Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormShelled (kernel), fresh or dried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
In Mexico, Juglans regia (locally “nuez de Castilla”) is a culturally important nut linked to seasonal culinary demand, notably for “chiles en nogada,” with production and fresh-market activity documented in Puebla’s Sierra Nevada region. Official outreach from Mexico’s agriculture authority reports national production in 2019 of 1,556 tonnes, with Puebla contributing a little over half. Trade statistics for HS 080232 show Mexico as an active international trader in shelled walnuts in 2024, with large recorded exports and smaller imports. Market access for imports is shaped by SENASICA phytosanitary requirements, COFEPRIS sanitary import permitting pathways for foods/raw materials, and Mexican labeling requirements for prepackaged foods (NOM-051).
Market RoleDomestic niche producer and active trader (net exporter in HS 080232 trade statistics)
Domestic RoleSeasonal culinary ingredient with regional fresh-market channels linked to Puebla’s Sierra Nevada production area
SeasonalityDomestic supply and fresh-market commercialization are seasonal around the “chiles en nogada” period, creating a late-summer demand and supply peak in relevant regions.
Specification
Primary VarietyNuez de Castilla (Juglans regia)
Physical Attributes- Fruit quality in Sierra Nevada, Puebla is valued for size and flavor in local recognition of the product
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Producer → direct sale or intermediary purchase (including pre-harvest/on-tree arrangements reported in traditional channels) → local/regional traders → local markets in Puebla and nearby states during the seasonal window
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImports can be blocked or delayed if the shipment does not meet SENASICA phytosanitary import conditions for the specific product–origin combination and/or if the COFEPRIS sanitary import permit and supporting documentation (certificates and required analyses) are missing or inconsistent; SENASICA notes that phytosanitary measures may be updated with immediate effect during emergencies.Before contracting shipment, verify SENASICA conditions in the phytosanitary requirements module for the exact product and origin, confirm whether a COFEPRIS import permit applies to the intended use, assemble the required certificates and per-lot analyses, and submit required filings via VUCEM ahead of arrival.
Food Safety MediumTree nuts can face aflatoxin contamination risk; preventive controls and handling practices aligned with Codex’s Code of Practice for preventing and reducing aflatoxin contamination in tree nuts may be expected by buyers and can be relevant for compliance and rejection risk management.Apply GAP/GMP and good storage practices, maintain lot-level COAs, and test for aflatoxins using a validated lab method prior to export for each lot intended for Mexico.
Seasonality MediumFor domestic Juglans regia (“nuez de Castilla”) traditional markets, commercialization is documented as seasonal around the “chiles en nogada” window, increasing procurement and price-volatility risk in late-summer demand periods.Secure forward contracts or inventory ahead of the seasonal peak, and diversify sourcing between domestic channels and authorized imports.
Climate MediumTraditional production in Puebla’s Sierra Nevada is described under rainfed conditions and literature notes pressures such as pest issues and declining yields, implying susceptibility to weather variability and agronomic shocks.Diversify sourcing across producing states and require farm-level pest management and post-harvest handling controls from suppliers.
Sustainability- Traditional rainfed (temporal) production exposure in key Juglans regia producing areas documented in Puebla’s Sierra Nevada
Labor & Social- Smallholder/family production systems and intermediary-led marketing channels are documented in traditional “nuez de Castilla” supply (including some pre-harvest/on-tree purchasing arrangements)
FAQ
Which Mexican authorities typically affect import clearance for shelled walnuts?Two key authorities commonly shape requirements: SENASICA for phytosanitary import measures for plant-origin goods (consulted via its phytosanitary requirements module), and COFEPRIS for sanitary import permitting pathways for foods and their raw materials. Filings for multiple agencies can be submitted via Mexico’s VUCEM single window.
Where is “nuez de Castilla” (Juglans regia) produced in Mexico?Academic work documents production concentrated in states including Puebla, Tlaxcala, Estado de México, Oaxaca, and Querétaro, and highlights Puebla’s Sierra Nevada region as an important producing and consuming area. Mexico’s agriculture authority also reports Puebla as the leading producer in 2019, contributing a little over half of national production (1,556 tonnes reported for 2019).
What tariff should be checked for importing shelled walnuts into Mexico?Mexico’s SIAVI entry for fraction 08023201 (nueces de nogal sin cáscara) lists an MFN (NMF) import tariff of 20% and shows preferential duty-free listings for certain partners (e.g., the U.S. and Canada under the NAFTA/TLCAN listing). The effective tariff depends on the product’s tariff fraction, origin qualification, and the applicable preference regime for the shipment.