Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDry (crystalline/granular)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient and Industrial Input
Market
In Honduras, salt for human consumption is subject to mandatory iodization under Decree No. 304 published in La Gaceta (1960). Trade data for HS 2501 indicates Honduras is a net importer: 2023 imports materially exceeded exports, with imports sourced mainly from Colombia and Guatemala and limited exports to neighboring Central American markets. For food-grade salt, buyer compliance focus is typically iodization conformity, labeling alignment under Central American technical regulations, and contaminant limits consistent with Codex food-grade salt guidance. Because salt is bulky and low unit value, landed cost and continuity of supply are sensitive to ocean freight and port-side disruptions.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent market) with limited regional exports
Domestic RoleEssential staple ingredient with public-health iodization mandate for salt consumed domestically
Specification
Physical Attributes- Crystalline salt sold as fine or refined grades for food use
Compositional Metrics- Food-grade salt commonly targets ≥97% NaCl on a dry matter basis (exclusive of additives) consistent with Codex food-grade salt
- Iodization level is set/adjusted by national health authorities; potassium iodate/iodide are recognized iodine sources in Codex guidance
- Contaminant maximums (e.g., As, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg) are addressed in Codex food-grade salt guidance
Grades- Food-grade iodized salt (mandatory for domestic consumption market)
- Industrial/non-food salt (end-use specific)
Packaging- Moisture-protective packaging is emphasized for iodized salt to limit iodine loss during storage and distribution (e.g., sealed plastic bags as referenced in Codex guidance)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Imports (HS 2501) → port clearance → inland transport/warehousing → (food use) iodization/packaging → wholesale/retail distribution
- Imports (HS 2501) → direct distribution to industrial users (where applicable)
Shelf Life- Salt is non-perishable, but quality is sensitive to moisture pickup (caking) and, for iodized salt, iodine retention during storage and distribution
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighEdible salt market access risk: Honduras mandates iodization for salt consumed in-country (Decree No. 304, La Gaceta 1960). Non-iodized table/food salt or mismatched documentation/labeling can trigger detention, relabeling orders, or rejection.Confirm whether the SKU is regulated as edible/table salt; implement pre-shipment iodine verification (COA + retained samples) and align Spanish labeling with applicable RTCA rules; coordinate importer checks with the Secretaría de Salud expectations.
Logistics MediumSalt is freight-intensive; ocean freight volatility, port congestion, or route disruptions can quickly change landed cost and interrupt replenishment for this low-margin staple commodity.Diversify origins and carriers, build buffer stock at importer warehouses, and use forward freight agreements/seasonal contracting where feasible.
Food Safety MediumFood-grade salt must meet contaminant limits (e.g., heavy metals) consistent with Codex guidance; variability in raw salt sources and inadequate quality control can create compliance and recall risk.Require supplier QA documentation (HACCP/ISO-style controls where available), routine third-party testing for contaminants, and clear separation of food-grade vs. industrial-grade lots.
FAQ
Is iodized salt mandatory in Honduras for human consumption?Yes. Decree No. 304 (published in La Gaceta in 1960) requires salt consumed in Honduras to be iodized under procedures set by public health authorities.
Which HS code is commonly used for salt trade statistics relevant to Honduras?Salt is commonly tracked under HS heading 2501 (including HS 250100) in the Harmonized System classification published by the United Nations Statistics Division.
Where did Honduras source most of its imported salt (HS 2501) in 2023?UN Comtrade-derived summaries for HS 2501 show Honduras sourced most 2023 import value from Colombia and Guatemala, with additional imports from partners including the Netherlands and the United States.
Which trade agreements are most relevant for preferential tariff treatment affecting Honduras trade flows?Key frameworks include CAFTA-DR for trade with the United States and regional parties, and the EU–Central America Association Agreement for EU trade. Preferential tariffs generally depend on meeting rules-of-origin and product requirements.