Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDehydrated flakes/granules
Industry PositionProcessed Food Ingredient
Market
Chile is a net importer of dried potato flakes/granules/pellets (HS 110520); UN Comtrade data via WITS reports imports of about USD 7.95 million (about 4,821 tonnes) in 2022, led by shipments from Germany and the Netherlands. Domestic potato cultivation is substantial and largely oriented to the internal market, with major production in Los Lagos and La Araucanía and a large smallholder base. In-market consumer products (instant mashed potato mixes based on potato flakes) are sold through modern retail, while bulk flakes used by food manufacturers and foodservice are structurally import-exposed. Market access and go-to-market execution depend on compliance with Chile’s food sanitary framework (DS 977 — Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos) and front-of-pack/labeling rules under Law 20.606, as well as SEREMI procedures for imported foods (CDA and subsequent authorization for use and disposition).
Market RoleNet importer with limited exports; domestic consumer and processing market with import-dependent supply for HS 110520
Domestic RoleConvenience staple input for instant mashed products and an ingredient for industrial food applications (e.g., snacks, bakery, prepared foods) supplied via imports and local packing/blending
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImported foods can be operationally blocked from release if SEREMI processes are not correctly executed (CDA for controlled transfer to an authorized warehouse and subsequent authorization for use and disposition). Delays or rejections can create demurrage, storage costs, and missed customer commitments.Use an experienced customs broker and confirm (before shipment) the destination warehouse sanitary authorization, CDA workflow readiness, and a SEREMI-ready technical dossier (Spanish) for the specific SKU.
Logistics MediumChile’s HS 110520 supply is import-exposed; ocean freight variability and port/transport disruptions can raise landed costs and destabilize availability for industrial buyers and retail programs.Hold safety stock for critical SKUs, diversify origins where feasible, and align contract terms (INCOTERMS, buffer windows) to manage freight and delay exposure.
Food Safety MediumFormulations may include sulfites and/or dairy ingredients (common in instant mash mixes); misdeclaration of allergens or additives can trigger non-compliance actions and reputational risk.Require verified ingredient statements and additive/allergen specifications from suppliers; implement incoming label compliance checks against DS 977 and MINSAL guidance.
Labeling MediumNon-compliance with Chile’s labeling regime (including potential front-of-pack warning labels under Law 20.606 when thresholds apply) can force re-labeling, delays, or enforcement actions in-market.Run a pre-market label/legal review for each SKU (nutrition panel, ingredient list, allergen statements, claims) and confirm whether warning labels apply based on the final formulation.
Supply MediumDomestic potato supply shocks (e.g., disease pressure such as late blight reported in Chile potato market commentary) can tighten local raw material availability and raise costs for any domestic processing/packing that depends on local potatoes.For locally produced/packed items, qualify backup raw material sources and monitor ODEPA/INE sector updates to anticipate supply-driven cost and availability swings.
Standards- HACCP-based controls (Codex CXC 1-1969)
- ISO 22000 (food safety management systems)
FAQ
What HS code is typically used for dried potato flakes/granules/pellets in Chile trade statistics?In UN Comtrade reporting (as presented by the World Bank WITS portal), dried potato flakes, granules and pellets are reported under HS 110520.
What are the key steps to release imported potato flakes (or products based on them) for sale in Chile?ChileAtiende describes a two-step SEREMI pathway for imported foods: first, obtain a Certificado de Destinación Aduanera (CDA) to move goods from customs to an authorized warehouse, and then request the SEREMI authorization for use/consumption and disposition before commercial release.
Why do some potato-flake-based instant mashed products require special labeling attention in Chile?Chile’s Ministry of Health provides guidance for Law 20.606 front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods when critical nutrient limits apply, and product formulations may also include additives and allergens such as sulfites or dairy (as shown in a Chile-made instant mashed product ingredient list), which must be declared accurately under the food sanitary framework.