Hazelnut Import Regulations & Documentation Requirements

Why import regulations matter for hazelnut buyers

Hazelnuts are an agricultural commodity subject to strict food safety and phytosanitary controls. Any non-compliance — from missing certificates to unacceptable aflatoxin levels — can result in container holds, rejections, costly demurrage or destruction at the port.

Understanding the regulatory structure helps importers prepare documentation in advance, minimize risk and build reliable long-term sourcing programs.

Core documents required for hazelnut importation

Although requirements vary by country, most destinations require a combination of the following documents.

1. Commercial invoice

• Issued by the exporter with product details, HS codes and Incoterms.
• Must match packing list and bill of lading information exactly.

2. Packing list

• Lists bag counts, weights, pallet configuration and container details.

3. Bill of lading (B/L)

• Issued by the carrier; serves as proof of loading and transport contract.

4. Certificate of Origin (COO)

• Confirms the product originates from Türkiye or another supplying country.
• Required for tariff calculations and trade agreements.

5. Phytosanitary certificate

• Issued by the Ministry of Agriculture in Türkiye.
• Verifies the shipment is free from pests, contaminants and regulated plant diseases.
• Mandatory for almost every global destination.

6. Health certificate

• Confirms the product meets food safety and consumer protection requirements.
• Often required for EU, Middle East and Asia markets.

7. Aflatoxin test report

• Many countries require evidence that aflatoxin levels meet legal thresholds.
• Tests are done at accredited laboratories before shipment.
• EU importers must follow Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006.

Import regulations by key regions

European Union (EU)

• Hazelnuts must comply with strict aflatoxin limits for both B1 and total aflatoxins.
• Phytosanitary certificates and health certificates are mandatory.
• Randomized border inspections through the EU RASFF monitoring system.
• Regulated microbiological criteria under EU food safety legislation.

United Kingdom (UK)

• Very similar requirements to the EU after Brexit, but with independent control systems.
• May require additional documentation depending on the importer’s certification schemes.

United States (US)

• FDA oversees import food safety and may require prior notice filings.
• Aflatoxin limits differ from the EU but still require compliance testing.
• Labelling rules must match FDA food labeling regulations for consumption categories.

Middle East (GCC & MENA)

• Health certificates and phytosanitary certificates are always required.
• Some markets require Halal certification depending on the final usage.
• Local testing upon arrival is common for aflatoxin and microbiology.

Asia-Pacific (China, South Korea, Japan, ASEAN)

• Strict conformity with national food safety standards.
• China requires CIQ clearance and strict document consistency.
• Japan enforces tight aflatoxin controls and meticulous documentation checks.

How hazelnut customs clearance typically works

While procedures vary, the following steps are commonly applied across global ports.

1. Pre-arrival document submission

• Importer or broker must submit B/L, COO, health and phytosanitary documents before arrival.

2. Risk assessment & inspection selection

• Shipments are categorized into low, medium or high risk.
• Some containers may be flagged for sampling or laboratory testing.

3. Sampling & laboratory analysis

• Authorities may select samples for aflatoxin, microbiology or pesticide testing.
• High-risk origins or prior RASFF notifications increase testing likelihood.

4. Release or non-compliance action

• Containers are released after payment of duties and successful inspection.
• Non-compliant shipments can be rejected, re-exported or destroyed — at the importer’s cost.

How importers can prepare for smoother hazelnut clearance

1. Ensure documentation consistency

• All documents must match exactly (weight, bags, description, product type).
• Inconsistencies trigger delays or additional document requests.

2. Request pre-loading inspection if needed

• SGS or similar inspections can verify compliance before loading at origin.

3. Maintain a clear product specification sheet

• Helps avoid disputes at the port regarding quality deviations.

4. Work with experienced exporters

• Exporters familiar with your destination’s regulation reduce error probability.

Hazelnut import documentation checklist

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of Origin
• Phytosanitary certificate
• Health certificate
• Aflatoxin test report
• Conformity certificate (if required)
• Import permit (for specific countries)
• Labeling compliance for final retail use

Need help navigating hazelnut import regulations?

Atlas Hazelnuts can prepare compliant documentation, coordinate testing and support your customs broker for smoother international clearance. Tell us your destination and volume needs.

Request documentation support Back to Academy