Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionProcessed Vegetable Product
Market
Frozen peas (HS 071021) in Uzbekistan is primarily an import-supplied frozen vegetable category with limited exports: WITS (UN Comtrade-derived) reports 2024 imports of about US$147.57K (131,360 kg) versus exports of about US$2.23K (1,015 kg), indicating a net importer position. Domestic IQF freezing capabilities exist in Uzbekistan through local processors marketing frozen fruits and vegetables, but this does not eliminate reliance on imported frozen peas supply. Packaged frozen vegetables are distributed through modern grocery retail and e-grocery channels (e.g., Korzinka and Korzinka Go), where freezer infrastructure supports cold-chain continuity. Cold-chain discipline is a core requirement: Codex quick-frozen guidance uses -18°C (or colder) as the reference temperature throughout the cold chain.
Market RoleNet importer with small exports; emerging domestic IQF processing capacity exists but does not appear to dominate frozen peas supply.
Domestic RolePackaged frozen vegetables for household and foodservice use distributed via modern retail and wholesale channels that can maintain freezer storage.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability is enabled by freezing, but commercial viability depends on maintaining continuous frozen storage and temperature control through distribution.
Specification
Primary VarietyPeas (Pisum sativum L.) / Garden peas as recognized in Codex quick-frozen pea standard
Physical Attributes- Reasonably uniform green colour, whole, clean, practically free from foreign matter, and free from foreign taste/smell (Codex CXS 41-1981).
Compositional Metrics- Alcohol-insoluble solids (AIS) limits are specified in Codex CXS 41-1981 (e.g., maximum AIS thresholds differ for peas vs garden peas).
Grades- Size designations (e.g., extra small/very small/small/medium/large) or sieve size may be used when size is declared (Codex CXS 41-1981).
Packaging- Retail packs should provide information for keeping and thawing the product (Codex CXS 41-1981).
- Packaging should protect organoleptic quality, protect from contamination, and limit moisture loss/dehydration (Codex CXS 41-1981).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Raw peas procurement (domestic or imported) → receiving inspection → washing/sorting → blanching → rapid freezing (IQF or equivalent quick freezing) → packaging → frozen storage → distribution via freezer/cold-chain logistics → retail/foodservice
Temperature- Quick-frozen foods are referenced at -18°C or colder at all points in the cold chain under Codex quick-frozen code of practice (CXC 8-1976).
Shelf Life- Quality and safety depend on maintaining continuous frozen storage; temperature abuse can cause texture degradation and quality loss even if the product remains frozen.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Cold Chain Integrity HighAny breakdown in maintaining -18°C (or colder) through storage, transit, and customs clearance can cause temperature abuse, quality degradation, and higher food-safety management risk (e.g., thaw/refreeze events), leading to buyer rejection and potential regulatory action.Use continuous temperature logging, validated reefer/rail cold-chain SOPs, pre-clear permitting documents to reduce border dwell time, and maintain contingency plans for power loss and equipment failure at cold stores.
Regulatory Compliance HighCustoms clearance can be refused if required permitting documents are missing from the State Customs Committee’s system for the relevant product category, delaying clearance and increasing cold-chain exposure.Confirm all permitting documents required for the specific shipment are secured and properly reflected in the customs single-window/automated systems prior to arrival.
Logistics MediumAs a landlocked destination, frozen shipments can face multi-leg transit and border delays that increase delivered cost and heighten cold-chain failure risk compared with coastal markets.Select routings with reliable reefer power availability and fewer handoffs; contract cold-chain-capable forwarders and maintain buffer inventory for peak-demand periods.
Climate MediumNational-level water scarcity and irrigation system constraints can affect domestic availability and cost of irrigated vegetables used for freezing, increasing variability for local processors supplying the market.Diversify sourcing across origins (imports plus qualified domestic IQF suppliers) and require supplier water/energy management disclosures for long-term contracts.
Sustainability- Water scarcity and irrigation dependence are material national risks for agricultural raw materials in Uzbekistan; efficiency improvements are an active policy and investment focus.
- Energy intensity of irrigation pumping and water-loss reduction are relevant sustainability themes for irrigated cropping systems.
Labor & Social- Uzbekistan’s cotton sector has a well-documented historical association with state-imposed forced labor and international buyer boycotts; ILO monitoring reported elimination of systemic forced and child labor in the 2021 cotton harvest cycle, but human-rights due diligence expectations may remain elevated for agricultural supply chains.
Standards- FSSC 22000
- Global G.A.P.
- Halal
FAQ
What temperature should frozen peas be kept at during storage and transport to Uzbekistan?Codex guidance for quick-frozen foods uses -18°C (or colder) as the reference temperature throughout the cold chain. Importers and logistics providers typically manage this with continuous temperature monitoring and contingency plans for power or equipment failures.
Is Uzbekistan mainly an importer or exporter of frozen peas?Available UN Comtrade-derived WITS data for HS 071021 indicates Uzbekistan is a net importer. In 2024, reported imports were much larger than reported exports, and exports were small and mainly to neighboring markets such as Kazakhstan and Afghanistan.
Which documents does Uzbekistan customs typically reference for import clearance by legal entities?State Customs Committee guidance for legal-entity imports references submitting a customs cargo declaration, transport (shipping) documents and the attached invoice, and a certificate of origin when required, alongside any permitting documents applicable to the product.
What ingredients might appear in frozen peas besides peas themselves?Codex’s quick-frozen pea standard lists optional ingredients such as sugars, salt, and condiments/herbs, and it also sets labeling expectations such as keeping and thawing instructions on retail packs. Many products are also sold as 100% peas, so the ingredient list should be verified on the specific SKU.