Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormRaw (dried; in-shell or shelled; not roasted/cooked)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Market
Raw peanuts (HS 1202) in Costa Rica function primarily as an import-supplied commodity for domestic consumption and downstream processing. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows sizable imports of shelled raw peanuts (HS 120220) in 2023, mainly supplied by Nicaragua, and additional imports of in-shell raw peanuts (HS 120210) in 2024, mainly supplied by the United States. Exports of raw in-shell peanuts in 2024 were minimal, indicating Costa Rica is a net importer for this product. Aflatoxin compliance is a key market-access constraint because Costa Rica has specific maximum-aflatoxin regulation for peanuts and conducts border/port controls.
Market RoleNet importer
Domestic RoleImport-supplied input for domestic retail and food processing (snacks and ingredient use).
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin non-compliance is a critical market-access risk for raw peanuts in Costa Rica: national health legislation explicitly regulates maximum aflatoxin content in peanuts, and the Ministry of Health reports conducting border/port aflatoxin controls in coordination with the SFE.Implement pre-shipment aflatoxin testing with lot-level COAs, enforce moisture-control specifications and supplier storage hygiene, and align sampling/testing plans to recognized Codex guidance.
Regulatory Compliance MediumShipments of non-processed plant products can be blocked from entry or release if the importer has not obtained the official SFE phytosanitary requirements form in advance or if importer registration prerequisites are not met.Confirm importer is registered with SFE, secure the SFE Formulario de Requisitos Fitosanitarios for the exact product/presentation/origin before contracting shipment, and pre-check documents against the issued form.
Phytosanitary MediumQuarantine pest interception or documentary/inspection non-conformities at entry can trigger SFE-administered measures including reexpedición, phytosanitary treatment, or destruction of the shipment.Use suppliers with strong cleaning/sorting controls, maintain pest-free container loading practices, and ensure shipment condition matches the SFE-issued requirements for the origin and presentation.
Logistics LowContainer freight volatility and port dwell time can increase landed cost and elevate quality risk if humidity control is weak during extended storage/handling.Plan buffer lead times, use moisture-barrier packaging and desiccants where appropriate, and audit warehousing practices for humidity and pest management.
FAQ
Is Costa Rica a net importer or exporter of raw peanuts?Costa Rica is a net importer of raw peanuts. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows imports of shelled raw peanuts (HS 120220) of about US$7.77 million in 2023, while exports of in-shell raw peanuts (HS 120210) in 2024 were only about US$7.57 thousand.
What is the biggest compliance risk for exporting raw peanuts into Costa Rica?Aflatoxin compliance is the biggest risk. Costa Rica lists a specific health decree regulating maximum aflatoxin content in peanuts, and the Ministry of Health reports conducting aflatoxin controls at the border or port in coordination with the SFE.
What phytosanitary steps are required before importing raw peanuts into Costa Rica?Costa Rica’s SFE states that importers must obtain an official phytosanitary requirements form before import and be registered as an importer of plant products. The exact requirements vary by product presentation and origin, and non-compliance at documentary or physical inspection can lead to re-shipment, treatment, or destruction.