Market
Dried onion flakes in Uruguay are primarily supplied via imports and are typically captured under HS 071220 (dried onions). UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal shows Uruguay imported about USD 819,960 (about 197,566 kg) of dried onions in 2023, with the United States the dominant supplier by import value. Market access and on-shelf compliance are shaped by Uruguay’s bromatological framework (including packaged-food labeling rules) and MERCOSUR labeling rules applied in domestic law. For commercialization in the Department of Montevideo, imported foods require registration with the municipal Servicio de Regulación Alimentaria. As a low-moisture food, the most critical safety focus is preventing and controlling Salmonella contamination through validated hygiene and process controls consistent with Codex guidance.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RoleImported ingredient used in food manufacturing and retail seasoning/culinary applications
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and inventory storage rather than harvest seasonality.
Risks
Food Safety HighSalmonella contamination is a critical deal-breaker risk for low-moisture foods, including dried fruits and vegetables; contamination can persist for long periods and can trigger border actions, recalls, and severe reputational loss in the Uruguayan market.Require suppliers to follow Codex low-moisture food hygiene controls (including validated microbial reduction steps where applicable), implement strong environmental monitoring, and verify each lot with supplier CoA and risk-based testing.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliant labeling and local registration requirements can delay or block commercialization, particularly for products destined for sale in Montevideo where food registration is required prior to commercialization.Pre-validate Spanish label content against Uruguay bromatological rules and MERCOSUR packaged-food labeling rules, and confirm Montevideo food registration steps before shipment.
Documentation Gap MediumIf the import regime triggers an MSP/VUCE certificate requirement (e.g., for 'materia prima'), missing or mismatched VUCE documentation can prevent customs clearance or cause delays.Confirm the correct NCM/HS classification and consult VUCE/DNA mandatory-document requirements; align invoice-to-certificate workflow and ensure the importer’s MSP registration/technical responsible documentation is current where required.
Quality MediumMoisture ingress during ocean transport or warehousing can cause caking, mold risk, and flavor deterioration, reducing usability for food manufacturers and increasing claims/disputes.Use moisture-barrier liners, specify maximum moisture at loading, apply container humidity controls (e.g., desiccants as appropriate), and store in dry, sealed conditions with FIFO/FEFO discipline.
FAQ
What trade classification is typically used for dried onion flakes in Uruguay’s import statistics?Uruguay’s import statistics for dried onions are commonly captured under HS product code 071220 (“Dried onions”), which would typically cover dried forms such as flakes when not further prepared.
Is Uruguay mainly an importer or producer of dried onions?Uruguay is primarily an importer for dried onions in the available trade data: UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal shows Uruguay imported about USD 819,960 (about 197,566 kg) of dried onions in 2023.
Which supplier country dominated Uruguay’s dried onion imports in 2023?In 2023, the United States was the dominant supplier by import value for Uruguay’s HS 071220 (“Dried onions”) imports in UN Comtrade data as presented by the World Bank WITS portal.
What is the most critical food-safety hazard for dried onion flakes as a low-moisture food?Salmonella is highlighted as a primary pathogen of concern for low-moisture foods in Codex guidance, and WHO/FAO work on low-moisture foods includes dried fruits and vegetables among the categories considered from a microbiological risk perspective.