Market
Raw peanuts (groundnuts) in Panama are an import-dependent market segment, supplied via international trade in HS 1202 (not roasted or otherwise cooked), including in-shell (HS 120210) and shelled (HS 120220) forms. UN Comtrade data surfaced via the World Bank WITS portal shows Panama recorded imports of in-shell raw peanuts in 2024 and shelled raw peanuts in 2023, indicating an active import channel. Market access is shaped by the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) plant health authority (Dirección Nacional de Sanidad Vegetal) through issuance of import phytosanitary requirements and quarantine control processes. The most trade-disruptive risk for raw peanuts is food-safety non-compliance (especially aflatoxins), requiring robust pre-shipment quality assurance and moisture-control logistics.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent)
Domestic RolePrimarily consumed domestically (snack/ingredient use) with import channels evidenced in HS 120210/120220 trade data
SeasonalityMarket availability is generally year-round, driven more by import logistics than by a distinct domestic harvest season.
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a deal-breaker risk for raw peanut trade: lots that exceed maximum levels used in international reference standards (e.g., Codex ML 15 µg/kg total aflatoxins for peanuts intended for further processing) can be detained, rejected, or trigger downstream recalls.Require supplier mycotoxin controls and pre-shipment testing; use preventive handling (drying/moisture control) and, where applicable, sorting/blanching/color sorting or other validated steps that reduce aflatoxins before food use.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport clearance can be disrupted if MIDA DNSV import phytosanitary requirements (RFI) and quarantine licensing/inspection expectations are not met; the quarantine authority indicates it can order retention, sampling, treatment, rejection, re-export, or destruction after inspection and document review.Submit the RFI process within the stated lead time, align shipment specs to the issued RFI, and maintain a document checklist for quarantine inspection readiness.
Logistics MediumHumidity/condensation during sea transit and storage in a humid tropical environment increases mold risk and can amplify aflatoxin risk and quality defects, potentially leading to commercial claims or regulatory scrutiny.Specify moisture limits, use appropriate packaging and container moisture controls, and minimize dwell time at ports/warehouses.
FAQ
Which HS codes cover raw (not roasted/cooked) peanuts for Panama trade analysis?Raw peanuts fall under HS heading 1202 (ground-nuts; not roasted or otherwise cooked). At the 6-digit level, common lines include HS 120210 (in-shell) and HS 120220 (shelled).
What is the main food-safety trade risk for raw peanuts into Panama?Aflatoxins are the key trade-blocking risk: Codex includes a maximum level of 15 µg/kg total aflatoxins for peanuts intended for further processing, and lots failing buyer/regulatory limits can be detained or rejected. Using pre-shipment testing and strong moisture-control handling reduces this risk.
Which Panamanian institution is responsible for issuing import phytosanitary requirements for plant-origin products like raw peanuts?The Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), through its Dirección Nacional de Sanidad Vegetal (DNSV), is the plant health authority that issues import phytosanitary requirements (RFI) and manages related quarantine processes for plant-origin materials.