Market
Native cassava starch (manioc starch; commonly classified under HS 110814) is supplied to Peru primarily through imports for use as a functional starch ingredient in food manufacturing. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS interface indicates Peru imported cassava starch in 2019 (about 1.59 million kg) and 2021 (about 1.62 million kg), and imported about 1.62 million kg in 2023; recent exporters to Peru include Thailand, Paraguay, Nicaragua, the United States, and Colombia. Peru also produces cassava (yuca) domestically, and MIDAGRI has highlighted yuca production increases with contributions from departments including Cusco, Amazonas, and San Martín. For market access, shipments of regulated plant products must align with SENASA phytosanitary requirements (e.g., import permit prior to shipment and phytosanitary certification) and standard customs documentation under SUNAT.
Market RoleNet importer
Domestic RoleIndustrial and food-ingredient input supplied mainly by imports, with domestic cassava cultivation present
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighPhytosanitary non-compliance can block entry: SENASA requires importers of regulated plant products to consult approved phytosanitary requirements and (when applicable) obtain a Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI) before shipment and present the required phytosanitary certificate; SENASA indicates only shipments with a favorable inspection/verification outcome are admitted. Missing, late, or mismatched SENASA documentation can trigger shipment hold, rejection, or forced re-export/destruction depending on findings.Before contracting and booking freight, check SENASA requirements for the exact product/HS description and origin; obtain the PFI prior to shipment when required; align the exporter’s phytosanitary certificate statements to the PFI requirements and keep a pre-alert document pack ready for customs and SENASA.
Logistics MediumFreight and port-cost volatility can materially change landed cost and disrupt supply planning for Peru importers because cassava starch is a bulk commodity powder and key suppliers can include distant origins (e.g., Asia).Use multi-origin supplier qualification (e.g., at least one regional supplier plus one extra-regional supplier), lock freight where feasible, and hold safety stock for critical SKUs.
Food Safety MediumQuality nonconformance (e.g., out-of-spec sulfur dioxide where used, ash/impurity indicators, or other contaminants) can lead to rejection by industrial buyers and potential regulatory action; Peru has adopted technical standards for laboratory determination of sulfur dioxide, sulphated ash, and total fat in starches that can be used in QC verification.Require a COA per lot, verify testing capability to methods recognized in Peru (or equivalent ISO methods), and conduct incoming inspection sampling for critical parameters.
Documentation Gap MediumCustoms delays can occur if SUNAT-required import documentation (e.g., import declaration, transport document, invoice, packing list/technical information) is incomplete or inconsistent, or if a sector-competent authorization is required for a restricted classification and is missing.Run a pre-shipment document reconciliation (names, HS description, weights, lots, and consignee details) and confirm whether any sector authorization applies in addition to standard customs documents.
FAQ
Which supplier countries have recently exported cassava starch to Peru?UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS interface lists Thailand and Paraguay among recent exporters of cassava starch (HS 110814) to Peru, with additional volumes recorded from Nicaragua, the United States, and Colombia (e.g., the 2024 partner listing).
What are the key phytosanitary steps to import cassava starch (a plant product) into Peru?SENASA indicates importers must first consult the approved phytosanitary requirements for the product and origin, and for regulated items obtain a Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI) before the shipment is dispatched. When required, the shipment must be accompanied by an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s phytosanitary authority, and SENASA inspection/verification at arrival must result in a favorable outcome for entry.
What core customs documents are typically needed for import clearance into Peru?SUNAT’s import requirements guidance lists core documents such as the customs import declaration documentation, transport document, and commercial invoice/contract, and it also references packing lists/technical information and sector-competent authorizations when the merchandise is restricted. For plant products, SENASA documents may also be required depending on the phytosanitary risk category.