Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDry (parboiled milled rice)
Industry PositionProcessed Grain Staple
Market
Parboiled rice in Honduras is supplied through a mix of domestic rice value-chain activity and imports under a managed import regime. Honduras applies a rice importer registry and shipment-by-shipment import licensing for rice tariff lines that include parboiled rice (ACI 1006.30.20.00). UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows Honduras imported rice (HS 1006) valued at about USD 114.4 million in 2024, with the United States as the dominant supplier by value. Climate hazards (hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, droughts) can disrupt logistics and food supply chains, elevating availability risk for imported staples.
Market RoleNet importer with managed import-licensing regime
Domestic RoleStaple grain in national food security context; domestic production and milling are actively promoted by SAG and industry bodies
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighParboiled rice (ACI 1006.30.20.00) is within Honduras’ rice importer-registry and import-licensing regime; noncompliance (missing NRIA registration, missing SDE import license per shipment, or missing ARSA/SENASA documents referenced in the licensing procedure) can block licensing and severely delay or prevent entry.Contract through a Honduras-based importer holding a valid NRIA; run a pre-shipment checklist against SDE’s license requirements (ARSA registration/authorization + SENASA permit + invoice/pro forma) and apply before vessel dispatch.
Technical Compliance MediumLabeling and product registration noncompliance (e.g., non-Spanish labeling or failure to meet RTCA 67.01.07:10 general labeling requirements) can prevent ARSA sanitary registration/renewal and disrupt retail placement.Localize labels to Spanish and validate against RTCA 67.01.07:10; align label artwork with ARSA registration file before printing and shipping.
Climate MediumHonduras is highly exposed to hurricanes and tropical storms (and associated floods/landslides), which can disrupt infrastructure and supply chains, increasing the risk of port and inland-distribution interruptions for imported staples.Build buffer inventory and diversify shipment timing/routing during peak storm periods; validate contingency warehousing and inland transport plans with the importer.
Logistics MediumParboiled rice is freight-intensive; ocean freight volatility and congestion can materially change landed cost and lead times, affecting price competitiveness and stock availability.Use forward freight planning (longer booking windows), consider split shipments, and maintain safety stock at importer warehouses to absorb shipping variability.
FAQ
Is an import license required to bring parboiled rice into Honduras?Yes. Honduras’ rice import regime includes an importer registry (NRIA) and an import license required for each rice shipment under listed ACI tariff lines, including parboiled rice (ACI 1006.30.20.00).
What documents are commonly requested when applying for a rice import license in Honduras?The ministerial agreement governing rice licensing specifies that the application should include the importer’s NRIA number, an ARSA sanitary registration (or applicable ARSA import authorization), a SENASA phytosanitary import permit, and a commercial invoice or pro forma, along with other administrative documents as required by the procedure.
What labeling rule applies to prepackaged rice sold in Honduras?Honduras references the Central American technical regulation RTCA 67.01.07:10 for general labeling of prepackaged foods, and ARSA registration requirements include providing the product label and Spanish translation when the label is not in Spanish.