Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood Ingredient
Market
Corn starch (maize starch; HS 110812) in Uruguay is primarily supplied via imports, with trade largely oriented to regional MERCOSUR sourcing. In 2023, Uruguay’s recorded imports of maize starch were about USD 3.58 million (~6.67 million kg), mainly from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, while exports were minimal. Food-grade starch marketed domestically must align with Uruguay’s National Bromatological Regulation (Decree 315/994) and incorporated MERCOSUR technical rules where applicable (e.g., permitted uses of starches in certain dairy products). Market access and commercialization can be constrained by customs documentation (DUA) and relevant food registration/authorization requirements prior to sale in key jurisdictions such as Montevideo Department.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and industrial ingredient market)
Domestic RoleFunctional ingredient used by domestic food manufacturers and ingredient distributors; supply is largely import-based.
Specification
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Regional/overseas supplier → transport (often from MERCOSUR neighbors) → customs clearance via Documento Único Aduanero (DUA) with Dirección Nacional de Aduanas → domestic warehousing/distribution → industrial users (food manufacturers)
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFood-grade maize starch marketed in Uruguay must comply with the National Bromatological Regulation (Decree 315/994) and incorporated MERCOSUR technical rules where applicable; missing or incorrect authorization/registration for commercialization (including jurisdictional requirements such as Montevideo’s food product registration prior to sale) can prevent market entry or domestic sale.Confirm HS/NCM classification and intended use, align label/spec dossier to the applicable RBN/MERCOSUR requirements, and complete required registrations/authorizations before shipment and distribution.
Supply Concentration MediumUruguay’s HS 110812 maize starch supply is concentrated in neighboring MERCOSUR partners (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay), creating exposure to regional supply shocks, policy changes, or cross-border transport disruptions.Qualify secondary origins/suppliers and hold safety stock for critical formulations; include contingency clauses in supply contracts.
Logistics MediumCorn starch is a freight-intensive bulk powder; trucking/short-sea costs and clearance delays tied to documentation workflows (DUA/VUCE and supporting documents) can materially affect landed cost and service levels in Uruguay.Plan multimodal routes early, standardize documentation packages with the customs broker, and run pre-submission checks to reduce rework and demurrage risk.
FAQ
Is Uruguay a net importer of corn (maize) starch?Yes. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal show Uruguay imported about USD 3.58 million of maize starch (HS 110812) in 2023, while exports were only about USD 0.02 million, indicating a net-importer position.
Which countries supply most of Uruguay’s corn starch imports?In 2023, Uruguay’s recorded maize starch (HS 110812) imports were mainly sourced from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay according to UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS portal.
What are the main compliance steps to import and sell food-grade corn starch in Uruguay?Imports typically require correct NCM classification and submission of the Documento Único Aduanero (DUA) to Uruguay’s Dirección Nacional de Aduanas, with trade procedures supported through VUCE where applicable. For commercialization, products must comply with Uruguay’s National Bromatological Regulation (Decree 315/994) and, in key jurisdictions such as Montevideo Department, foods must be registered with the local Servicio de Regulación Alimentaria before being sold.