Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh plum in El Salvador is primarily an import-supplied fresh fruit category rather than a major domestic production/export market. UN Comtrade/WITS data for HS 080940 shows El Salvador imported about 1,362,550 kg valued at about USD 1.122 million in 2019, sourced mainly from Chile, Spain, the United States, Guatemala, and Italy. Market access is highly process-driven: importers typically need MAG phytosanitary import authorization via the CIEX single window and must present the required original certificates at inspection for product release. Supplier mix implies both long-haul cold-chain logistics (e.g., Chile/Spain/Italy) and regional flows (e.g., Guatemala), making transit-time control material to quality outcomes.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly through imports (HS 080940 import flows observed).
SeasonalityAvailability is import-driven and depends on supplier-origin seasons and logistics; 2019 sourcing included both long-haul origins (Chile, Spain, Italy) and regional supply (Guatemala).
Specification
Physical Attributes- Trade quality commonly referenced in international commerce includes fruit that is clean and mature (not overripe/soft/shriveled) and free from decay and major defects (e.g., broken skins, growth cracks, sunburn/heat injury) per U.S. AMS grade language.
Grades- U.S. Fancy (reference grade language)
- U.S. No. 1 (reference grade language)
- U.S. No. 2 (reference grade language)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Supplier export dispatch → cold-chain transport (long-haul and/or regional) → CIEX/MAG import authorization workflow (AFI) → border quarantine inspection and product release (“liberación”) → customs linkage → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- Cold-chain discipline during transport and distribution is critical for imported fresh plums because quality deteriorates quickly with transit-time delays and temperature abuse.
Shelf Life- Short commercial shelf life after arrival; delays at clearance or downstream distribution increase shrink and downgrade risk.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFailure to obtain the required MAG phytosanitary import authorization (AFI) and to align required original certificates with the authorization can block clearance for fresh plums at entry (no release/libración until requirements are met).Complete importer registration and secure the AFI via CIEX before shipment; verify origin-specific requirements in MAG’s requirements system and run a pre-shipment document conformity check against the AFI.
Phytosanitary MediumBorder quarantine inspection can delay or conditionally release shipments; if pests are detected or treatment is ordered, additional quarantine steps (e.g., fumigation) and proof of quarantine treatment certification may be required, increasing time-to-market and cost.Source from orchards/packers with documented pest-management and packinghouse controls; ensure treatment and certification pathways are pre-agreed if inspection findings trigger quarantine actions.
Logistics MediumFresh plums are highly sensitive to transit time and cold-chain breaks; multimodal shipments (long-haul + regional) face quality downgrade and shrink risk if clearance or transport delays occur.Use reefer-capable logistics with temperature monitoring, schedule buffer for inspection/clearance, and align arrival timing with downstream distribution capacity.
Documentation Gap LowThe most recent readily accessible public WITS (UN Comtrade) import-by-partner snapshot identified in this run is for 2019 for HS 080940, limiting confidence in current supplier mix and trend direction without a refreshed extract.Pull the latest HS 080940 import series from WITS/UN Comtrade or ITC Trade Map before finalizing supplier strategy or volume commitments.
FAQ
What is the key MAG requirement to import fresh plums into El Salvador?MAG indicates that importers of plant-origin products must obtain a phytosanitary import authorization (AFI) and be registered for the import process; the authorization is processed through CIEX and is used for inspection and release at entry.
What documents are checked when a fresh fruit shipment is released (“liberación”) at entry?MAG’s release procedure indicates the importer presents a copy of the import authorization and the original certificates required by that authorization; the shipment is released if requirements are met and inspection finds no pests.
Which countries supplied El Salvador’s fresh plum imports in 2019 (HS 080940)?WITS (UN Comtrade) data for 2019 lists Chile, Spain, the United States, Guatemala, and Italy as the main origins for El Salvador’s HS 080940 imports (with a very small quantity also recorded from Japan).