Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Raw peanuts (groundnuts) in Austria function primarily as an import-supplied commodity for retail sale and as an input for further processing (e.g., roasting and ingredient use). Trade data indicates Austria is a net import market for raw (not roasted) groundnuts, with 2023 shelled-groundnut imports reported at USD 7,958.78K and 5,178,530 kg, supplied largely via intra-EU partners (notably Germany and the Netherlands) alongside direct-origin suppliers such as Egypt, China, and Argentina. Food-safety compliance is a defining market feature because EU maximum levels for aflatoxins apply to groundnuts and products placed on the EU market. Consignments that do not meet contaminant limits or required official-control conditions can face delays, rejection, or withdrawal from the market.
Market RoleNet importer and import-dependent consumer/processing market
Domestic RoleImport-supplied raw material used for retail and as an input for roasting/snack and food manufacturing
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and shelf-stable storage, with quality risk concentrated around moisture control and contaminant compliance rather than harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Shipments are commonly specified and accepted based on defect tolerance and absence of visible mold damage, with elevated scrutiny for lots at higher mycotoxin risk.
Compositional Metrics- Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins must comply with EU maximum levels for groundnuts (peanuts), with different limits depending on whether product is placed on the market for final consumer/ingredient use versus intended for sorting/physical treatment prior to placing on the market.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin cleaning/sorting and lot segregation → pre-shipment sampling/testing (commonly aflatoxins) → containerized transport → EU entry official controls where applicable → importer/wholesaler handling → processing (e.g., roasting/blanching) or retail distribution within Austria
Temperature- Keep cool and dry to limit mold growth and quality deterioration; aflatoxins are largely heat-stable and are not reliably eliminated by typical food processing.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is driven by moisture control, rancidity risk, and avoidance of mold growth during storage and distribution.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination in raw peanuts is a potential deal-breaker for Austria/EU market access: EU law sets maximum levels for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins in groundnuts (peanuts), and non-compliant lots may not be placed on the EU market; certain origin/product combinations can also be subject to temporarily increased official controls at entry.Use approved suppliers with documented mycotoxin control programs; conduct pre-shipment sampling and accredited-lab testing by lot; segregate lots and manage moisture/temperature during storage and transit; verify whether the origin/product is listed for enhanced entry controls and complete TRACES/entry documentation accordingly.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDocumentation and procedural errors (e.g., misclassification in CN/TARIC, missing origin evidence for preferences, incomplete TRACES pre-notification when applicable) can cause clearance delays, additional controls, or refusal of entry at the EU border.Validate CN/TARIC classification and measures in TARIC before contracting; align documents (invoice, packing list, origin evidence, lab results) to importer checklist; run a pre-arrival compliance review for TRACES/CHED requirements when applicable.
Logistics MediumSupply continuity and landed cost can be affected by multimodal freight volatility for bulk nut commodities and by disruptions on long-haul routes for non-EU origins.Diversify approved origins/suppliers, use forward contracts where feasible, and hold safety stock for high-turn SKUs during periods of freight disruption.
FAQ
What is the single biggest compliance risk for importing raw peanuts into Austria?Aflatoxin contamination. The EU sets maximum levels for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins in groundnuts (peanuts), and lots that exceed those limits cannot be placed on the EU market; some origin/product combinations may also face increased official controls at entry.
Which trade codes are typically used for raw (not roasted) peanuts relevant to Austria’s imports?Raw peanuts fall under HS/CN heading 1202 (groundnuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked). In trade statistics for Austria, common HS6 codes include 120220 for shelled groundnuts and 120210 for groundnuts in shell.
What traceability expectation applies to food business operators handling peanuts in Austria?EU General Food Law requires traceability at all stages: operators must be able to identify who supplied them and who they supplied, and make that information available to competent authorities on demand.