Market
Horse meat in Peru is traded internationally under HS 020500 (fresh, chilled or frozen equidae meat) and appears as a niche export category rather than a mainstream domestic protein market. UN Comtrade-derived data (via WITS) shows Peru exported about USD 601.37k (302,092 kg) in 2023, mainly to Vietnam, with smaller volumes to Hong Kong and Uzbekistan; exports were higher in 2021 at about USD 4.45m (1,764,100 kg). Peru is not listed among third countries authorised to send fresh meat of domestic solipeds into the European Union under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 Annex I, which is a major market-access constraint for EU trade. Domestically, enforcement actions reported in Lima (Ate district) highlight food-safety and fraud risks linked to informal equine slaughter/handling and missing SENASA documentation.
Market RoleNiche exporter (HS 020500) with elevated market-access and compliance sensitivity
Domestic RoleSmall/opaque domestic market with documented enforcement actions related to informal equine slaughter and food fraud (Lima)
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighEU market access blocker: Peru is not listed in Annex I of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 for entry into the EU of fresh meat (excluding minced meat) and meat preparations of domestic solipeds, so EU entry for this product category is not authorised under that listing framework.Prioritize eligible destinations (e.g., current Asian buyers shown in trade data) and, if targeting the EU, assess the feasibility and timeline for country/establishment eligibility pathways under EU official controls (including competent-authority engagement and any required audits/listing steps).
Food Safety HighDomestic food-safety and fraud enforcement risk: a 2023 enforcement action in Ate (Lima) reported a clandestine equine-meat operation with unsanitary storage conditions and missing SENASA certification, with product reportedly destined for markets.Source only from documented, authorised slaughter/processing establishments and require complete SENASA-related authorisations/certifications and verifiable cold-chain records for each lot.
Animal Health MediumRegional equine disease events can trigger rapid movement restrictions: SENASA temporarily suspended imports of live equines from Argentina and Uruguay in December 2023 following confirmed outbreaks of Western Equine Encephalomyelitis in those countries, indicating sensitivity to equine health events that could disrupt supply/movement logistics.Monitor SENASA animal-health bulletins and incorporate contingency sourcing and transport plans for equine movements and slaughter scheduling.
Logistics MediumLong-haul refrigerated logistics exposure: equine meat exports from Peru to Asian destinations are sensitive to reefer-container availability, port delays, and ocean-freight volatility, which can raise landed costs and increase spoilage/quality-claim risk if temperature control is interrupted.Use validated reefer carriers, add temperature data logging per shipment, and contractually define temperature deviations and claim protocols with buyers.
Sustainability- Animal welfare scrutiny for equid slaughter and handling, with buyer sensitivity elevated for equine products in international markets.
Labor & Social- Food fraud and informal-market risks: enforcement actions in Lima have reported clandestine equine slaughter/handling, unsanitary storage, and missing SENASA documentation in at least one case.
- Reputational sensitivity: equine meat supply chains are often subject to heightened scrutiny on traceability and species-substitution risk.
FAQ
Is Peru authorised to export fresh horse meat to the European Union under the EU’s third-country listing for domestic solipeds?No. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 lists the third countries authorised for entry of fresh meat of domestic solipeds into the EU in Annex I, and Peru is not included in that Annex I list.
What HS code is commonly used to track international trade in horse meat for this Peru market record?HS 020500, which covers meat of horses, asses, mules or hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen.
Which Peruvian authority manages sanitary permits and requirements for importing animal-origin products (including meat) into Peru?SENASA manages sanitary requirements and provides procedures and forms for a Permiso Sanitario de Importación (PSI) for animals, products and subproducts of animal origin, and publishes services to consult sanitary requirements by product and tariff code.