Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormRoasted coffee beans (Decaffeinated)
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Decaffeinated roasted coffee beans in Argentina are a niche, import-dependent category within a broader coffee market that relies heavily on imported coffee. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Argentina imported roasted decaffeinated coffee (HS 090122) in 2024, while importing much larger volumes of unroasted coffee (HS 090111), consistent with domestic roasting/packing for local consumption. Imports of roasted decaffeinated coffee are sourced mainly from higher value-added origins (e.g., Switzerland and EU suppliers), while local brands market decaffeinated options across formats. Market access and clearance are shaped by ANMAT/INAL import procedures under Decree 35/2025 and Argentine Food Code labeling requirements.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic roasting/packing activity
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied primarily through imports (including large green coffee inflows supporting local roasting/packing) plus direct imports of finished roasted decaffeinated coffee for niche segments.
SeasonalityYear-round availability is driven by imports, warehousing, and retail/foodservice demand rather than domestic harvest seasonality.
Specification
Primary VarietyArabica (commonly specified for decaffeinated retail products)
Physical Attributes- Roast profile is a key differentiator; Italian-style roast is referenced in some local decaffeinated blends.
- Format differentiation is common (whole bean vs ground; espresso vs filter grind).
- Aroma-preserving packaging with one-way degassing valves is used by some roasted coffee products in the market.
Compositional Metrics- Residual caffeine content may be declared on decaffeinated products; some brands state caffeine below 0.2%.
Grades- Retail grind/format specifications (e.g., espresso, filter, plunger, and whole-bean options) are used as the practical 'grade' differentiators for decaffeinated roasted coffee products.
Packaging- Retail packs commonly include 250g, 500g, and 1kg formats (whole bean and ground).
- One-way degassing valve bags are used by some brands to preserve aroma and reduce oxidation.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin decaffeination (typically applied to green coffee) -> roasting -> degassing -> aroma-protective packaging -> ocean freight -> Argentine customs/food import procedures -> importer warehousing -> retail/foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient, dry storage is typical; heat and oxygen exposure after opening accelerates aroma loss, so tight resealing and faster consumption after opening are commonly recommended by brands.
Atmosphere Control- One-way degassing valves on roasted coffee packaging help release gases while limiting oxygen ingress, supporting aroma preservation during distribution.
Shelf Life- Quality is most sensitive to oxidation and loss of volatile aromas after opening; handling that minimizes air exposure preserves cup quality.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Argentina’s ANMAT/INAL import procedures under Decree 35/2025 (e.g., incorrect pathway selection, missing required origin documentation such as free-sale certification for the DDJJ route, or incomplete TAD filings) can delay clearance or block commercialization of imported decaffeinated roasted coffee.Confirm the applicable Decree 35/2025 pathway by origin/product status, align documentation to ANMAT/INAL checklists (TAD + supporting certificates), and validate Spanish labeling compliance before shipment or before commercialization.
Documentation Gap MediumLabeling/document mismatches (e.g., missing importer identification, lot/date fields, or inconsistent product denomination such as decaffeinated claims) can trigger holds, relabeling costs, or delayed market release.Run a pre-shipment label and document audit against Argentine Food Code requirements and importer’s ANMAT/INAL dossier.
Foreign Exchange MediumForeign exchange and payment compliance requirements administered by the Central Bank can affect the timing/ability to execute cross-border payments for imports, creating supply uncertainty for an import-dependent category like decaffeinated roasted coffee.Structure contracts with payment-flexibility buffers, work with authorized FX entities early, and monitor BCRA consolidated FX rules applicable to import payments.
Sustainability- Upstream sustainability expectations for coffee (biodiversity, climate resilience, farm practices) can drive buyer preference for third-party certification or equivalent supplier programs, even when the consuming market is import-dependent.
Labor & Social- Coffee supply chains are a known focus area for child-labour risk mitigation initiatives and due diligence; importers should apply origin-level supplier screening and documentation for high-risk origins.
FAQ
What HS code is typically used for roasted decaffeinated coffee in trade data for Argentina?Roasted decaffeinated coffee is classified under HS 090122 ('Coffee; roasted, decaffeinated'), which is the HS code used in UN trade classification references and in UN Comtrade/WITS reporting for Argentina’s imports.
Which countries are common suppliers of roasted decaffeinated coffee to Argentina in recent trade data?UN Comtrade data via WITS for 2023 shows Switzerland and European suppliers (including Italy and Spain within the EU aggregation) among the top exporters shipping roasted decaffeinated coffee (HS 090122) to Argentina.
What is the main Argentine food-import compliance pathway that can affect market entry for packaged decaffeinated roasted coffee?Imports are governed by ANMAT/INAL procedures under Decree 35/2025, which can include TAD-based filings (such as an import notice or an import authorization) and, for eligible origins, a sworn-declaration route supported by a free-sale certificate or similar document from the origin authority; products sold domestically must also meet Argentine Food Code labeling requirements in Spanish.