Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormIn-shell (raw, not roasted)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Market
Colombia functions primarily as an import-dependent consumer and processing market for raw peanuts, with sizable imports of shelled groundnuts recorded in UN Comtrade (HS 1988/92: 120220). Import market access is shaped by ICA’s phytosanitary import regime (DRFI/SISPAP when applicable), documentary checks, and border inspection leading to a nationalization phytosanitary certificate prior to DIAN customs nationalization. Food-safety compliance is dominated by aflatoxin control, with Colombian contaminant limits explicitly covering peanuts and INVIMA monitoring programs prioritizing peanuts within national mycotoxin surveillance. Colombia is not a significant exporter of in-shell raw peanuts in available Comtrade HS92 data.
Market RoleNet importer and domestic consumer/processing market (imports mainly as shelled groundnuts); not a significant exporter of in-shell raw peanuts
Market Growth
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin non-compliance is a primary deal-breaker for raw peanut entry and downstream use in Colombia: national contaminant limits explicitly cover peanuts (including differentiated maximum levels for direct consumption vs. lots intended for selection/physical treatment), and INVIMA surveillance programs identify peanuts as a monitored commodity for mycotoxins.Implement pre-shipment mycotoxin testing on edible portion, strict drying and moisture management, and sorting/selection plans aligned to the intended use category (direct consumption vs. further selection/physical treatment).
Regulatory Compliance MediumPhytosanitary documentation and process compliance (ICA) can block or delay clearance: DRFI may be required depending on product risk category, is time-limited (90 days, single shipment), and ICA can annul DRFI validity if quarantine pest risk changes in the exporting country.Secure DRFI (if applicable) before shipment via SISPAP, ensure the origin phytosanitary certificate matches DRFI measures, and conduct a pre-arrival document reconciliation to avoid inspection holds.
Logistics MediumEntry-point inspection and documentary review by ICA, followed by DIAN customs processes, can extend port dwell time; prolonged dwell increases cost exposure and can amplify quality/mycotoxin risk if storage conditions are suboptimal.Plan arrival scheduling and broker coordination for rapid ICA inspection, use dry/clean packaging, and arrange immediate transfer to controlled dry storage upon release.
FAQ
What aflatoxin limit applies to raw peanuts in Colombia?Colombian contaminant limits (compiled by INVIMA under Resolution 4506 of 2013, MSPS) set maximum levels for the sum of aflatoxins B1+B2+G1+G2 for peanuts: 10 µg/kg for peanuts intended for direct human consumption (or used as ingredients), and 15 µg/kg for peanuts intended to undergo selection or other physical treatment before direct consumption or use as ingredients.
Which phytosanitary documents are typically needed to import raw (in-shell) peanuts into Colombia?ICA’s process for regulated plant products centers on phytosanitary compliance: when applicable, importers obtain a Documento de Requisitos Fitosanitarios para Importación (DRFI) through SISPAP, and the shipment must be accompanied by the exporting country’s phytosanitary certificate; ICA also requests standard trade documents such as the transport document (e.g., bill of lading/air waybill), commercial invoice, and packing list for inspection and nationalization.
How long is an ICA DRFI valid and what can invalidate it?ICA indicates the DRFI is valid for 90 calendar days for a single shipment; alterations invalidate it, and ICA may annul its validity if quarantine pests relevant to Colombia appear in the exporting country.