Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried kernels (shelled)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Kenya is a net importer of almond kernels, with recent UN Comtrade data (via WITS) showing imports of shelled almonds (HS 080212) dominated by the United States. Almonds are primarily traded as edible kernels (raw and processed variants such as roasted, blanched, or fried) for retail snack and ingredient use. Market access is anchored on correct HS classification under heading 0802 and standard customs processing through Kenya’s National Electronic Single Window (Kenya TradeNet System). Product compliance is shaped by Kenya Bureau of Standards requirements for almond kernels, including explicit aflatoxin limits and moisture/quality parameters.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleNiche edible nut market supplied mainly through imports for retail and food-ingredient use
SeasonalityYear-round availability is primarily enabled by imports; shipment schedules and inventory cycles can drive intermittent tightness rather than agricultural seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Mature and uniform in shape, size, and colour according to variety and grade
- Free from dead or living insects, insect fragments, and mites
- Product forms may be whole, split, or broken; processed kernels should peel easily where applicable
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content maximum: 6.0% for raw almond kernels; 4.0% for roasted/blanched/fried kernels (DKS 2991:2023)
- Free fatty acids maximum: 2.0% (DKS 2991:2023)
Packaging- Food-grade packaging material that safeguards hygienic, nutritional, technological, and organoleptic qualities (DKS 2991:2023)
- Labelling must follow KS EAS 38 (general labelling of pre-packaged foods) plus product name and, where grading is applied, the grade per Annex A (DKS 2991:2023)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas supplier → international freight → Kenya border clearance via Kenya TradeNet System (single window) → importer warehousing → distribution to retail and food-ingredient channels
Temperature- Quality protection focuses on dry, cool storage and prevention of moisture ingress to reduce mould risk and quality deterioration (rancidity).
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin non-compliance is a trade-stopping risk for almond kernels in Kenya: KEBS DKS 2991:2023 sets maximum limits of 10 µg/kg for total aflatoxins and 5 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1; lots exceeding these limits can trigger rejection, withdrawal, or regulatory action.Require pre-shipment mycotoxin testing (aligned to the KS ISO method referenced in DKS 2991:2023), verify supplier controls on drying/storage, and use moisture-protective packaging and container loading practices.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFailure to meet KEBS DKS 2991:2023 quality parameters (e.g., moisture maxima and free-fatty-acid limit) or hygiene/microbiological expectations for processed kernels can lead to non-conformance findings and commercial rejection.Contract to DKS 2991:2023 specifications, include COA requirements for moisture/FFA, and audit processed-kernel HACCP controls where applicable.
Documentation Gap MediumMissing or incorrect import clearance documentation (e.g., IDF/cargo clearance documents in the single window workflow, or KEPHIS phytosanitary permits/certificates where applicable) can cause border delays, storage cost escalation, or re-shipment/destruction actions per KEPHIS import-control procedures.Run a pre-shipment document checklist mapped to Kenya TradeNet System submissions and confirm KEPHIS phytosanitary permit requirements for the exact tariff line and product form.
Sustainability- Mycotoxin prevention and moisture management to reduce food loss and public health harm (reinforced by KEBS aflatoxin limits and moisture requirements for almond kernels).
FAQ
What aflatoxin limits apply to almond kernels sold in Kenya?Kenya’s almond-kernel standard (KEBS DKS 2991:2023) sets maximum limits of 10 µg/kg for total aflatoxins and 5 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1.
Where does Kenya source most of its shelled almond imports from?UN Comtrade data presented by WITS for 2023 (HS 080212) shows Kenya’s shelled almond imports coming mainly from the United States, with smaller import values from the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Which HS code is used for shelled almonds in Kenya trade statistics?Shelled almonds are commonly tracked under HS 080212 (Almonds without shells, fresh or dried), within HS heading 0802 for “other nuts” on Kenya Trade Portal.