Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormIn-shell, raw (not roasted or otherwise cooked)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
In-shell raw peanut (groundnut; HS heading 1202) is traded from Cambodia in relatively small volumes, with UN Comtrade/WITS reporting exports for HS 120210 (in shell) in 2024. Cambodia’s plant-product exports typically rely on phytosanitary certification issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Department of Plant Protection Sanitary and Phytosanitary, which can involve physical inspection and, where necessary, treatment steps such as fumigation. For higher-scrutiny destination markets, food-safety acceptance is strongly shaped by mycotoxin (aflatoxin) compliance, with the EU setting maximum levels and official control rules for aflatoxins in foodstuffs. As a result, post-harvest drying, storage hygiene, and documented conformity testing are central practical themes for exporters targeting regulated markets.
Market RoleSmall-scale exporter with domestic market use; modest in-shell raw groundnut exports recorded in trade statistics
Specification
Physical Attributes- Clean, intact shells with low visible mold/insect damage (food-safety and buyer-acceptance critical)
- Low foreign matter (stones, soil, plant debris) to reduce inspection failures and quality claims
Compositional Metrics- Moisture and mold control as key quality parameters due to aflatoxin risk in groundnuts
Packaging- Export packaging typically uses durable bags or cartons with clear lot identification to support inspection and traceability needs
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Harvest → drying/curing → cleaning/sorting → bagging → storage → dispatch → MAFF phytosanitary inspection/certification (as required) → export logistics
Temperature- Ambient handling with emphasis on keeping pods/kernels dry; avoid condensation during storage and transport
Atmosphere Control- Ventilation and humidity control in storage/containers to limit mold growth and mycotoxin risk
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is primarily constrained by moisture ingress, mold development, and resulting quality deterioration
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a primary trade-stopper for raw peanuts/groundnuts, and stricter destination markets (e.g., the EU) enforce maximum levels and official-control requirements; non-compliance can lead to border rejection, recalls, or intensified control frequency.Implement strict drying and storage moisture control, segregate suspect lots, and verify aflatoxin compliance via accredited pre-shipment testing aligned to the destination market’s legal limits and sampling rules.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMissing or inconsistent phytosanitary and shipping documentation can delay clearance or prevent entry for plant products; Cambodia’s phytosanitary certification process requires prior exporter registration, supporting documents, and inspection steps.Use an importer-aligned document checklist; ensure MAFF DPPSP exporter registration is current; match invoice/packing list/lot IDs to the phytosanitary certificate and container marks.
Logistics MediumHumidity exposure during inland storage and transport can increase mold growth and aflatoxin risk in groundnuts, creating quality claims and compliance failures even when product leaves the farm in acceptable condition.Control moisture through rapid post-harvest drying, dry storage, moisture-barrier liners where appropriate, container desiccants, and monitoring for wet damage at loading/unloading points.
FAQ
Which HS code is typically used for in-shell raw peanuts from Cambodia in trade statistics?Trade statistics commonly classify raw (not roasted) groundnuts under HS heading 1202, and in-shell product is often captured under HS code 120210 in UN Comtrade/WITS extracts.
What is the single biggest trade-stopper risk for in-shell raw peanuts exported from Cambodia into strict markets?Aflatoxin non-compliance is the most critical trade-stopper: the EU and other regulated markets set maximum levels and apply official controls, and a failed test can result in border rejection or intensified controls on future shipments.
What documents and steps are commonly involved in obtaining a Cambodian phytosanitary certificate for plant-product exports?Cambodia’s MAFF DPPSP phytosanitary certificate process typically requires exporter registration with DPPSP, submission of an application supported by a commercial invoice and packing list, and an inspection that may include sampling and treatment actions (e.g., fumigation) if pests are detected or destination requirements demand it.