Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh bulb onions (Allium cepa) are a significant horticultural crop in Colombia, with production reported across multiple departments including Boyacá, Norte de Santander, Cundinamarca and Nariño. Trade data for HS 070310 (onions and shallots, fresh or chilled) indicate Colombia is a net importer, with imports (notably from Peru) substantially larger than exports in recent years. Official monitoring cited in a 2026 decree highlights strong price sensitivity to supply changes and to the entry of imported product through formal and informal channels. For cross-border trade, ICA phytosanitary requirements (DRFI via SISPAP and inspection at ports/border points) are a critical compliance gate for market entry.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production
Domestic RoleKey staple vegetable crop for regular urban market supply; production presence reported in multiple departments for white bulb onion.
Specification
Physical Attributes- UNECE FFV-25 minimum requirements include intact, sound and clean bulbs that are sufficiently dry for intended use and free of externally visible shoots.
- Regional technical guidance emphasizes careful handling to avoid impacts and dry storage conditions for keeping quality.
Grades- UNECE FFV-25 classifies onions into Class I and Class II (with minimum requirements applicable to all classes).
Packaging- Bulk packs such as 50 kg sacks and mesh bags (mallas) are referenced in regional technical guidance; packages should protect bulbs and allow appropriate ventilation per UNECE FFV-25.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm production (e.g., Boyacá/Cundinamarca/Nariño) → aggregation/selection → wholesale market distribution (centrales de abasto, e.g., Corabastos Bogotá) → retail and foodservice
- Import entry via ports/border points → ICA phytosanitary inspection and (if compliant) Certificado Fitosanitario para Nacionalización (CFN) → DIAN nationalization → domestic distribution
Temperature- Handled and stored dry; avoid excess moisture and impacts to protect outer skins and keeping quality.
Atmosphere Control- Ventilation and dry storage are commonly emphasized to reduce deterioration during storage and distribution.
Shelf Life- Keeping quality depends on adequate drying/cure and minimizing bruising; moisture and mechanical damage shorten shelf-life.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Phytosanitary HighFresh onions are regulated plant products in Colombia; missing/incorrect DRFI or phytosanitary certificate, or non-conformity found during ICA inspection at entry points, can lead to delays, rejection, or denial of the CFN, effectively blocking market entry.Secure DRFI via SISPAP before shipment, align the exporting-country phytosanitary certificate and any required measures to the DRFI, and run a pre-arrival document and conformity checklist.
Market Volatility MediumA 2026 decree citing DANE SIPSA information describes high sensitivity of white bulb onion prices to supply variations and to the entry of imported product through formal and informal channels, creating margin and planning risk for suppliers.Use structured purchase programs (volume and price bands) and monitor DANE SIPSA bulletins and border-flow conditions for early signals.
Border Operations MediumHeightened inspection activity at land border points (e.g., Rumichaca) increases the risk of dwell time and added costs for cross-border onion movements, particularly when consignments require additional checks or documentation is incomplete.Plan delivery windows around inspection capacity and ensure complete digital document sets (DRFI, phytosanitary certificate, transport docs, invoice/packing list) are immediately available to the importer/agent.
FAQ
Which documents are commonly required to import fresh onions into Colombia?ICA guidance indicates importers commonly need the ICA phytosanitary requirements document (DRFI, when required), a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin, transport documents (e.g., bill of lading/air waybill/carta porte) and the commercial invoice or packing list. On arrival, the shipment is inspected by ICA and, if compliant, a CFN is issued to continue DIAN nationalization.
Is Colombia a net importer or exporter of fresh onions?UN Comtrade data as presented by WITS for HS 070310 show Colombia as a net importer: imports in 2023 (about 58.0 million kg) were much larger than exports in 2024 (about 0.85 million kg).
Which Colombian regions are cited as producing white bulb onions?A 2026 Colombian decree cites productive presence in at least nine departments, including Boyacá, Norte de Santander, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Santander, Cesar, Valle del Cauca, Huila and Antioquia.