Market
Raw in-shell almond (HS 080211) is a niche imported tree-nut item in Costa Rica, with supply primarily dependent on imports rather than domestic orchards. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) records Costa Rica imports of in-shell almonds in 2023 and shows the United States as the recorded origin for that year’s imports. Market use is mainly as snack nuts and as an input for foodservice and bakery channels, with in-shell form also used for seasonal/occasion retail presentation. Market access sensitivity is driven by Costa Rica’s phytosanitary import controls under the Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE) and by quality preservation in a humid tropical storage environment.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleImported snack nut and food ingredient; limited/no significant domestic commercial production recorded in trade-focused datasets for this item
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighSFE phytosanitary non-compliance (missing the official requirements form, document mismatches, or quarantine pest interceptions) can block entry and trigger mandatory measures such as re-export, treatment, or destruction under SFE administrative action.Obtain the SFE phytosanitary requirements form pre-shipment, align the exporter’s phytosanitary certificate to SFE conditions, and run a pre-shipment cleanliness/pest inspection with documented results.
Food Safety MediumAflatoxin risk can increase when almonds are exposed to elevated moisture/condensation during harvest, transport, or stockpiling; this can lead to non-compliance in markets that apply strict maximum limits for aflatoxins in tree nuts.Apply Codex aflatoxin-prevention practices for tree nuts, include aflatoxin testing in the release protocol, and use moisture-barrier packaging with humidity-controlled warehousing.
Quality MediumCosta Rica’s humid tropical conditions raise the risk of moisture pickup, rancidity, insect activity, and mold during warehousing if temperature and relative humidity are not controlled.Store almonds cool and dry with controlled relative humidity, monitor moisture content, and implement pest management and stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO).
Logistics MediumPort delays and container condensation events can extend exposure to heat/humidity, increasing the chance of quality loss and potential mold-related hazards.Use desiccants/ventilation controls where appropriate, specify moisture-protective packaging, and plan contingency storage with humidity control upon arrival.
FAQ
What is the key SFE requirement that must be in place before importing raw in-shell almonds into Costa Rica?SFE states that the official phytosanitary requirements form (Formulario de Requisitos Fitosanitarios) is the document used to communicate Costa Rica’s import requirements for regulated plant products, and that without it the products cannot enter.
What can happen if a shipment does not meet Costa Rica’s phytosanitary import requirements?SFE indicates that if requirements are not met during document review or if quarantine pests are intercepted during physical inspection, SFE notifies the measure through an administrative resolution, which can include re-export, phytosanitary treatment, or destruction.
How can importers reduce aflatoxin and quality risks for almonds in a humid climate like Costa Rica?Use Codex’s tree-nut aflatoxin prevention practices, keep the product dry, and apply cool/dry storage with controlled humidity; almond industry guidance emphasizes that cool temperatures and lower relative humidity help maintain low moisture and preserve shelf life.