Exporting Iranian walnuts to international markets involves much more than quality production and packaging, it requires expert handling of customs clearance, documentation, and compliance with import regulations.

At Tamila Agrifood, we specialize in managing these complex procedures to ensure our clients enjoy a smooth, risk-free, and efficient import experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Our goal is simple: to deliver premium-quality walnuts with zero delays, full transparency, and total compliance with destination country laws.

1. Understanding the Global Customs Landscape for Walnuts

Every region, from the EU’s strict food safety frameworks to the GCC’s Halal and labeling standards, has unique import requirements.

Failure to meet them can lead to costly delays, rejections, or financial penalties.

That’s why Tamila Agrifood’s export management team works closely with certified freight forwarders, customs brokers, and inspection authorities to guarantee compliance at every step.

Our export operations follow a “pre-approved compliance model”, meaning all documentation, packaging, and labeling are reviewed before shipment, minimizing the risk of port clearance issues.

2. Key Customs Documents for Walnut Export & Import

Before shipping, Tamila Agrifood prepares a full set of export and customs documentation required for clearance in international ports. Typical documents include:

•    Commercial Invoice: Details the exporter, importer, product description, and declared value.

•    Packing List: Lists quantity, weight, and packaging specifications of walnut shipments.

•    Certificate of Origin (COO): Issued by the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, proving product origin.

•    Phytosanitary Certificate: Confirms the shipment is pest- and disease-free as per import country requirements.

•    Health & Quality Certificate: Ensures compliance with food safety and laboratory testing standards.

•    Halal Certificate (for GCC countries): Verifies the product meets Islamic dietary laws.

•    Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Report: Optional, but recommended for large importers in Africa and the Middle East.

These documents ensure a seamless customs process and strengthen buyer confidence in the authenticity and quality of Tamila Agrifood’s products.

3. EU Import Regulations for Walnut Kernels

The European Union maintains some of the world’s most rigorous standards for food imports. Walnuts entering the EU must comply with:

•    Regulation (EU) No 852/2004 on food hygiene

•    Regulation (EU) No 396/2005 on pesticide residue limits

•    Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 on aflatoxin thresholds

•    Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 on food labeling and traceability

In addition, all walnut shipments must pass border inspection posts (BIPs) and may undergo random laboratory testing to ensure aflatoxin levels remain below 4 µg/kg (B1) and 10 µg/kg (total aflatoxins).

Tamila Agrifood ensures compliance by working with ISO 17025-certified labs and maintaining complete traceability reports for each batch.

We also use English and local language labels compliant with EU labeling rules — detailing origin, net weight, allergens, and storage conditions.

4. Customs Requirements in the Middle East (GCC Region)

Importing walnuts into Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain — requires adherence to Halal certification, GSO standards, and labeling laws.

Tamila Agrifood partners with approved Halal certification bodies and ensures:

•    Arabic/English bilingual packaging labels

•    Shelf-life and production dates in both Gregorian and Hijri calendars (where applicable)

•    Moisture content under 5% (GSO 1294:2010 standard)

•    Compliance with GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) regulations for tree nuts

Additionally, our logistics team coordinates with Dubai Municipality Food Control Department and Saudi SFDA to ensure each shipment is pre-registered, simplifying port clearance.

5. Import Regulations in African Markets

African countries, especially Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria, have rapidly growing demand for Iranian and Turkish walnuts. However, each has its own regulatory framework.

Key African import considerations include:

•    Phytosanitary Certificate approved by the Ministry of Agriculture.

•    Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) by agencies such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Cotecna.

•    Conformity to local food safety standards (KEBS in Kenya, SONCAP in Nigeria, SABS in South Africa).

•    Proper labeling in English or French, depending on the destination.

Tamila Agrifood’s dedicated export department ensures all these conditions are met before cargo departure, reducing risk of demurrage or customs delay.

6. Customs Duties and Tariffs

Customs duties on walnuts vary by destination:

•    EU: 0% under GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) for Iranian walnuts.

•    GCC countries: Typically between 5%–10% depending on product form (in-shell or kernel).

•    African markets: Range from 10%–25%, with exemptions under bilateral trade agreements.

Tamila Agrifood provides transparent pricing and duty forecasts for each buyer, helping importers plan total landed cost (CIF or DDP basis).

7. Efficient Customs Clearance with Tamila Agrifood

We believe that smooth logistics are just as critical as product quality.

Our customs and logistics teams coordinate every step, including:

•    Pre-shipment inspection coordination

•    Electronic customs declaration (through trade portals)

•    Real-time shipment tracking and clearance updates

•    Collaboration with port authorities and agents to avoid detention fees

With offices and logistics partners in Bandar Abbas, Dubai, and Istanbul, we ensure your shipment reaches its destination on time, fully documented, and ready for market entry.

8. Common Challenges and How Tamila Agrifood Solves Them

Challenge 1: Documentation discrepancies

Solution: All export paperwork is pre-verified by our in-house legal team before dispatch.

Challenge 2: Aflatoxin rejections at EU ports

Solution: Pre-export lab testing and third-party verification under ISO standards.

Challenge 3: Labeling non-compliance in GCC markets

Solution: We design bilingual labels following GSO and Halal guidelines.

Challenge 4: Delays in customs clearance

Solution: Pre-arranged customs entries and early inspection scheduling.

Tamila Agrifood doesn’t just ship — we strategically navigate the entire export process for your peace of mind.

9. Why Work with Tamila Agrifood?

Partnering with Tamila Agrifood means choosing:

•    Full regulatory compliance across three major trade regions

•    Transparent documentation & traceability

•    Professional customs and logistics management

•    Commitment to long-term partnerships and reliability

Whether you’re importing bulk walnut kernels, in-shell walnuts, or processed nut products, Tamila Agrifood ensures that every shipment clears customs quickly, legally, and efficiently.

Conclusion

Customs clearance can make or break your supply chain efficiency, but with the right partner, it becomes a competitive advantage.

At Tamila Agrifood, we combine export expertise, certification management, and customs knowledge to ensure that every shipment of Iranian walnuts arrives at its destination without delays or complications.

Your business deserves a partner that understands not just quality, but also the language of international trade compliance.

Get in Touch with Tamila Agrifood Today:

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

Phone / WhatsApp:  +989141858935

Let’s simplify your next walnut import, with precision, compliance, and trust.