Market
Lebanon is an import-dependent consumer market for raw hazelnuts rather than a meaningful producer. Lebanese customs classifies hazelnuts in shell and shelled under HS 0802.21 and 0802.22, while the Ministry of Agriculture regulates imported plant-origin foods through quarantine and labeling rules. Local demand is concentrated in retail snacking and downstream use by roasters, bakeries, and confectionery makers. The market is exposed to Lebanon's fragile financial and security conditions, so landed cost and clearance risk matter more than farm-level seasonality.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market with limited or no significant production
SeasonalityNo material domestic harvest cycle; availability follows import flows.
Risks
Geopolitical HighLebanon's fragile political and financial environment, plus recent conflict damage and unresolved banking stress, can delay import payments, shipping schedules, and inland distribution for hazelnuts.Use multiple suppliers and carriers, pre-arrange FX and financing, and hold buffer inventory in-country.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-fresh plant-origin foods need exact label information and origin documentation; mismatches can slow clearance or trigger rework.Pre-check label artwork and shipping documents against the Ministry of Agriculture requirements before departure.
Logistics MediumFreight, port, and inland distribution costs can be unstable in Lebanon, so landed cost and delivery timing can shift quickly even for compact nuts.Build buffer stock, use alternate carriers, and keep warehousing and trucking options flexible.
Food Safety MediumHazelnuts can absorb moisture and develop mold or rancidity if storage is poor in a humid logistics chain.Keep the cargo dry, sealed, and away from heat and odor exposure throughout transit and storage.
Market Volatility MediumImported hazelnut costs can swing with origin-country crop conditions, exchange rates, and supplier concentration in the global hazelnut market.Diversify origin sources and lock pricing where possible.
Labor MediumChild-labor concerns have been documented in Turkish hazelnut harvesting, which matters if Lebanese supply is sourced from that origin.Request supplier labor audits and origin-chain due diligence before contracting.
Sustainability- Upstream orchard water use and pesticide management should be screened in supplier countries because Lebanon relies on imported supply.
- Packaging waste and food-loss prevention matter because nuts are often repacked after arrival.
Labor & Social- Upstream child-labor risk in Turkish hazelnut harvesting is a documented issue in the broader supply chain and should be screened in sourcing.
- No Lebanon-specific hazelnut labor controversy was identified in the reviewed sources.
Standards- GMP
- HACCP
- LIBNOR 605
- LIBNOR 656
FAQ
What is the main customs duty on hazelnuts in Lebanon?Lebanese customs lists in-shell and shelled hazelnuts at a standard 5% customs duty, subject to any agreement-based preference that applies to the origin.
What documents matter most for import clearance?Plan on a phytosanitary or health certificate and a certificate of origin, plus labels that show the product origin and date information clearly.
What is the biggest market risk?The biggest risk is Lebanon's fragile political and financial situation, which can slow payments, shipping, and domestic distribution.
Is Lebanon a producer of hazelnuts?It functions mainly as an import-dependent consumer market, not a major hazelnut producer.