Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormPaste/Concentrate (Shelf-stable)
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Tomato paste (processed tomato concentrate) in Bolivia is supplied through a mix of domestic processing and imports. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Bolivia imported HS 200290 processed tomatoes in 2023, with Peru and Brazil as the dominant origins by value and quantity. Bolivia also has domestic food manufacturers marketing tomato concentrate/extract products, suggesting some local value addition alongside import dependence. Market access and continuity depend heavily on SENASAG import authorizations and compliance with Bolivia’s food labeling/registration framework.
Market RoleNet importer (processed tomato concentrates) with limited domestic processing
Domestic RoleHousehold and foodservice ingredient; some domestic brands market tomato extract/concentrate products
Specification
Physical Attributes- Homogeneous texture and fairly good red color are expected quality attributes for processed tomato concentrates (Codex CXS 57-1981).
- Finished product should be practically free of objectionable peel and seeds (Codex CXS 57-1981).
Compositional Metrics- Tomato paste designation: at least 24% natural total soluble solids (measured without added salt) (Codex CXS 57-1981).
- pH must be below 4.6 for processed tomato concentrates under Codex CXS 57-1981.
Grades- Product naming/grade-by-concentration is commonly expressed via solids percentage ranges (e.g., 'solids 20% to 22%') under Codex CXS 57-1981 labeling provisions.
Packaging- Non-retail containers should show (on-container) the product name, lot identification, responsible party (manufacturer/packer/distributor/importer), and storage instructions (Codex CXS 57-1981).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Tomato production (domestic and/or foreign) → processing into concentrate/paste → packaging → importer/distributor → retail and foodservice channels in Bolivia
- Imports of HS 200290 processed tomatoes into Bolivia in 2023 were primarily sourced from Peru and Brazil (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFailure to secure the required SENASAG import authorization/permit and complete documentation (invoice, packing list, sanitary certificate of origin, and importer registration where required) can result in delays, retention, or non-certification at arrival under SENASAG import procedures; non-compliant labels can also block commercialization under R.A. 042/2023.Pre-validate SENASAG workflow (Autorización Previa vs Permiso), align shipment documents to the VUCE checklist, and complete/maintain SENASAG label approval per R.A. 042/2023 before dispatch.
Logistics MediumModel inference: As a landlocked market relying on multimodal routes, Bolivia is exposed to cross-border/port congestion and freight volatility that can disrupt replenishment cycles for shelf-stable packaged tomato paste/concentrates.Use route diversification where feasible, maintain safety stock, and contract forwarders with proven Bolivia corridor performance.
Food Safety MediumCodex CXS 57-1981 sets quality and compositional expectations (including pH < 4.6) for processed tomato concentrates; SENASAG border controls can retain goods when spoilage indicators, alerts, or nonconformities are detected under import procedures.Require supplier COA aligned to Codex CXS 57-1981 parameters and implement HACCP/ISO 22000-aligned verification with lot-level traceability.
Sustainability- Water stress/drought risk in tomato cultivation: INIAF has promoted/investigated techniques to optimize tomato production under water scarcity conditions.
Standards- HACCP (observed certification at a Bolivia-based food manufacturer)
- ISO 22000 food safety management (observed certification at a Bolivia-based food manufacturer)
- Good Manufacturing Practices / BPM (observed certification at a Bolivia-based food manufacturer)
FAQ
What qualifies a processed tomato product to be labeled as “tomato paste” (vs “tomato puree”)?Under Codex CXS 57-1981, “tomato paste” is a processed tomato concentrate with at least 24% natural total soluble solids, while “tomato puree” has no less than 7% but less than 24% natural total soluble solids.
Which documents are commonly required to import tomato paste/processed foods into Bolivia under SENASAG controls?VUCE guidance for SENASAG import workflows lists core documents such as the commercial invoice (showing FOB value), packing list, and a sanitary certificate of origin for the products. For the “Autorización Previa” workflow, an importer company registration certificate is also listed, and SENASAG import permits/authorizations are required before/at arrival depending on the procedure used.
Does Bolivia rely on imports for processed tomato concentrates like tomato paste?Yes. UN Comtrade data presented via WITS shows Bolivia imported HS 200290 processed tomatoes in 2023 valued at $3,362.31K (2,052,990 kg), with Peru and Brazil as the leading origins by value and quantity.