Yerba Mate: Importing Bolivia's Traditional Beverage

Yerba mate is a traditional caffeinated tea made from the leaves of the yerba plant, which is native to South America. It is particularly popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Syria, and Lebanon. The tea is consumed socially, with friends and family members drinking from the same vessel, traditionally a hollowed gourd, and is often accompanied by a thermos of hot water.

When travelling with yerba mate, it is recommended to keep the tea in its original packaging to make it easier to pass through customs. It is also advisable to be confident and honest when questioned about the purpose of the tea, as it is completely legal.

Importing yerba into Bolivia

If you are planning to import yerba into Bolivia, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to note that yerba, also known as yerba mate, is a plant species native to South America, and it is consumed as a bitter, caffeinated tea. It is traditionally consumed in several South American countries, including Bolivia, and has also gained popularity in other parts of the world.

When importing yerba into Bolivia, it is crucial to comply with the country's customs regulations and prohibited or restricted items. According to the Bolivian customs regulations, certain merchandise is prohibited from entering the national territory. These prohibited items include harmful goods that may damage the environment, human health, or threaten the security of the Bolivian state. Additionally, edible products that are decomposing or contaminated, and animals or plants affected by illness or plague, are also prohibited.

In terms of regulations, edible food items and agricultural products, including yerba, must be registered with the National Service of Agricultural and Nutritional Sanitation before entering the country. This means that you need to ensure that the yerba you are importing has been properly registered and approved by the relevant authorities in Bolivia.

It is also important to be mindful of the quantity and packaging of the yerba you are importing. While there do not appear to be specific restrictions on the amount of yerba that can be imported, it is generally recommended to keep the product in its original packaging. This helps provide clear information about the product and facilitates the customs clearance process.

When transporting yerba, it is advisable to follow safe travel guidelines, such as those outlined by Circle of Drink. They suggest leaving the yerba in its original packaging or, if repacked, using a bag. Additionally, they recommend travelling with smaller amounts of yerba and being prepared to answer any questions from customs officials truthfully and confidently.

In conclusion, importing yerba into Bolivia requires adherence to the country's customs regulations and prohibited items. By ensuring compliance with these regulations and proper registration of the product, you can successfully import yerba into Bolivia while also enjoying its health benefits and traditional cultural significance.

Restrictions on imports to Bolivia

Bolivia has a range of laws and regulations that govern what can and cannot be brought into the country. These laws are designed to protect the economy, society, and environment of Bolivia and ensure compliance with international standards.

Firstly, it is important to note that any goods that may damage the environment, human health, or the preservation of plant and animal life are prohibited from entering the country. This includes decomposing or contaminated food products, animals or vegetables affected by illness or plague, and waste from radioactive substances. Additionally, any merchandise that threatens the security of the Bolivian state or its financial system is also banned.

For those looking to import goods into Bolivia, there are several key regulations to keep in mind. All edible food items and agricultural products must be registered with the National Service of Agricultural and Nutritional Sanitation. Pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Ministry of Health and Sports. Arms, munitions, and explosives are highly regulated and controlled. It is also important to note that import charges include domestic taxes, private fees, and warehouse fees, which can significantly increase the cost of importing goods.

In terms of specific products, there are restrictions on the import of vehicles and their parts and accessories. These restrictions are based on factors such as the type of engine, steering, and age of the vehicle. Used clothing and accessories are also prohibited, unless express permission is granted by the relevant authority.

When importing goods into Bolivia, it is essential to register with the Operator Service Unit of National Customs as a 'usual' or 'unusual' importer and complete the necessary documentation, including the Importer Registration Form N° 170. Compliance with the relevant authorizations and certifications is crucial, and failure to do so may result in delays or rejection of the imported goods.

Overall, Bolivia has a comprehensive set of restrictions and regulations on imports, which are designed to protect the country's economy, society, and environment. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, individuals and businesses can ensure smooth compliance when importing goods into Bolivia.

Travelling with yerba

Firstly, it's good to know that yerba mate is a legal herb, so you can travel with it without problems. People have been travelling with it for years, carrying it in their hand luggage or in their suitcases, and they've never had any serious issues. Of course, it's always good to check the specific rules and regulations of the country you're travelling to and from, but generally, you should be fine.

If you're travelling with a large amount of yerba, say 10-20 pounds, you might want to take a few extra precautions. Keep it in its original packaging if possible, as this makes it clear what the product is and what it's used for. If you've repacked it, that's okay too, but be prepared to answer any questions about it confidently and honestly. Remember, it's a legal herb, so there's no need to be anxious or afraid.

When travelling with your mate kit, including your thermos, bombilla, and mate cup, it's a good idea to keep the bombilla in your checked luggage, as it may resemble a knife. For your thermos, make sure it's empty when you go through security. You can always ask a restaurant or café at the airport or on the plane to fill it up for you once you're through.

So, there you have it! Travelling with yerba is perfectly possible and legal. Just follow these simple tips, and you'll be enjoying your favourite drink wherever your travels take you.

The history of yerba mate

Yerba mate is a caffeinated drink with Indigenous origins that is widely consumed in South America, especially in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Southern Chile. The name given to the plant in the Guarani language is "ka'a", which means "herb". The drink is made by steeping the leaves of the plant in hot water, or brewing them cold to make "tereré".

When the Spanish colonized South America in the 16th century, they learned about yerba mate from the Guarani, and it quickly spread throughout the Spanish colony of Paraguay, becoming the chief export of the Guarani territories. The Jesuits, a group of missionaries, were the first to cultivate the plant and establish plantations in the mid-17th century, although their expulsion in the 1770s led to a decline in production.

Yerba mate became an important commodity in many cities of colonial South America, and its production and consumption continued to grow. Brazil became the prime producer of yerba mate in the 19th century, but when Brazilian entrepreneurs turned to coffee production in the 1930s, Argentina took over as the largest producer, resurrecting the industry in Misiones Province.

Today, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay remain the largest producers of yerba mate, and it is considered a cultural heritage in these countries. The drink is consumed in a variety of ways, from traditional gourds to modern tea bags and energy drinks, and has spread beyond South America to become popular worldwide.

How to prepare yerba mate

Preparing yerba mate is a ritual in many South American countries, and it is traditionally consumed socially. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare yerba mate:

Firstly, you will need a mate cup, also known as a gourd, and a bombilla, which is a straw used to drink the yerba mate. Mate cups can be made from a variety of materials, including gourd, wood, glass, ceramics, metal, and silicone. Gourds are the most traditional and popular choice, made from the fruit of the calabash plant. Bombillas are typically made from stainless steel.

Now that you have your equipment, it's time to prepare the yerba mate. Fill your gourd to about two-thirds or three-quarters full with yerba mate leaves. If you are using yerba mate without stems, cover the top of the gourd and shake it up and down to remove the small particles. Then, tilt the gourd at a 45-degree angle.

Next, add lukewarm water to the lower half of the slanted yerba mate leaves. Pour the water as close to the wall of the gourd as possible, and wait for the water to be absorbed by the leaves. Repeat this process with hot water at around 70-80 degrees Celsius. Be careful not to use water that is too hot, as it can burn the yerba mate leaves and affect their taste.

Now, put the bombilla into the gourd. Place it on the lower, wet side of the yerba mate leaves and press it down until you reach the bottom of the gourd. This will create two levels in the gourd: one higher and dry, and one lower and wet.

Finally, add more hot water to the lower side, aiming to pour the water as close to the bombilla as possible. Your yerba mate is now ready to drink! Simply sip it through the bombilla and repeat the process of adding hot water as needed.

Remember, yerba mate is meant to be shared and enjoyed with others, so don't forget to pass it around!

Frequently asked questions