Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormRaw, dried (in-shell or shelled kernels)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Market
Raw (dried) Brazil nuts in India are an import-dependent edible nut category supplied via international trade in in-shell (HS 080121) and shelled kernel (HS 080122) forms. Market access is governed by India’s FSSAI food import clearance framework, where documentation, sampling and laboratory testing can determine clearance outcomes. Aflatoxins are a key deal-breaker risk for nuts in India, with FSSAI guidance specifying maximum limits for ready-to-eat nuts versus nuts for further processing. Upstream supply is concentrated in Amazon-basin producer countries (notably Brazil, Bolivia and Peru) where harvesting is largely from wild forests.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market
SeasonalityYear-round availability via imports; no domestic harvest season.
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin non-compliance is a trade-stopping risk for Brazil nut consignments into India; FSSAI guidance specifies maximum aflatoxin limits for ready-to-eat nuts versus nuts for further processing.Use pre-shipment accredited lab testing with COA, segregate RTE vs further-processing lots, and enforce strict moisture-control during storage and transit.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFSSAI import clearance can involve inspection, sampling and laboratory testing; documentation gaps or non-conformance (including standards/label compliance) can lead to delays or non-clearance actions.Run a pre-arrival document and compliance checklist aligned to FSSAI Import Regulations and the Food Imports Manual; align labeling/pack declarations and keep COAs ready.
Logistics MediumLong sea transit and humidity exposure can increase mold risk, which can cascade into aflatoxin and quality failures at arrival testing or buyer QC.Specify moisture-barrier packaging, use container moisture management (e.g., desiccants where appropriate), and set receiving QC for moisture/mold indicators.
Supply MediumGlobal Brazil nut supply is concentrated in a small set of Amazon-basin producer countries and is largely wild-harvested, creating exposure to harvest variability and upstream disruptions.Diversify approved origins/suppliers across producer countries and maintain buffer inventory for critical customers.
Sustainability- Wild-harvest forest product from the Amazon basin; responsible sourcing may require legality and biodiversity/deforestation-risk due diligence for forest-origin supply chains.
Labor & Social- Forest-extractive collection can involve informal labor and occupational safety risks; social compliance visibility for harvest and primary handling is a common buyer expectation for higher-assurance supply chains.
FAQ
Which HS codes are commonly used to classify Brazil nuts for trade documentation?Brazil nuts are classified under HS 080121 when imported in shell and HS 080122 when imported shelled (kernels).
What is the biggest compliance risk for importing raw Brazil nuts into India?Aflatoxin compliance is the biggest risk. FSSAI guidance sets maximum limits for aflatoxins in nuts, including separate limits for ready-to-eat nuts and nuts intended for further processing.
What is the main regulatory process for clearing Brazil nuts into India?Imports are cleared through India’s FSSAI import clearance process under the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, with possible inspection, sampling and laboratory testing before an import clearance decision (such as NOC) is issued.