Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried (Shelled kernels)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Shelled almonds (HS 080212) are a net-imported nut ingredient market in Türkiye, supplying industrial users (snack nut packing and confectionery/bakery) as well as retail demand. UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Türkiye imported about USD 229.2 million of shelled almonds in 2023, with the United States and Australia among the top suppliers. Domestic almond production exists and is reported as concentrated across the Aegean and Mediterranean regions and other zones; Adıyaman is cited as a major producing province. Import market access is shaped by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry official controls for plant-origin foods (GGBS pre-notification and risk-based document/identity/physical checks, including sampling and lab analysis) and Turkish Food Codex contaminant limits (notably mycotoxins such as aflatoxins).
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent market for shelled kernels) with growing domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic orchard production contributes to supply, while imports cover a significant share of kernel demand for food manufacturing and packing.
Market GrowthMixed (medium-term (2010s–mid-2020s))domestic production expansion alongside sustained import dependence for kernels
Specification
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Exporter shipment → Turkish importer pre-notification in GGBS → Ministry official controls (document/ID/physical; sampling & lab analysis as applicable) → customs clearance via Single Window conformity letter → processor/packer or food manufacturer distribution
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighMycotoxin (aflatoxin) and broader contaminant compliance is a deal-breaker risk for shelled almonds: Turkey’s Turkish Food Codex contaminant framework sets maximum limits for contaminants including mycotoxins, and Ministry import controls for plant-origin foods can include sampling and laboratory analysis; non-compliant lots risk rejection or destruction.Contractually require pre-shipment aflatoxin testing by an accredited laboratory with lot-level COAs, enforce moisture and storage controls through transit, and align sampling plans with importer risk profile before dispatch.
Regulatory Compliance MediumAdministrative non-compliance (e.g., GGBS pre-notification issues, document inconsistencies, or missing originals when requested) can delay clearance or trigger escalated inspections under risk-based official controls for plant-origin food imports.Use a Turkey-experienced customs broker/import agent, complete GGBS pre-notification timelines, and run a document/label checklist match before shipment.
Logistics LowFreight schedule disruptions can affect delivery windows for large-volume kernel contracts; while almonds are shelf-stable, delays may increase storage time and working-capital costs and can compound quality risks if moisture control is weak.Build buffer lead time into contracts, specify moisture/packaging requirements, and use container monitoring and sealed packaging for long-haul routes.
FAQ
Which countries are the main sources of Türkiye’s shelled almond imports?UN Comtrade data presented on the World Bank’s WITS platform shows the United States and Australia as the top suppliers of Türkiye’s shelled almond imports (HS 080212) in 2023, followed by Iran, Spain, and Syria.
What are the key import control steps for plant-origin foods like shelled almonds entering Türkiye?The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry describes a process that includes importer registration, electronic pre-notification in the GGBS system ahead of arrival, submission of original documents, and risk-based official controls (document and identity checks, plus physical control that can include sampling and laboratory analysis). If the shipment complies, a conformity letter is sent to customs via the Single Window System.
What is the biggest compliance risk that can block a shelled almond shipment?Food-safety non-compliance—especially mycotoxin (aflatoxin) findings during sampling and laboratory analysis—is a major blocker risk because Turkey’s Turkish Food Codex contaminant rules set maximum limits for contaminants, and the Ministry’s import controls can reject or otherwise dispose of non-compliant lots.