Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Raw (not roasted) peanuts in Chile are primarily supplied through imports rather than large-scale domestic production. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform indicates Chile imported shelled, not-roasted groundnuts (HS 120220) worth about USD 16.45 million (about 10.21 million kg) in 2023, with Argentina as the dominant supplier. Market access is strongly shaped by Chile’s phytosanitary import requirements administered by SAG, including phytosanitary certification, pest-risk mitigations (e.g., treatments/declarations), and shipment sealing rules. Food-safety compliance is also critical because Chile’s food regulation sets a maximum limit for total aflatoxins in peanuts and other specified nuts.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent market for shelled raw peanuts)
Domestic RoleImported raw peanuts are used for direct consumption (packaged nuts) and as an input for roasting, confectionery, and food manufacturing.
Specification
Physical Attributes- For import clearance, shipments are expected to arrive free of soil and other plant debris, and be presented in compliant packaging that supports quarantine treatments if needed (SAG import requirements for dried peanuts with/without shell).
Compositional Metrics- Total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) limit for peanuts (maní) under Chile’s food regulation (RSA): 10 ppb.
Packaging- Packaging must be first-use, closed, resistant to handling, and labeled/marked at minimum with: country of origin, producer name/code, and plant species (SAG requirements for dried peanuts with/without shell).
- Packaging materials that prevent effective fumigant penetration (e.g., expanded polystyrene, hermetic bags) are not permitted for these regulated shipments (SAG requirements).
- Wood packaging/pallets must comply with ISPM 15 where applicable (SAG import guidance).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin cleaning/sorting (and shelling where applicable) → phytosanitary treatment or pest-status declaration by the exporting NPPO → sealing of transport unit → ocean freight to Chile → SAG documentary + physical inspection at point of entry → importer storage/processing (often roasting/packing) → distribution.
Temperature- Maintain dry storage and protect against condensation/moisture uptake during transit and warehousing to reduce mold and mycotoxin risk.
Shelf Life- Shelf life and quality are highly sensitive to moisture ingress (risk of mold/aflatoxin and rancidity), so packaging integrity and humidity control are key.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Phytosanitary HighChile’s SAG requires an official phytosanitary certificate with specific additional declarations and recognized pest-risk mitigations for dried peanuts (with/without shell). Nonconforming documentation, missing/incorrect treatment or pest-status declarations, or a broken/non-intact transport seal can lead to border delay or rejection; the regime explicitly targets quarantine/storage pests including khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium).Run a pre-shipment compliance check against SAG Res. Exenta N°3.541/2022 (as modified), ensuring the NPPO certificate includes the correct additional declaration path, treatment details (if used), and seal/precinct controls; verify seal integrity through loading to arrival.
Food Safety MediumAflatoxin contamination is a critical food-safety risk for raw peanuts. Chile’s food regulation (RSA) sets a maximum level for total aflatoxins in peanuts (10 ppb), creating rejection/recall risk if lots exceed limits.Implement supplier approval and lot-based mycotoxin controls (pre-harvest/drying practices and pre-export lab testing), and maintain moisture-control and storage hygiene to reduce mold growth risk.
Logistics MediumFreight delays and handling issues can raise landed cost and increase quality risk (moisture uptake, mold), especially if packaging integrity is compromised or if shipments require additional quarantine handling.Use moisture-protective yet treatment-compatible packaging, monitor container condition and ventilation/moisture control, and plan for documentation lead times to minimize port dwell time.
FAQ
Who are the main suppliers of raw (shelled, not roasted) peanuts to Chile?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform shows that in 2023 Chile’s imports of shelled, not-roasted groundnuts (HS 120220) were dominated by Argentina, with smaller volumes from suppliers such as Brazil and the United States.
What phytosanitary documentation is required to import dried peanuts into Chile?For dried peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) with or without shell, SAG requires an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s NPPO/ONPF that includes SAG-specified additional declarations (via treatment/declaration pathways) and is subject to SAG inspection on arrival.
What is Chile’s aflatoxin limit for peanuts?Chile’s Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos (RSA) sets a maximum limit for total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) in peanuts (maní) at 10 ppb.