Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormShelled (kernels), fresh or dried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Market
Shelled walnuts (HS 080232) in Peru function primarily as an import-supplied nut ingredient/retail product, with imports materially exceeding exports in recent UN Comtrade records. UN Comtrade (via WITS) shows Peru importing walnut kernels mainly from Chile and Argentina in 2023, while exports were negligible in that year. SUNAT data compiled by PROMPERÚ shows Peru recorded small, episodic export shipments in 2025 (Jan–Aug), shipped from Lima and destined mainly to Spain. Market access and shipment continuity are strongly shaped by SENASA phytosanitary import permitting, documentary compliance, and border inspection outcomes.
Market RoleNet importer with occasional small export shipments
Domestic RoleImport-dependent domestic consumption market for walnut kernels used in retail and as a food ingredient
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighShipments of walnut kernels (plant products) can be delayed, held, or denied entry if SENASA phytosanitary import requirements are not met (e.g., missing required Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación obtained before shipment, missing/incorrect official phytosanitary certificate where applicable, or non-conformities found at inspection).Before contracting, confirm SENASA import requirements by product and origin; obtain PFI when required prior to shipment; align phytosanitary certificate text with SENASA requirements; pre-check documentation and coordinate inspection/clearance steps to secure a favorable RIV/inspection outcome.
Food Safety MediumMycotoxin (e.g., aflatoxin) compliance can be a trade-stopper in stricter downstream markets and buyer programs; walnut kernels may face rejection if contaminant limits are exceeded, especially when supplying channels benchmarked to EU maximum levels for contaminants.Use supplier preventive controls (drying, storage, pest control) and implement routine contaminant testing plans aligned to target market requirements; keep certificates of analysis and retain samples for dispute resolution.
Quality MediumMoisture management and defect control are critical; kernels that are not sufficiently dry or show mould/rancidity risk failing buyer specifications and can deteriorate during distribution.Specify moisture limits (e.g., UNECE DDP-02 moisture ≤5%) and defect tolerances in contracts; require pre-shipment quality inspection and moisture/defect testing; use moisture-barrier packaging and dry storage.
Market MediumTrade volumes for Peru exports of HS 080232 appear intermittent and concentrated in a small number of firms, which can create execution risk for exporters relying on Peru as a consistent outbound supply base.Validate counterpart performance using recent customs statistics and shipment history; use staged contracts and pre-agreed quality/document checklists; maintain alternative origin options for continuity.
FAQ
What documents are commonly required to import shelled walnuts into Peru?SENASA may require a Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI) obtained before the shipment is embarked, and an official phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s phytosanitary authority when applicable. The import process can also require SENASA inspection and a favorable inspection/verification outcome (e.g., issuance of an RIV), alongside standard customs and transport documentation.
Is Peru mainly an importer or exporter of shelled walnuts (HS 080232)?Recent UN Comtrade data compiled in WITS shows Peru as a net importer for HS 080232 (imports far exceed exports in 2021–2023). SUNAT data compiled by PROMPERÚ also indicates exports exist but are small and episodic, including a small export record in 2025 (Jan–Aug).
What moisture level is commonly referenced in international quality standards for walnut kernels?The UNECE DDP-02 standard for walnut kernels specifies a moisture content not greater than 5%, and also requires kernels to be sufficiently dry, free from mould and rancidity, and practically free from shell and foreign matter.