Market
Fish meal (HS 230120) is a marine-ingredient protein source used in Brazilian animal feed value chains, especially aquaculture, and also in some pig/poultry and petfood formulations. Brazil is a two-way trader for fish meal: UN Comtrade-based data show imports in 2023 of about USD 4.4 million (about 2.0 million kg), mainly sourced from Chile, Denmark, and Peru, alongside exports to multiple markets in prior years. Market access and operational continuity are strongly shaped by MAPA import procedures (SISCOMEX registration and Vigiagro controls) for products of animal origin and for goods destined to animal feeding. A key market fragility is exposure to global marine-ingredient supply shocks (e.g., Peru’s anchoveta-related volatility linked to El Niño), which can transmit rapidly into prices and availability for Brazilian feed buyers.
Market RoleTwo-way trader (exporter and importer) serving domestic feed demand
Domestic RoleFeed ingredient used by Brazilian feed manufacturers (notably aquafeed) and some land-animal feed and petfood segments
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFish meal imported for animal feeding is subject to MAPA administrative treatment and Vigiagro control workflows (including SISCOMEX-linked import licensing and required documentation such as LI and DAT). Missing product/establishment registration status, incorrect NCM handling, or document mismatch can block authorization, trigger inspection holds, or lead to refusal at entry.Pre-validate NCM treatment and MAPA procedure for the specific product/origin; align LI/DAT and supporting documents; use an importer/broker familiar with MAPA/Vigiagro requirements for animal feedingstuffs.
Logistics MediumOcean freight volatility and port/handling disruptions can materially affect landed cost and delivery timing for fish meal into Brazil due to the product’s bulk shipping profile and B2B production scheduling in feed mills.Use contractual freight-risk clauses where feasible, diversify suppliers/origins, and hold buffer stock for critical formulations (especially aquafeed).
Supply Volatility MediumGlobal fishmeal availability and price can swing sharply with Southeast Pacific fishery conditions (notably Peru’s anchoveta dynamics), including El Niño-linked disruptions referenced by IFFO; this can propagate into Brazil’s procurement costs even when sourcing from multiple origins.Diversify origin mix, consider partial substitution strategies in formulations where nutritionally feasible, and monitor IFFO market updates alongside supplier production/season signals.
Labor And Human Rights MediumParts of the global fishing sector have documented risks of forced labour and trafficking, creating reputational and buyer-audit exposure for marine-ingredient supply chains that lack vessel/fishery traceability and credible third-party assurance.Apply supplier due diligence on fishery/vessel provenance where possible; prefer suppliers participating in recognized assurance schemes and require contractual commitments on labour standards and transparency.
Sustainability- Overfishing and ecosystem pressure concerns associated with reduction fisheries in the global fishmeal supply chain; buyer scrutiny increases when sourcing is not demonstrably responsible.
- Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing risk in upstream capture fisheries can create compliance and reputational exposure for downstream feed supply chains.
- Responsible sourcing and traceability certifications (e.g., IFFO RS) are used by parts of the market to provide assurance on sustainability and traceability.
Labor & Social- Forced labour and human trafficking risks are documented in parts of the global commercial fishing sector; Brazilian buyers importing fishmeal may face ESG due-diligence expectations on upstream labour conditions depending on source fisheries and vessels.
Standards- GMP+ Feed Certification (GMP+ FSA) — feed safety management expectations in international feed chains
- IFFO RS (Global Standard for Responsible Supply) — third-party audited standard covering traceability and sustainability for marine ingredients
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used for fish meal in international trade classification relevant to Brazil imports/exports?Fish meal traded as flours, meals, and pellets of fish (unfit for human consumption) is commonly classified under HS code 230120 in the Harmonized System.
Who are Brazil’s main reported supplier countries for HS 230120 fish meal imports in 2023?In UN Comtrade-derived 2023 data, Brazil’s HS 230120 fish meal imports are reported as coming mainly from Chile, Denmark, and Peru (with smaller volumes from countries such as France and Norway).
What are the key Brazil import-control steps and documents to expect for animal feedingstuffs like fish meal?MAPA indicates that animal feedingstuffs imports must comply with SISCOMEX registration rules, and Vigiagro procedures for products destined to animal feeding highlight import licensing workflows and documentation such as the Import License (LI) and the Declaração Agropecuária de Trânsito Internacional (DAT), with inspection/document checks at the point of entry.