Market
Raw peanuts (maní) in Colombia are supplied by domestic cultivation and imported lots that must clear phytosanitary and customs controls. ICA manages phytosanitary import requirements for plant products (including grains) via the DRFI/SISPAP process and border inspection at authorized entry points. For food-safety compliance, Colombia sets maximum levels for contaminants including aflatoxins in peanuts for human consumption, which makes pre-shipment quality control and proper drying/storage central to market access. Documented cultivation/research presence for Arachis hypogaea includes Tolima and multiple other departments referenced in AGROSAVIA/ICA materials.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with limited domestic production
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin non-compliance is a deal-breaker for raw peanuts in Colombia: national contaminant regulations set maximum total aflatoxin levels for peanuts depending on intended use, and out-of-limit lots can be rejected, reconditioned, or diverted from the intended channel.Implement a supplier aflatoxin-control plan aligned to Codex guidance (drying/curing, segregation of damaged kernels, moisture control) and require accredited lab COAs per lot before shipment; maintain dry-chain conditions to arrival.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport clearance can be blocked or delayed if ICA phytosanitary requirements are not obtained/communicated correctly (e.g., missing DRFI when required, phytosanitary certificate not matching DRFI measures). ICA also notes the DRFI is valid for 90 days for a single shipment and can be annulled under certain phytosanitary developments.Obtain DRFI via ICA SISPAP early, confirm validity window against ETD/ETA, and run a pre-shipment document concordance check (DRFI vs phytosanitary certificate vs invoice/BL/packing list).
Documentation Gap MediumDIAN document-file gaps (e.g., missing invoice/transport document/origin/sanitary certificates when required) can trigger documentary inspections, holds, and cost escalation (storage/demurrage).Use a DIAN-aligned document checklist and ensure customs broker has complete digital copies before arrival; reconcile HS classification, quantities, and consignee details across all documents.
FAQ
Which phytosanitary steps are commonly required to import raw peanuts into Colombia?ICA indicates that regulated plant products must meet import phytosanitary requirements, which may include requesting a Documento de Requisitos Fitosanitarios para Importación (DRFI) in SISPAP, sending it to the exporter so the exporting country can issue a matching phytosanitary certificate, and then requesting ICA inspection at the authorized port/airport/border point to obtain the Certificado Fitosanitario para Nacionalización (CFN) before completing DIAN nationalization.
What is the biggest food-safety risk that can block a peanut shipment in Colombia?Aflatoxins are a key deal-breaker risk for peanuts: Colombia’s Resolution 4506 of 2013 sets maximum total aflatoxin levels for peanuts depending on intended use (for example, different limits apply to peanuts intended for selection/physical treatment versus peanuts for direct consumption or as ingredients). Shipments that fail these limits can lose market access for the intended channel.
How long is the ICA DRFI valid for, and why does that matter for scheduling?ICA states the DRFI is valid for 90 calendar days for a single shipment from the date of issuance, so importers need to align DRFI issuance with shipment timing and avoid expired or mismatched documentation at arrival.