Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormUnmixed vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and derivatives (bulk ingredient; HS 2936.27)
Industry PositionFood and nutraceutical ingredient
Market
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) used in supplements and food fortification is supplied to Peru primarily through imports under HS 2936.27 (vitamin C and its derivatives, unmixed). In 2024, Peru recorded imports of about USD 4.36 million (1,119,700 kg) for HS 293627, with China as the dominant source country. Importers of foods for human consumption must comply with Peru’s sanitary registration requirements managed by the Ministry of Health (DIGESA) through the VUCE/SUCE process, including labeling and analytical documentation for the product. Customs clearance requires standard import documentation (customs declaration, invoice, transport document, and other supporting documents) as outlined by SUNAT.
Market RoleNet importer and downstream user market (supplements and food manufacturing)
Domestic RoleImported vitamin C is used as an input for domestic formulation, packaging, and manufacturing of dietary supplements and fortified foods.
Market GrowthGrowing (2023–2024 trade proxy)Import value increased from 2023 to 2024 for HS 293627
Specification
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas producer → international freight → Peru customs clearance → importer warehouse/distribution → industrial users (supplement/food manufacturing) or local packing
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the product is regulated under Peru’s DIGESA sanitary registration framework for foods for human consumption, missing/incorrect sanitary registration documentation (including labeling project, required analyses, or the certificate of free sale/use for imported products) can prevent registration and disrupt import clearance and commercialization.Confirm regulatory classification early; prepare the DIGESA/VUCE (SUCE) dossier aligned to the applicable procedure, including labeling, shelf-life/lot identification, accredited lab analyses, and the required certificate of free sale/use for imported products.
Supply Concentration MediumPeru’s HS 293627 import supply is concentrated by origin country; in 2024, China was the dominant supplier by value and quantity, creating exposure to disruption in that supply lane.Qualify secondary suppliers and origins and maintain safety stock policies calibrated to lead times and clearance timelines.
Documentation Gap MediumSUNAT import guidance emphasizes core supporting documents (e.g., customs declaration, invoice, transport document, insurance if applicable, and sector authorizations for restricted goods); document gaps can cause delays or non-clearance.Use a pre-shipment document checklist aligned to SUNAT requirements and any applicable DIGESA/VUCE prerequisites; reconcile product description/HS code and consignee details across all documents.
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used to track unmixed vitamin C (ascorbic acid) imports into Peru?Trade data commonly tracks unmixed vitamin C and its derivatives under HS 293627 (HS 2936.27). This classification is used in Peru import statistics reported through WITS (UN Comtrade-derived).
Does Peru require sanitary registration paperwork for importing vitamin C used in food or supplement products?For products regulated as foods for human consumption, Peru’s Ministry of Health (DIGESA) sets sanitary registration procedures processed via the VUCE using the SUCE, including requirements such as labeling documentation and accredited lab analyses. For imported products, the procedure references a certificate of free commercialization or certificate of use from the competent authority in the country of the manufacturer/exporter.
What are the core customs documents SUNAT lists for import clearance in Peru?SUNAT’s import guidance lists core documents such as the customs import declaration (e.g., DUA), the invoice (or equivalent), and the transport document (bill of lading/air waybill), plus insurance if applicable and other documents required by the nature of the goods (such as certificates of origin or sector authorizations for restricted goods).