Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormGreen (Unroasted), Decaffeinated
Industry PositionFood Manufacturing Input
Market
Decaffeinated green coffee beans in Argentina function primarily as an imported input for domestic roasting and coffee manufacturing, making the market import-dependent. In MERCOSUR nomenclature, unroasted decaffeinated coffee is classified under NCM 0901.12.00, with an AEC listing shown in the NCM/AEC table. WITS (UN Comtrade-based) data for HS 090112 reports Argentina imports in 2023 of about USD 124.85k (16,393 kg), sourced from Colombia. Import procedures for foods and food inputs under the Argentine Food Code are administered through ANMAT/INAL pathways updated under Decree 35/2025, with electronic processing and inter-agency validation via VUCEA.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and roasting/manufacturing market)
Domestic RoleImported decaffeinated green coffee used as an input for domestic roasting, packaging, and downstream coffee products for retail and foodservice
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports rather than domestic harvest cycles.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Import phytosanitary requirements for plant-origin goods are verified by SENASA at entry; specific requirements depend on product and origin (AFIDI-based).
Packaging- If the shipment uses wood packaging, SENASA documentation requirements (e.g., wood packaging declaration per the cited SENASA import-certification guidance) may apply.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas decaffeinated green coffee supplier/processor → sea freight to Argentina → customs and inter-agency (ANMAT/INAL; SENASA as applicable) controls → domestic roaster/manufacturer → retail and foodservice distribution
Temperature- Keep bags dry and protect from condensation; humidity control is critical to prevent quality loss and mold during storage and transit (especially in containerized sea freight).
Atmosphere Control- Ventilation and moisture-barrier packaging practices reduce condensation risk during ocean transit.
Shelf Life- Quality risk is driven more by moisture ingress and off-odors than by a fixed shelf-life; storage discipline and clean, dry warehousing are key.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighArgentina’s food import procedures have been updated under the Decree 35/2025 framework with ANMAT/INAL-managed import notices/authorizations and VUCEA-linked validation; missing or inconsistent ANMAT/INAL filings and supporting documents can delay or block clearance for decaffeinated green coffee inputs.Pre-align NCM classification, product description, and intended-use status (industrial input vs. retail food) across all documents; confirm the applicable ANMAT/INAL pathway for the product’s origin and submit required filings via the designated electronic platforms/VUCEA before shipment arrival.
Phytosanitary MediumPlant-origin imports may require SENASA AFIDI-based phytosanitary requirements and are subject to documentary and physical verification; unmet phytosanitary conditions can trigger holds, treatments, or rejection depending on product/origin requirements.Check SENASA import requirements for the specific origin and product presentation before contracting; secure any required phytosanitary certificate and ensure packaging/wood materials documentation is complete.
Labor And Social MediumCoffee supply chains can carry child labor/forced labor risks in certain origin countries; this is salient when sourcing from origins explicitly flagged for coffee in ILAB’s list (including Colombia and Brazil).Implement supplier due diligence and documentation requests (origin transparency, third-party audits/certifications where appropriate, grievance channels) and prioritize traceable supply from verified programs.
Logistics MediumOcean transit delays and poor container moisture control increase condensation and mold risk for green coffee, which can cause quality claims or rejection in downstream manufacturing.Use moisture-barrier liners and container desiccants where appropriate; specify maximum moisture/defect acceptance in contracts; apply arrival inspections and sampling protocols.
Sustainability- Deforestation and land-use change due diligence risk in upstream origin countries if exporting coffee products onward to the EU market (EUDR commodity scope includes coffee).
- Traceability expectations may escalate for EU-bound supply chains, including plot-level origin substantiation requirements under EU deforestation-free product rules.
Labor & Social- Upstream labor risk in coffee supply chains: the U.S. Department of Labor ILAB list includes coffee associated with child labor and/or forced labor in multiple origin countries (including Colombia and Brazil), which is relevant for Argentina import sourcing and due diligence.
Standards- FSSC 22000 (referenced by a major Argentine coffee manufacturer as part of its food safety management system)
FAQ
What customs code is typically used in Argentina for unroasted decaffeinated coffee?In the MERCOSUR nomenclature referenced by Argentina, unroasted decaffeinated coffee is classified under NCM 0901.12.00.
What does recent trade data show for Argentina’s imports of unroasted decaffeinated coffee?WITS (UN Comtrade-derived) data for HS 090112 reports that Argentina imported about USD 124.85k (16,393 kg) in 2023, reported as sourced from Colombia in that dataset.
Which authorities are most relevant for importing decaffeinated green coffee into Argentina?ANMAT/INAL administers the import procedures for foods and food inputs under the Argentine Food Code framework, and SENASA is responsible for verifying phytosanitary import requirements for products of plant origin where applicable.
What is a common clearance risk for this product in Argentina?Document and filing mismatches under the updated ANMAT/INAL import procedures (and their VUCEA-linked validation) can delay or block clearance; pre-shipment alignment of classification, product description, and the applicable import pathway helps reduce this risk.