MediumCoffee supply chains in some producing countries have documented child labor and/or forced labor risk signals; reputational and buyer compliance risk can transfer to importers and brand owners in Chile.Implement origin-risk screening, require supplier codes of conduct and auditability, and consider credible certification/traceability systems where appropriate.
Sustainability- Upstream climate-driven supply disruptions can translate into price volatility for imported coffee in Chile (FAO reported major coffee price increases in 2024 linked to adverse weather).
- Sustainability and regenerative sourcing claims (e.g., Rainforest Alliance coffee programs/standards) may influence procurement and brand positioning for imported coffee products in Chile.
Labor & Social- Upstream labor risk: Coffee is listed by the U.S. Department of Labor (ILAB) as a good with reported child labor and/or forced labor in multiple producing countries; Chilean buyers/importers may require due diligence on origin risks and labor practices.
Standards- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety
FAQ
What import taxes typically apply when bringing packaged decaffeinated ground coffee into Chile?As a general rule, Chile applies a 6% ad valorem customs duty calculated on the CIF value, and a 19% VAT calculated on the CIF value plus the ad valorem duty. If the product qualifies under a trade agreement and you present a valid certificate of origin, the ad valorem duty may be reduced or eliminated.
Does Chile require a health authority authorization for imported foods before they can be used or sold?For imported foods, the process can require a SEREMI de Salud resolution authorizing the use, consumption, and disposition of the imported foods. ChileAtiende notes that Aduanas can require a Certificado de Destinación Aduanera (CDA) as part of the procedure for moving goods to the declared storage location.
Which countries supply roasted decaffeinated coffee to Chile?UN Comtrade data made available through the World Bank’s WITS platform shows Chile imported roasted, decaffeinated coffee (HS 090122) from countries including Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Spain, and Ecuador (example: 2023 partner breakdown).