Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormActive yeast (typically dry/instant or compressed)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient (Leavening/Fermentation Culture)
Market
Guatemala is a net importer of active yeasts (HS 210210), with imports reported at USD 8,179.63 thousand and 2,029,080 kg in 2024. Import supply is concentrated in Mexico and the United States, with smaller volumes sourced from China, Brazil, Belgium, and other origins. The product is primarily consumed domestically as a fermentation/leavening ingredient for bakery and dough-based food production, making availability reliant on importer supply continuity. Market access risk is driven by correct SAC/HS classification and meeting MSPAS sanitary registration and RTCA prepackaged-food labeling requirements for legal commercialization.
Market RoleNet importer
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption ingredient market for baking and dough-based food production
Specification
Primary VarietySaccharomyces cerevisiae
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Foreign industrial fermentation/manufacturing → packaging → cross-border freight (regional land shipments and some sea freight for non-regional origins) → customs entry (SAT processes) → importer/distributor → commercial and artisanal bakeries/food manufacturers
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the product requires MSPAS sanitary registration and the dossier/labeling is incomplete or not aligned with RTCA-based labeling expectations (including Spanish complementary labeling/translation for imports), the product may be unable to be legally commercialized and may face delays or rejection in the registration/market-access process.Work with a qualified local importer/agent to confirm whether the specific yeast presentation requires MSPAS Registro Sanitario, prepare the required forms and label set (including Spanish complementary label/translation when applicable), and pre-validate the dossier against MSPAS requirements before shipment.
Supply Concentration MediumGuatemala’s 2024 import supply for active yeasts (HS 210210) is heavily concentrated in Mexico and the United States, creating exposure to supplier disruptions, land-border congestion, or policy changes affecting these corridors.Qualify at least one secondary origin/supplier and maintain safety stock policies aligned to lead times for both regional land and long-haul supply options.
Tariff Classification MediumMisclassification within SAC subheadings under heading 2102 can trigger duty disputes, delays, or unexpected landed-cost outcomes because different subheadings are listed with different DAI rates.Confirm the exact 8-digit SAC code with SAT (Integrated Tariff/official classification resources) and align product documentation (description, form, and intended use) to the selected code before entry.
FAQ
What HS code is used for active baker’s yeast imports in Guatemala trade statistics?WITS (UN Comtrade) reports Guatemala’s imports under HS 210210 as “Active yeasts,” which is the HS 6-digit code commonly used for active baker’s yeast trade reporting.
Which countries supply most of Guatemala’s active yeast imports?In 2024, Guatemala’s recorded imports of active yeasts (HS 210210) were mainly sourced from Mexico and the United States, with smaller amounts from countries such as China, Brazil, and Belgium.
What is a common deal-breaker compliance risk for selling imported packaged yeast in Guatemala?A key risk is failing to meet MSPAS sanitary registration and RTCA-based labeling expectations (including Spanish complementary labeling/translation when applicable), which can prevent legal commercialization and delay or block market entry.