Ensuring the quality and competitiveness of sunflower oil

By: Nicolas Cravero, Liquid Cargo Coordinator, Agri – Cotecna Argentina 

Argentina is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of sunflower oil. To ensure that this product meets the highest quality and safety standards, Cotecna Argentina provides specialized solutions in supervision, laboratory testing and certification. Through a rigorous process and the support of international accreditations, Cotecna contributes to the transparency and efficiency of the supply chain, strengthening the country's position in global trade. 

Context of Sunflower Oil Production in Argentina 

Argentina is one of the main producers of sunflower oil worldwide. According to a report by the Córdoba Grain Exchange (BCCBA), the country ranks fourth in global sunflower and soybean oil production. On average, over the last ten campaigns, 50% of the sunflower oil produced in Argentina has been destined for export. 

Sunflower oil production in Argentina is mainly distributed between three provinces: Buenos Aires (53%), Santa Fe (28%) and Córdoba (16%), while the rest of the country represents 3% of total production. 

Source: DE-BCCBA based on SAGyP
*Period from January to November 2024 

Importance of Quality and Safety 

As with all products monitored and verified by Cotecna, quality assurance of sunflower oil is a key factor for its commercialization. The quality of the product directly impacts its refining process and, therefore, its acceptance in international markets. 

Although Cotecna also participates in the supervision of shipments of refined sunflower oil, most of its intervention occurs in the export of crude oil. This product is subsequently refined by importers according to their specific needs. 

Cotecna Argentina has its own laboratory in which all the necessary analyses are carried out under the different international standards, methods and certifications, to satisfy the quality requirements of the different exporters and the demands of the different regions and markets. 

Services Offered by Cotecna Argentina 

As a supervision company with extensive experience in the agro-industrial sector, Cotecna Argentina offers specialized services for the control of sunflower oil shipments in the main ports of the country, with a particular focus on the Rosario and San Lorenzo (Up River) region, the largest export center of goods in Argentina. During the loading process, Cotecna carries out various inspections and controls, including: 

• Tank inspection: Before loading, physical inspections are carried out on the ship's tanks to verify that they comply with the appropriate conditions and to avoid contamination of the oil with residues from previous cargoes according to the “FOSFA List of Banned Previous Cargoes” (list of products allowed by FOSFA). 
• Sampling and analysis: Samples are taken from both the ship's tanks and the terminal tanks (shore tanks) for analysis in our laboratory. 
• Measurement and data recording: The quantity of oil stored in the terminal tanks is determined before loading, considering temperature and other relevant parameters that allow the stored quantity to be determined through calculations. 
• Continuous monitoring: Throughout the loading process, Cotecna periodically informs its clients about the progress and findings. 
• Sending samples to the Laboratory in San Lorenzo: Once loading is complete, the samples taken during loading are sent to our Laboratory located in the San Lorenzo Zone (close to the busiest ports) to carry out analyses requested by our clients. 
• Post-shipment verification: Once loading is complete, measurements are taken in the onshore and ship tanks to accurately determine the quantity of oil transferred. This is achieved by comparing the initial and final measurements of the onshore tanks with the calculations obtained in the ship tanks, ensuring that the quantity received matches the amount unloaded, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the process. 

Certification and Accreditations 

Once the laboratory analyses are completed, Cotecna issues the certificates required by clients, including: 

• Weight Certificate 
• Quality Certificate 
• Ship Tank Inspection Certificate 

Additional certificates can also be issued according to the specific requirements of each destination and client. Our laboratory, located in the San Lorenzo area, has international accreditations and certifications such as FOSFA, GAFTA and SENASA, as well as ISO and AOCS certifications for the different analytical methods applied. 

Advantages of Choosing Cotecna 

At Cotecna, we differentiate ourselves by our highly trained team and our global network of laboratories with internationally renowned certifications, which allows us to offer a reliable, efficient service adapted to the needs of each client. We offer our clients a comprehensive service, guaranteeing: 

• High standards of integrity and transparency 
• Experienced and professional staff 
• Global laboratory coverage 
• Internationally recognized certifications and accreditations 
• Competitive prices and fast service 

With our strategic presence in the main ports of Argentina, Cotecna is a key partner for exporting companies, ensuring that each shipment meets the highest standards of quality and safety. 

Major Exporters Trust Our Work 

Renowned companies such as Bunge, LDC and other globally recognized importers/exporters have trusted Cotecna's services for years, backing our experience and commitment to quality in the sunflower oil industry. 

With a consolidated track record in the supervision and certification of agro-industrial products, Cotecna Argentina remains a key strategic partner to guarantee quality and safety in the export of sunflower oil to international markets. 

➡ Contact us today and request our services: reporting@cotecna.com.ar 

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.