Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormCrystalline (Coarse/Rock)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient (Mineral Commodity)
Market
Rock salt (HS 2501 category salt/pure sodium chloride) in Guatemala is supplied through a mix of domestic output and significant imports, with the country a net importer by trade value. In 2023, Guatemala imported about USD 11.17 million of HS 250100 (salt and pure sodium chloride; sea water), mainly from Chile and Mexico, while exporting about USD 5.05 million (notably within the region). For salt destined to human or animal consumption, Guatemala’s public-health framework requires iodization within specified iodine ranges, and limits non-iodized salt to authorized non-food industrial uses. Because salt is bulky and low value per ton, landed cost and continuity of supply are sensitive to freight and port/land logistics.
Market RoleNet importer with regional exports
Domestic RoleEssential staple ingredient for household use (iodized) and food industry use; regulated as a micronutrient-fortification vehicle for iodine deficiency control.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Crystalline sodium chloride product; food-grade salt may be sourced from sea, underground rock salt deposits, or natural brine (Codex CXS 150-1985).
Compositional Metrics- Food-grade purity benchmark: NaCl content not less than 97% on a dry matter basis, exclusive of additives (Codex CXS 150-1985).
- Guatemala iodized salt requirement: salt commercialized for human or animal consumption must be iodized within 30–100 mg iodine/kg salt (as referenced in MSPAS regulatory text).
Grades- Food grade / iodized (for human or animal consumption under Guatemala rules)
- Non-iodized industrial non-food use (authorization required in Guatemala)
Packaging- Non-iodized salt for authorized non-food industrial use must be identified as "SAL SIN YODAR PARA USO INDUSTRIAL NO ALIMENTICIO" per MSPAS-related regulatory text.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Bulk import sourcing (primarily Chile and Mexico under HS 250100) → inbound logistics → importer QA/iodine compliance management → wholesale distribution to retail and food industry; non-iodized industrial-only volumes require authorization controls.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighGuatemala requires salt for human or animal consumption (including imported salt) to be iodized within specified iodine ranges; non-iodized salt is limited to authorized non-food industrial uses. Shipments misaligned with iodization/end-use rules risk detention, relabeling, forced diversion, or rejection.Confirm end-use category before contracting; for food/animal channels supply iodized salt meeting Guatemala iodine range and keep supporting test records; for non-food industrial channels obtain the required authorization and apply the mandated industrial non-iodized identification.
Logistics MediumSalt is freight-intensive (bulky, low unit value), so ocean/land freight rate volatility, port congestion, and inland trucking disruptions can materially shift landed cost and delivery reliability into Guatemala.Diversify origins (e.g., Chile and Mexico), build safety stock for industrial users, and use forward freight planning for bulk shipments.
Food Safety MediumFood-grade salt must meet composition and contaminant expectations; impurities or contaminant exceedances can trigger buyer rejection or regulatory action, especially for iodized products with dosage control requirements.Specify Codex food-grade requirements in contracts (Codex CXS 150-1985), require supplier certificates of analysis, and verify iodine dosing uniformity for iodized product lots.
FAQ
Is iodization mandatory for salt imported into Guatemala for human or animal consumption?Yes. The MSPAS-related regulatory text referenced by INCAP states that imported salt destined for human or animal consumption must be iodized and commercialized within a specified iodine range (30–100 mg iodine per kg of salt).
Can non-iodized rock salt be imported or sold in Guatemala?Only under limited conditions. The MSPAS-related regulatory text allows non-iodized salt to be sold only for non-food industrial uses (or specific dietary uses), and it requires authorization from the health authority for industrial non-food use.
Who are Guatemala’s main external suppliers of HS 250100 (salt and pure sodium chloride) in recent data?In 2023 trade data for HS 250100, Guatemala’s largest suppliers were Chile and Mexico by both value and volume, with additional smaller volumes from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, China, and Colombia.