Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

The US schedule provides a dedicated 10-digit line (1008500010) for organic quinoa and a separate residual line (1008500090) for conventional quinoa not elsewhere specified. To use the organic line, the shipment must be accompanied by valid USDA National Organic Program certification or an NOP-equivalent certificate from an accredited certifying agent.

Quinoa in Peru and Bolivia is typically harvested between March and June, meaning US importers often build inventory in the second and third quarters. Supply tightness can occur in the months preceding harvest, and weather events in the Altiplano can compress availability across both leading origins simultaneously — a concentration risk worth factoring into procurement contracts.