Market
Dried scallion flakes (dehydrated allium flakes used as a seasoning ingredient) in Mexico are primarily supplied via imports that are commonly reported under the HS 071220 “dried onions” trade category. Mexico is a net importer in this category: 2024 imports were about USD 13.3 million (about 4,088,520 kg), led by the United States, India, and China, while 2024 exports were about USD 1.0 million (about 379,865 kg). The product is used mainly as an input for seasoning blends and packaged foods, and may also be repacked into retail spice formats. Import execution commonly involves verifying any applicable COFEPRIS sanitary import procedures and (where applicable based on product/origin/use) consulting SENASICA’s phytosanitary requirements module, with hygiene and labeling obligations governed by Mexican NOMs depending on whether the product is repacked and prepackaged for consumers.
Market RoleNet importer (dehydrated allium category) with minor exports
Domestic RolePrimarily a dehydrated seasoning ingredient for domestic food manufacturing and spice/seasoning blending; secondary role via repacking into retail spice formats where applicable
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by shelf-stable imports and domestic packing/repacking; any fresh-harvest seasonality is largely buffered by dehydration and inventory management.
Risks
Food Safety HighLow-moisture foods can carry viable pathogens (notably Salmonella) for extended periods even though growth is inhibited; detection of Salmonella or foreign material in dried scallion flakes can trigger border holds, buyer rejection, or recalls, severely disrupting supply into Mexico.Approve suppliers with validated preventive controls for low-moisture foods (HACCP-based programs), require COAs and pathogen testing plans appropriate for low-moisture ingredients, and implement incoming-lot sampling plus robust foreign-matter controls.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMisalignment on whether the shipment is subject to COFEPRIS sanitary import procedures and/or SENASICA phytosanitary requirements (based on exact product description, use, and origin) can cause customs delays and added compliance cost.Pre-validate regulatory pathway in VUCEM and consult SENASICA MCRFI (where applicable) before booking freight; align customs classification, product description, and documentation with broker checklists.
Logistics MediumMexico’s supply in the HS 071220 category is import-concentrated (notably U.S., India, and China), so freight disruptions or exporter-side availability shocks can tighten supply and raise landed costs for Mexican buyers.Qualify multiple origins and keep safety stock for key SKUs; structure contracts with flexible origin options and clearer lead-time buffers for overseas supply.
Documentation Gap MediumIncomplete or inconsistent annex documentation tied to the pedimento can slow customs dispatch and downstream manufacturing schedules.Run a pre-shipment document audit (invoice, packing list, transport docs, origin docs, and any applicable agency filings) and submit digital annex documents via the SAT/VUCEM workflow as required.
FAQ
Is Mexico mainly an importer or an exporter of dried scallion (dehydrated allium) flakes?Mexico is mainly an importer in the dehydrated allium category commonly proxied by HS 071220 (“dried onions”). In 2024, Mexico’s imports in HS 071220 were much larger than its exports, indicating import dependence for dehydrated allium ingredients.
Where can an importer check whether phytosanitary requirements apply to a dehydrated plant product entering Mexico?SENASICA maintains an online phytosanitary import requirements module (MCRFI) used to consult the applicable measures for regulated plant-origin goods based on product, use, and origin. If requirements apply, SENASICA procedures govern compliance and related phytosanitary documentation at entry.
When does Mexico’s NOM-051 labeling standard matter for this product?NOM-051 applies when the product is sold as a prepackaged food to consumers in Mexico; it sets general labeling requirements for prepackaged foods. NOM-051’s scope explicitly excludes bulk (a granel) products, so it is typically most relevant if dehydrated flakes are repacked into retail consumer units.