Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable tomato concentrate (puree)
Industry PositionProcessed Vegetable Product
Market
Tomato puree in Latvia is primarily supplied through imports under HS 200290, with notable inbound trade from European producers and nearby regional suppliers. Latvia also has domestic production capacity in processed vegetables and tomato-based sauces via local brands such as SPILVA (Orkla Latvija), with manufacturing assets located in and around Riga. For third-country origin consignments, Latvia’s Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) applies routine import controls for food of non-animal origin at Border Control Posts and can apply increased controls or emergency measures depending on origin and CN code. Distribution to Latvian consumers is supported by wholesale importers/distributors based in Riga that supply major retail chains and HoReCa buyers.
Market RoleNet importer and domestic consumer market with some local processing/packing and regional re-export activity
Domestic RoleHousehold cooking staple and a key ingredient used by Latvia-based manufacturers of tomato-based sauces and condiments (e.g., SPILVA/Orkla Latvija).
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability: tomato puree is shelf-stable and Latvia’s supply is supported by multi-origin imports and local packing/processing of tomato-based products.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Smooth tomato concentrate intended for sauces, soups, and cooking applications.
- Retail presentation in glass jars is common for branded products in Latvia (e.g., SPILVA tomato paste packaged in 0.267 L and 0.500 L glass jars, marketed as 'without preservatives').
Compositional Metrics- Natural total soluble solids thresholds underpin the Codex designation of tomato puree vs. tomato paste.
- EU CN/TARIC classification for HS 2002.90 uses dry matter content bands (e.g., <12%, 12–30%, >30%) and packaging size (e.g., >1 kg vs. ≤1 kg) for sub-coding.
Grades- Customs/contract specification frequently references dry matter/solids level consistent with CN/TARIC subheadings for HS 200290.
Packaging- Glass jars for retail (e.g., 0.267 L and 0.500 L cited for SPILVA tomato paste).
- Bulk formats (>1 kg immediate packings) are common for foodservice and industrial buyers (CN/TARIC distinctions apply).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Import (finished tomato puree/paste under HS 200290) → customs declaration (VID EMDAS/AIS) → PVD routine import control at Border Control Posts for non-animal origin foods (as applicable) → wholesaler warehousing/distribution in Riga → retail chains and HoReCa customers.
- Local processing/packing for some Latvia-made tomato-based products (e.g., SPILVA/Orkla Latvija) using externally sourced tomato paste from multiple suppliers.
Temperature- Shelf-stable while unopened; some retail tomato paste products instruct refrigeration after opening (e.g., SPILVA).
Shelf Life- Branded retail tomato paste products in Latvia may carry long unopened shelf life (e.g., 24 months stated for SPILVA tomato paste) with refrigeration required after opening.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighThird-country origin tomato puree consignments can be delayed, sampled, or refused entry at Latvia Border Control Posts if they fall under routine or increased official controls and are non-compliant (or if required TRACES NT prior notification/entry documentation is missing or incorrect).Confirm whether the CN code/origin triggers VSID-D or other entry documentation in TRACES NT; pre-verify documents, labels (EU 1169/2011), and compliance evidence before shipment, and plan for possible sampling/hold time at BCP.
Food Safety MediumNon-compliance with EU pesticide MRLs or other safety requirements can trigger enforcement actions, including intensified checks under EU official controls regimes for certain origins.Require supplier test results aligned to EU MRL requirements; maintain batch traceability and be prepared to provide documentation during PVD controls.
Logistics MediumFreight rate volatility can materially affect landed cost for heavy, low-to-mid value tomato puree/paste, impacting distributor pricing and availability in Latvia.Use multi-origin sourcing where possible, lock freight where feasible, and balance bulk vs. retail-ready formats to optimize transport cost.
Sustainability- Certified primary production sourcing: Orkla Latvija reports that SPILVA tomato sauces and ketchup are produced using certified tomato paste linked to GLOBALG.A.P.
- Upstream agriculture risks (water use, pesticide management) are typically managed via farm assurance and EU MRL compliance for imported inputs.
Labor & Social- Farm assurance relevance: GLOBALG.A.P. IFA for fruit and vegetables explicitly includes workers’ health, safety, and welfare expectations at primary production level, which is relevant when Latvia-market brands require certified tomato inputs.
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. (upstream tomato sourcing, as referenced by Orkla Latvija for SPILVA tomato products)
- BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (referenced as a basis for Orkla Food Safety Standard audits)
FAQ
Which HS code is typically used for importing tomato puree/paste into Latvia?Tomato puree/paste is commonly classified under HS 200290 (tomatoes prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, other than whole or in pieces). In the EU, the exact CN/TARIC subcode depends on factors such as dry matter content and packaging size.
What are the key import control steps in Latvia for tomato puree arriving from a non-EU country?Latvia’s Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) applies routine import controls for food of non-animal origin at Border Control Posts under Regulation (EU) 2017/625. PVD guidance also describes prior notification in TRACES NT using the relevant entry document (e.g., VSID-D, depending on CN code and origin) at least one working day before arrival, and consignments may be held pending laboratory checks when controls apply.
What core labelling rule applies to tomato puree sold to consumers in Latvia?Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 governs mandatory food information for foods marketed in the EU, including Latvia. Mandatory information must appear in a language easily understood by consumers in the Member State where the food is marketed, and Member States may require one or more EU official languages.
Which countries were leading exporters of HS 200290 tomato concentrates to Latvia in the available trade snapshot?In the 2021 WITS/UN Comtrade snapshot for HS 200290 exports to Latvia, Spain and Ukraine were the top exporters by value, followed by Italy, Portugal, and Lithuania.