Market
Vietnam is an import-dependent market for shelled hazelnut kernels (HS 080222), primarily used as a food ingredient for confectionery, bakery, and dessert manufacturing, with smaller volumes sold via modern retail and e-commerce. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicate Vietnam imported about USD 0.35 million (≈52.4 tonnes) of shelled hazelnuts in 2023, sourced mainly from Turkey with the United States as a secondary supplier. Vietnam’s mycotoxin regulation (QCVN 8-1:2011/BYT) specifies maximum limits for aflatoxin in hazelnuts, making pre-shipment testing and moisture control central to market access. Supply security is exposed to Turkey’s dominant role in global hazelnut supply and climate-driven yield volatility in key producing areas.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer and food-manufacturing ingredient market (Net importer)
Domestic RolePrimarily a downstream user market (food manufacturing and retail) supplied by imports
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityAvailability is largely year-round due to storability and continuous import programs; short-term tightness can occur when major origins face harvest shocks or quality issues.
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin non-compliance can block entry or trigger enforcement actions. Vietnam’s QCVN 8-1:2011/BYT lists maximum limits for hazelnuts (shelled edible portion): for lots requiring preliminary processing, aflatoxin B1 8 µg/kg and total aflatoxins 15 µg/kg; for direct consumption without preliminary processing, aflatoxin B1 5 µg/kg and total aflatoxins 10 µg/kg.Implement pre-shipment sampling and accredited lab testing for aflatoxins by lot; control moisture and prevent mold during storage and transit; use supplier QA programs with corrective-action thresholds.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPlant quarantine documentation gaps (e.g., missing phytosanitary certificate or permit where required) can cause clearance delays, treatment orders, or rejection under Vietnam’s phytosanitary requirements.Confirm whether the consignment requires an import plant quarantine permit (PRA-triggering articles) and align documents to Plant Protection Department requirements before shipment.
Labor And Human Rights MediumTurkey-origin hazelnuts (Vietnam’s main 2023 import origin) carry documented child-labor risk in the sector, creating buyer due-diligence and reputational exposure.Adopt supplier codes of conduct, independent audits, and traceability to farm/collection points for Turkey-origin supply; use remediation-focused monitoring where risks are identified.
Climate MediumVietnam’s reliance on Turkey-origin supply increases exposure to weather- and pest-driven yield shocks in Turkey, which can tighten availability and raise prices.Diversify sourcing across alternative origins where feasible (e.g., U.S., Spain) and maintain safety stock for key manufacturing programs.
Logistics LowHumidity ingress, transit delays, and poor warehouse pest control can increase mold/quality defects and elevate food-safety risk even without cold chain needs.Use moisture-barrier packaging, container desiccants, and dry, pest-controlled storage; monitor moisture and sensory quality on arrival.
Sustainability- Supply concentration and climate vulnerability in major origin regions (notably Turkey) can translate into price and availability shocks for Vietnam importers.
- Climate variability (heat waves, shifting rain patterns, storms) is cited as a yield-risk factor for hazelnut production in key supplying regions.
Labor & Social- Child-labor risk has been reported in Turkey’s hazelnut sector (a key origin for Vietnam imports); buyers may face reputational and due-diligence exposure if supply chain safeguards are weak.
FAQ
What aflatoxin limits apply to hazelnuts imported into Vietnam?Vietnam’s QCVN 8-1:2011/BYT lists maximum limits for hazelnuts (edible portion after shelling). For lots that must undergo preliminary processing before use, aflatoxin B1 is 8 µg/kg and total aflatoxins are 15 µg/kg. For hazelnuts intended for direct consumption without preliminary processing, aflatoxin B1 is 5 µg/kg and total aflatoxins are 10 µg/kg.
Are phytosanitary documents required to import shelled hazelnuts into Vietnam?Vietnam’s phytosanitary requirements for imported plant products include a phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, and in some cases an import plant quarantine permit issued by the Plant Protection Department for articles subject to pest risk analysis (PRA). Importers should confirm the specific permit requirement for their consignment and complete Plant Protection Department procedures where applicable.
Which countries supply most of Vietnam’s shelled hazelnut imports?UN Comtrade data (via WITS) for HS 080222 show that in 2023 Vietnam imported shelled hazelnuts mainly from Turkey, with the United States as a secondary supplier (and smaller volumes from Thailand and Spain).