Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
China is a major consuming market for raw hazelnuts and relies on imports to supplement domestic supply, while domestic production is concentrated in Northeast provinces. Raw hazelnuts are used by snack-nut, bakery and confectionery manufacturers as well as retail consumers, with quality focused on kernel size, defect control and moisture management. Import access is shaped by GACC customs/CIQ procedures (including overseas manufacturer registration under Decree 248 and import food safety measures under Decree 249) and by compliance with China’s food safety national standards (GB) for contaminants, mycotoxins and pesticide residues. Sea freight dominates bulk shipments; maintaining dry, cool storage and protective packaging is critical to avoid mold-related rejection risk and rancidity during transit and warehousing.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production (import-supplemented consumption market)
Domestic RoleFood manufacturing ingredient (confectionery/bakery/snack) and retail nut category; domestic Northeast orchards supply part of demand.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityDomestic harvest is concentrated in late summer to early autumn in Northeast producing areas; imports support year-round availability for processors and retail.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Size/grade specifications (count or screen size) and whole-kernel ratio are central for confectionery/bakery uses.
- Defect limits commonly focus on mold, insect damage, shriveled kernels, foreign matter, and off-odors.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture management is a primary acceptance factor due to mold/mycotoxin risk in humid storage conditions.
- Oxidation/rancidity control is important for kernels during extended storage and sea transit.
Grades- Buyer-defined size grades and defect tolerances (contract specs) are commonly applied for bulk trade lots.
Packaging- Bulk bags or sacks with inner liners for in-shell shipments; moisture-barrier liners are commonly used for sea freight.
- Cartons or lined bags for kernels; vacuum or nitrogen-flushed formats may be used for quality protection where required by buyers.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest → drying/curing → cleaning & sorting → (optional) shelling → bulk packaging → sea freight → GACC/CIQ inspection & sampling → importer distribution → roasters/processors/food manufacturers/retail
Temperature- Cool, dry storage is prioritized to reduce rancidity risk and suppress mold growth during warehousing and distribution.
Atmosphere Control- For shelled kernels, oxygen management via vacuum or inert-gas packaging may be used in higher-spec programs to slow oxidation.
Shelf Life- Compared with fresh produce, raw hazelnuts have longer shelf life, but quality is highly sensitive to humidity, temperature spikes, and prolonged exposure to oxygen (oxidation).
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighMycotoxin risk (notably aflatoxins) and other contamination/non-conformities can trigger detention, rejection, return, or destruction at China’s border if tested results exceed China food safety national standards (GB) or if mold/quality defects indicate unsafe storage.Implement pre-shipment moisture control (drying + humidity-proof packaging) and test each lot against China-relevant GB limits via accredited labs; ship with COA and retain sealed counter-samples for dispute resolution.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDocumentation errors or non-alignment with GACC import controls (including overseas manufacturer registration under Decree 248 where applicable) can cause clearance delays, additional inspection, or refusal of entry.Use an importer-led pre-clearance checklist aligned to GACC requirements (documents, labeling plan if prepackaged, registration status) and reconcile HS code/product form before booking shipment.
Logistics MediumContainer delays, high humidity exposure, or poor liner/packaging integrity during sea freight increase mold and rancidity risk, which can cascade into border holds and commercial claims in China.Specify moisture-barrier liners/desiccants where appropriate, monitor container humidity/temperature on longer routes, and prioritize faster routings during high-humidity seasons.
Sustainability- Food-loss prevention through effective drying and moisture control in storage and transit (reduces mold spoilage and disposal).
- Responsible orchard agrochemical use and residue compliance aligned with China GB limits.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
What are the most common documents needed to clear raw hazelnuts into China?In practice, China import clearance commonly requires the customs declaration filing by the importer, commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. A certificate of origin is used where tariff preference is claimed, and a phytosanitary certificate may be required for plant-origin shipments depending on product form and origin-specific GACC requirements. Importers also manage compliance steps linked to GACC Decree 248/249.
What is the biggest trade-stopping risk for raw hazelnuts entering China?Food safety non-compliance is the main trade-stopping risk—especially mold-related issues and aflatoxin exceedances—because China’s border inspection system can detain or reject lots that fail China food safety national standards (GB) or show unsafe storage conditions.
Which China standards matter most for safety and labeling compliance?China food safety national standards (GB) for mycotoxins, contaminants, and pesticide residues are central for acceptance, and prepackaged retail products must also align with China’s general food labeling standard (GB 7718) and any related applicable labeling rules. The specific GB standards to apply should be confirmed by the China importer based on the exact product form (in-shell vs shelled) and intended sales channel.