Market
Dried lentils in Uruguay function primarily as an import-supplied consumer staple rather than a domestically produced crop, with no Uruguay entries shown for “Lentils, dry” in FAOSTAT data as presented via UNdata. Import supply is concentrated: UN Comtrade data published via WITS shows Uruguay’s dried lentil imports (HS 071340) in 2023 were sourced mainly from Canada and Argentina. Market access for plant-origin products is structured around MGAP/DGSA border inspection processes and an Acreditación Fitosanitaria de Importación (AFIDI) obtained via SAFIDI, with additional documents (e.g., phytosanitary certificate of origin) potentially triggered by AFIDI conditions. As a MERCOSUR member, Uruguay applies the Common External Tariff schedule for NCM 0713.40 (lentils), which is relevant for landed-cost planning.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imports (retail packaged and bulk foodservice use).
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and dry storage rather than local harvest seasonality.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighEntry can be blocked or materially delayed if the shipment does not meet MGAP/DGSA’s AFIDI-defined conditions for plant-origin imports or if required supporting documents (as specified by AFIDI) are missing at border inspection.Obtain and review AFIDI via SAFIDI pre-shipment; align exporter documentation to the AFIDI checklist and ensure RUO status is current before arrival.
Food Safety MediumNon-compliance with contaminant and residue expectations (e.g., pesticide residues, mycotoxins, heavy metals) or mislabeling of packaged product can lead to enforcement action, delays, or withdrawal from sale under Uruguay’s food regulatory framework and international pulse standards.Require supplier COA aligned to Codex CXS 171-1989 contaminant/residue expectations and ensure labels are reviewed against Decreto N° 315/994 requirements before retail distribution.
Quality MediumMoisture management and pest contamination (live insects/extraneous matter) are key quality risks for dried lentils; failures can trigger rejection or the need for corrective actions during inspection and storage.Contract to Codex CXS 171-1989 moisture/extraneous matter limits; apply pre-shipment cleaning/sorting, sealed packaging, and pest-controlled warehousing on arrival.
Logistics MediumBecause Uruguay relies on overseas supply (notably Canada) for HS 071340, ocean freight and container availability volatility can raise landed costs or disrupt replenishment timing.Diversify origins (e.g., Canada and regional suppliers where feasible), maintain safety stock, and use forward freight planning for peak container-demand periods.
FAQ
Where does Uruguay source most of its dried lentil imports from?UN Comtrade data published via WITS shows that in 2023 Uruguay’s dried lentil imports (HS 071340) were sourced mainly from Canada (USD 2,859.04K; 2,499,330 kg) and Argentina (USD 340.85K; 280,000 kg).
What is the key phytosanitary entry requirement pathway for importing dried lentils (plant-origin products) into Uruguay?Imports of products of plant origin are handled through MGAP/DGSA border inspection supported by a valid RUO registration and an Acreditación Fitosanitaria de Importación (AFIDI) obtained via SAFIDI; AFIDI specifies the conditions and can reference additional required documents such as a phytosanitary certificate of origin.
What MERCOSUR tariff rate applies to lentils under the common tariff schedule used by Uruguay?In the NCM/AEC schedule, lentils are listed under NCM 0713.40: 0713.40.10 (for sowing) is shown at 0% and 0713.40.90 (other lentils) at 10%.