Exporting hazelnut kernels to international markets is more than just logistics and packaging, it’s about compliance, documentation, and precision. Every destination has its own import laws, food safety regulations, and customs clearance procedures, making it essential for exporters and importers to understand the process in detail.

At Tamila Agrifood, we’ve developed a deep expertise in navigating these global frameworks. From the European Union’s stringent food safety rules to the Middle East’s halal certifications and Africa’s evolving import systems, we ensure that every shipment of hazelnuts moves smoothly, legally, and efficiently across borders.

1. Why Customs Compliance Matters in Hazelnut Export?

For large-scale B2B buyers, even a minor documentation error can cause weeks of delay, additional storage costs, or product rejection. Hazelnuts, being agricultural and edible goods, are subject to some of the world’s most rigorous food safety inspections.

To ensure seamless clearance, exporters must:

•    Provide accurate certificates and laboratory test results.

•    Meet specific import health and phytosanitary standards.

•    Ensure compliance with origin rules and labeling regulations.

•    Work with customs brokers or freight forwarders experienced in food exports.

Tamila Agrifood’s dedicated export team manages each of these stages carefully to guarantee that your hazelnut orders arrive on time and in full compliance with destination country laws.

2. Essential Export Documents for Hazelnut Kernels

Each shipment from Tamila Agrifood is supported by a complete and verified documentation package that includes:

•    Commercial Invoice – Listing product details, prices, and trade terms (Incoterms).

•    Packing List – Detailing net/gross weights, bag counts, and packaging type.

•    Certificate of Origin (COO) – Issued by the Chamber of Commerce confirming Iranian origin.

•    Phytosanitary Certificate – Verifying plant health standards, issued by the Agricultural Organization.

•    Health Certificate / Laboratory Report – Confirming product safety and compliance with food standards.

•    Bill of Lading (B/L) – Provided by the shipping line for sea freight.

•    Insurance Certificate – (For CIF or CIP shipments) covering potential transit risks.

•    Halal Certificate – For Middle Eastern import requirements.

These documents ensure that customs authorities and import agencies in the destination country have full traceability and proof of compliance before releasing the goods.

3. Customs Procedures for Hazelnut Imports in the European Union (EU)

The EU is one of the world’s largest importers of hazelnuts, primarily for the chocolate, bakery, and dairy industries. However, it also maintains some of the strictest import controls under its Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

Key EU requirements include:

•    Aflatoxin limits: Maximum 4 µg/kg (for B1) and 10 µg/kg (total).

•    EU Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006: Sets limits for contaminants in food.

•    EU Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005: Covers pesticide residue limits.

•    Food labeling compliance: Products must be labeled with origin, batch number, and producer details.

•    Import declaration through TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System): Required for phytosanitary certification.

All consignments entering EU ports like Rotterdam, Hamburg, or Antwerp undergo random sampling and lab testing. That’s why Tamila Agrifood performs pre-export laboratory analysis and EU-standard packaging to eliminate clearance issues.

4. Customs & Import Regulations in the Middle East

The Middle East — particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar — is an expanding market for high-grade hazelnuts used in luxury confectionery and retail snacks. Customs procedures in this region emphasize religious compliance and labeling accuracy.

Key regulations:

•    Halal Certification: Every batch must be certified as halal-compliant by an authorized body.

•    Shelf-life & labeling: Expiry dates must be clearly indicated, and Arabic labeling is required in many countries.

•    Food import registration: Importers must be registered with national food control authorities (e.g., Dubai Municipality, Saudi Food and Drug Authority).

•    Country-of-origin labeling: Products must clearly state “Product of Iran” or other country of origin.

•    Pre-approval for bulk food imports: Some GCC states require prior approval before the goods arrive at port.

Tamila Agrifood collaborates with regional customs brokers and food authorities to ensure all shipments enter Middle Eastern markets without delay.

5. Customs Clearance Framework in African Markets

Africa’s demand for edible nuts is increasing steadily, driven by expanding food manufacturing in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. However, the continent’s import systems vary widely and are often influenced by local port procedures and inspection standards.

Key import notes for African destinations:

•    Phytosanitary certificates are mandatory for all plant-based goods.

•    Certificate of conformity (CoC) may be required for East African countries.

•    Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by authorized agencies such as SGS or Bureau Veritas is often necessary.

•    Tariff codes (HS Code 0802.22) must be correctly declared to avoid over-taxation.

•    Import duties & VAT differ by country; exporters should confirm rates before shipment.

To support our African partners, Tamila Agrifood offers pre-clearance documentation, third-party quality certification, and customs consulting for smoother port release.

6. Tariffs, Taxes & Trade Agreements

Hazelnut imports are often affected by tariff preferences, trade agreements, or most-favored-nation (MFN) status.

For instance:

•    The EU grants tariff reductions for countries with trade agreements or GSP (Generalized Scheme of Preferences) status.

•    Middle Eastern countries under the GCC Customs Union apply standardized tariffs (around 5%) on agricultural products.

•    African nations under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) are moving toward reduced intra-African duties to encourage regional trade.

By staying updated on these evolving regulations, Tamila Agrifood helps buyers optimize import costs and avoid unexpected tariff surcharges.

7. Common Challenges in Hazelnut Customs Clearance

Even experienced importers sometimes face obstacles. Common issues include:

•    Missing or mismatched phytosanitary data.

•    Delays due to random food safety testing at the port.

•    Incomplete labeling or lack of Arabic translations.

•    Incorrect HS codes resulting in customs reclassification.

•    Shipment delays due to inconsistent country-of-origin declarations.

Tamila Agrifood’s export management team minimizes these risks through pre-shipment verification, document auditing, and constant communication with customs officials.

8. How Tamila Agrifood Simplifies the Process?

When you partner with Tamila Agrifood, you gain more than a supplier — you gain a global logistics ally. Our export operations team handles:

•    Full documentation and compliance with destination customs authorities.

•    Freight forwarding and coordination with trusted shipping lines.

•    Container tracking and post-arrival support.

•    Assistance with importer registration and certification renewal.

This integrated approach saves time, reduces clearance costs, and ensures uninterrupted delivery of fresh hazelnut kernels to your market.

9. Tamila Agrifood’s Commitment to Transparency

Transparency in trade builds long-term trust. Every Tamila Agrifood shipment comes with:

•    Pre-export test reports and certifications.

•    Verified bills of lading and origin certificates.

•    Clear digital copies of all export documents.

•    Open communication with your customs or freight agent.

Our mission is to make hazelnut importation as predictable, transparent, and efficient as possible — no hidden costs, no unclear regulations.

Final Thoughts

In the fast-growing global nut trade, success depends not only on product quality but also on mastery of regulations. The customs and import processes for hazelnut kernels vary widely between the EU, Middle East, and Africa, and understanding these differences can save weeks of delay and thousands in unnecessary costs.

At Tamila Agrifood, we combine deep trade knowledge with real-world logistics experience to deliver seamless, regulation-ready hazelnut exports to every destination. Whether you’re a European food manufacturer, a Middle Eastern distributor, or an African importer, our team ensures that your products clear customs swiftly, safely, and compliantly.

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

WhatsApp for Quotations & Inquiries:  +989141858935