Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionValue-Added Processed Fruit Product
Market
Raisins (dried grapes) in Honduras are primarily supplied through imports and distributed through the country’s consumer-oriented food retail channels. 2024 trade data for HS 080620 (dried grapes, including raisins) shows Honduras sourcing from multiple exporting partners, including India, the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Market access for packaged raisins is strongly shaped by sanitary registration and technical requirements administered by Honduras’ Agencia de Regulación Sanitaria (ARSA) and Central American RTCA rules (labeling and additive compliance). As a shelf-stable, low-moisture product, raisins do not require cold chain, but packaging and storage practices must protect against moisture uptake and quality degradation in tropical conditions.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market
Domestic RoleConsumer-oriented packaged food and ingredient product mainly supplied by imports
SeasonalityYear-round availability via imports; supply timing depends on exporter availability and shipment scheduling rather than domestic harvest seasons.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Proper color and texture for the type; substantial portion of fleshy berries with high sugar content (Codex quality criteria).
- Substantially free from stems, extraneous plant material, and damage as defined by Codex defect criteria.
Compositional Metrics- Codex maximum moisture content: 31% (Malaga Muscatel type), 19% (seeded style with seeds removed), 18% (all other styles/types).
Grades- Quality acceptance commonly follows Codex defect allowances (e.g., limits for stems, cap-stems, immature/undeveloped berries, damage, sugaring, and residual seeds by type).
Packaging- Bulk containers for repacking into consumer-size containers are within Codex scope for raisins.
- Moisture-barrier packaging and sealed liners are important to limit moisture uptake during storage and distribution in humid conditions.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Exporter processing/packing → international shipment → Honduran importer/distributor → ARSA-regulated commercialization (retail/foodservice/food processing) → consumer
Temperature- Ambient-stable product; avoid elevated heat and direct sunlight to reduce stickiness, darkening, and quality loss during storage.
Atmosphere Control- Moisture control is critical: sealed packaging and dry storage reduce clumping and microbial/mold risks driven by humidity.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is generally long when kept sealed and dry; humidity exposure can accelerate quality deterioration and increase infestation/mold risk.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMissing or non-compliant sanitary registration and technical compliance (e.g., processed food sanitary registry procedures and prepackaged labeling rules administered via ARSA/RTCA frameworks) can block commercialization and trigger detention, relabeling, or rejection costs for imported raisins in Honduras.Confirm ARSA sanitary registration pathway for the specific product presentation (retail pack vs. bulk for repacking) and validate label content against RTCA general labeling requirements before shipment.
Food Safety MediumAdditive and contaminant compliance is a key risk for raisins, especially for bleached/golden raisins where sulphur dioxide may be used and must remain within applicable limits and be correctly declared; buyers may also impose mycotoxin monitoring expectations for dried fruits.Align formulation and specifications with Codex Standard for Raisins and the applicable RTCA additives framework; implement supplier COAs and periodic third-party testing for sulphites and relevant mycotoxins.
Documentation Gap MediumCustoms clearance delays can result from incomplete or inconsistent documentary support (invoice, transport document, customs value declaration when applicable, origin proof when applicable, and required permits/certificates for non-tariff measures).Use a pre-shipment document checklist aligned to Honduras Customs (RECAUCA-referenced) requirements and ensure broker review before vessel departure.
Quality Degradation MediumHonduras’ humid climate increases the risk of moisture uptake, clumping, and mold/quality deterioration for raisins if packaging or storage conditions are inadequate after import.Use moisture-barrier packaging, keep product sealed, and store in dry, pest-controlled warehouses with FIFO inventory management.
FAQ
Who is the key authority for sanitary registration of processed foods like raisins in Honduras?The Agencia de Regulación Sanitaria (ARSA) is a key authority referenced for sanitary registrations and related procedures for foods and beverages in Honduras, including processed-food sanitary registry procedures under Central American RTCA frameworks.
Which exporters supplied dried grapes (HS 080620, including raisins) to Honduras in 2024?Reported 2024 exporter-to-Honduras data for HS 080620 lists India, the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua among the top exporters by value and/or quantity to Honduras.
What core documents generally support an import customs declaration in Honduras?Honduras Customs references RECAUCA documentation supporting goods declarations, including a commercial invoice (or equivalent), transport documents (bill of lading/air waybill or equivalent), customs value declaration when applicable, certificate of origin when applicable, and any licenses/permits/certificates required for non-tariff restrictions.