Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionProcessed Vegetable Product
Market
Frozen peas in Qatar is an import-dependent consumer market supplied primarily via overseas processors and cold-chain imports. UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS for HS 071021 indicates Qatar imported about USD 2.50 million (about 1,756 tonnes) in 2023. In 2023, the largest supplier countries by import value were India, Spain, Belgium, Poland, and New Zealand. Market access is shaped by Qatar’s border food control (documentary checks, inspection, and sampling) and strict shipment-level certification and labeling compliance.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RolePrimarily consumed as an imported frozen vegetable for households and foodservice; domestic production is not a primary supply source for this product category.
Market GrowthStable (2020–2023 (trade-value proxy))Import values for HS 071021 were of similar magnitude in 2020 and 2023, with a dip in 2021.
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and frozen storage rather than local harvest seasons.
Specification
Primary VarietyGreen peas (Pisum sativum)
Physical Attributes- Free-flowing quick-frozen form (commonly IQF) to keep individual peas separable in the frozen state
- Reasonably uniform colour; sound and clean; practically free from sand/grit and other foreign material
Compositional Metrics- Cold-chain maintenance at -18°C or colder is a core quality expectation for quick-frozen vegetables
- If product is glazed, declared net content should exclude glaze (where applicable)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Processor (shelling/washing/blanching/quick-freezing) → frozen packing → reefer transport (typically sea freight) → port health & food control inspection → customs clearance → importer cold storage → retail/foodservice distribution
Temperature- Quick-frozen vegetables are expected to be maintained at -18°C or colder at all points in the cold chain (subject to permitted tolerances).
Shelf Life- Quality is sensitive to thaw–refreeze events and temperature excursions during international transport and local warehousing.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighBorder clearance can be blocked or the consignment can be detained/rejected if shipment-level documentation is missing or nonconforming (e.g., absence of list of contents, mismatch between certificate and consignment, missing original health certificate and required attestations).Use the MOPH food importers guide checklist; ensure the health certificate is shipment-specific with required attestations, and align invoice/packing list/labels with the consignment before dispatch.
Logistics MediumCold-chain temperature excursions during international reefer transport or local storage can degrade product quality (ice crystallization, texture loss) and increase the likelihood of inspection findings or commercial rejection.Maintain continuous temperature monitoring (thermographs/data loggers), verify reefer settings and loading practices, and keep documented temperature records where required.
Food Safety MediumRisk-based sampling and laboratory testing at entry can identify non-compliance (e.g., contamination, foreign material, or residues) leading to rejection, re-export, or destruction.Source from audited processors operating Codex-aligned hygiene controls; require certificates of analysis and retain retain-sample/traceability records per lot.
Sustainability- Cold-chain energy intensity and refrigerant management are material environmental considerations for frozen-vegetable distribution in Qatar’s climate.
FAQ
Which countries were the main suppliers of frozen peas to Qatar in 2023?UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS for HS 071021 shows that in 2023 Qatar’s top supplier countries by import value were India, Spain, Belgium, Poland, and New Zealand.
What documents are commonly needed to clear imported frozen peas at the Qatar border?Qatar Customs guidance highlights core customs documents such as the detailed original invoice and certificate of origin, plus transport documents (e.g., bill of lading) and packing list. The MOPH food importers guide additionally emphasizes shipment-level food documentation including a list of contents and a shipment-specific health certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of origin/export; plant and plant products may also require phytosanitary certification depending on the category and border procedures.
What temperature should be maintained for frozen peas through the cold chain?Codex’s standard for quick frozen vegetables states that quick-frozen vegetables should be maintained at -18°C or colder at all points in the cold chain (subject to permitted tolerances). The MOPH import guidance also notes that temperature records may be requested where required during inspection.