Market
Dried potato flakes in Uruguay function primarily as an imported dehydrated potato ingredient/food product, classified under NCM 1105.20.00 (copos, gránulos y “pellets” de papa). Trade data indicates Uruguay is a net importer: in 2023, leading suppliers included the European Union (notably the Netherlands), India, Belgium and Poland. Uruguay also shows small-scale regional exports (e.g., exports to Argentina and Paraguay recorded in 2022) alongside continued import dependence. Market access and commercialization can be shaped by food control/authorization processes (e.g., MSP/VUCE processes for imports and departmental food registration requirements in Montevideo prior to commercialization).
Market RoleNet importer with small regional re-exports
Domestic RoleImported dehydrated potato ingredient/food product used in food supply chains and retail/foodservice preparations
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityAs a shelf-stable processed product, availability is typically year-round; procurement timing and import logistics drive supply more than harvest seasonality.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighShipment clearance and market access can be blocked or severely delayed if importer authorizations/registrations are not in place (e.g., MSP DACD/VUCE processes for certain food-related imports, and departmental food registration requirements in Montevideo prior to commercialization of imported foods).Before shipment, confirm whether HS/NCM 1105.20.00 requires MSP DACD authorization via VUCE for the intended end-use, and complete any required food registration steps for the target department (e.g., Montevideo) prior to first sale.
Logistics MediumImport reliance on a small set of distant suppliers (notably EU/Netherlands and India in 2023 partner data) exposes buyers to ocean freight disruption, schedule variability, and landed-cost volatility.Qualify multiple origins/suppliers (including intra-MERCOSUR where feasible), hold safety stock, and align procurement lead times with shipping schedules into Montevideo.
Tariffs MediumFor extra-MERCOSUR origins, cost competitiveness can be affected by the MERCOSUR Common External Tariff reference for NCM 1105.20.00 (shown as 12%), and by whether preferential treatment can be claimed under MERCOSUR origin rules when sourcing intrazone.Confirm the operative applied tariff in Uruguay for the specific origin/regime, and use MERCOSUR-compliant origin documentation (or eligible self-certification when available) to claim preferences where applicable.
FAQ
What is the MERCOSUR tariff classification for dried potato flakes in Uruguay, and what external tariff rate is referenced?Uruguay uses the MERCOSUR NCM classification where potato flakes/granules/pellets are listed under NCM 1105.20.00. The Uruguay MEF NCM/AEC reference document shows an AEC rate of 12 for this item; applied tariffs can vary by regime and should be confirmed for the specific import.
Which countries were the main suppliers of potato flakes to Uruguay in the latest available trade breakdown?In the 2023 partner breakdown for HS 110520, the top exporters to Uruguay included the European Union (with the Netherlands a leading origin), India, Belgium and Poland.
What is a common trade-stopping compliance risk for importing and selling potato flakes in Uruguay?A key risk is missing required authorizations/registrations: MSP DACD procedures managed via VUCE can apply to certain food-related imports (including “importación de materia prima” workflows), and in Montevideo Department, foods (including imported foods) must be registered by the Servicio de Regulación Alimentaria prior to commercialization.