Market
Achiote powder (onoto/bija) is an export-oriented niche spice ingredient from Peru, tracked under tariff code 1404901000 in PROMPERÚ statistics based on SUNAT records. In 2025, Peru exported about USD 0.76 million FOB (185.34 tonnes), with the United States as the main destination market by export value share. Export activity is highly concentrated in Lima as the principal exporting region. INIA’s national achiote germplasm collection indicates cultivation presence across multiple Peruvian departments including San Martín, Loreto, and Ucayali.
Market RoleProducer and exporter (niche spice ingredient market)
Market GrowthDeclining (2024–2025 export comparison (PROMPERÚ/SUNAT))Exports decreased in 2025 versus 2024
Risks
Food Safety HighSpices are a recognized higher-risk category for pathogen and filth issues at import; non-compliance can lead to border detention, rejection, or additional testing, especially for shipments destined to the United States.Use validated hygiene and preventive controls (supplier approval, sanitary milling, environmental monitoring as applicable, and pathogen-reduction steps where feasible) and maintain documentation aligned with U.S. importer expectations.
Market Access MediumExport demand is highly concentrated in the United States, so changes in U.S. buyer requirements, enforcement focus, or import controls can disproportionately affect Peru’s achiote powder export performance.Diversify destination markets and align specifications with multiple buyer standards to reduce single-market dependency.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDepending on destination and intended use, annatto/achiote-derived products may be scrutinized as a coloring ingredient (food additive context) versus a culinary spice, creating misclassification, labeling, or use-condition risks.Clarify the intended use with buyers and perform destination-specific regulatory review before shipment (including labeling and additive-status checks where relevant).
SPS MediumSome destinations may require phytosanitary certification for plant products; missing or incorrect phytosanitary documentation can cause clearance delays or refusal where a certificate is required.Confirm destination requirements before shipment and obtain SENASA phytosanitary certification/inspection as applicable.
FAQ
How are Peru’s achiote powder exports tracked in official export statistics?PROMPERÚ’s Exportemos platform tracks Peru’s achiote powder exports using SUNAT records under tariff code 1404901000 ("achiote en polvo (onoto, bija)").
Which destination market is most important for Peru’s achiote powder exports?The United States is the main destination market by export value share in the 2025 PROMPERÚ/SUNAT export statistics for tariff code 1404901000.
Which Peruvian authority handles phytosanitary export certification for plant products when required by a destination market?SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria) issues phytosanitary export certificates for plants and plant products when a destination market requires them.