Market
Egypt is an import-dependent market for raw walnuts, with trade concentrated in in-shell walnuts (HS 080231) and shelled walnut kernels (HS 080232). UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Egypt imported about USD 8.37 million (1,693.6 tonnes) of shelled walnuts (HS 080232) in 2023, while Egypt’s exports of walnuts are comparatively small. In 2024, major suppliers to Egypt included the United States, Turkey, China and Chile for in-shell walnuts, and Turkey and China (among others) for shelled walnuts. Market access and clearance are shaped by Egypt’s pre-arrival documentation workflow (ACI) plus food import licensing/inspection (NFSA/GOEIC) and plant quarantine import-permit/phytosanitary controls.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Risks
Food Safety HighMycotoxin contamination (notably aflatoxins) is a recognized hazard for nuts; detection during import control or market surveillance can lead to detention, rejection, or costly disposal/return actions and poses serious public-health risk.Implement pre-shipment aflatoxin testing with accredited labs, enforce dry storage controls through the supply chain, and align lots to documented contaminant-control programs that meet import inspection expectations.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFood import licensing and eligibility (including any importer “whitelist” or licensing conditions) can block or slow entry if the importing entity is not properly licensed/qualified under NFSA rules.Confirm importer licensing status and any NFSA “white list” eligibility before contracting; align documentation and conformity evidence to NFSA requirements.
Phytosanitary MediumPlant quarantine non-compliance (e.g., missing pre-shipment import permit, missing/mismatched phytosanitary certificate details, or unmet treatment conditions) can stop clearance at the port of entry.Obtain the Egyptian Plant Quarantine import permit before shipment and ensure the phytosanitary certificate references the permit number and matches consignment details exactly.
Documentation Gap MediumPre-arrival documentation errors under Egypt’s ACI workflow (e.g., missing/incorrect data across uploaded documents tied to the shipment) can delay clearance and increase demurrage/port storage costs.Run a pre-submission document reconciliation checklist (invoice, packing, HS codes, consignee/importer identifiers) and confirm ACID handling with the Egyptian importer and freight forwarder.
FAQ
Which HS codes are most directly used for tracking raw walnut trade into Egypt?UN Comtrade/WITS commonly tracks raw walnut trade into Egypt under HS 080231 (walnuts in shell, fresh or dried) and HS 080232 (walnuts without shells, fresh or dried).
Who were the main supplying countries for Egypt’s walnut imports in recent UN Comtrade data?In 2024 UN Comtrade/WITS snapshots, major suppliers to Egypt included the United States, Turkey, China and Chile for in-shell walnuts (HS 080231), and Turkey and China (among others) for shelled walnuts (HS 080232).
What are key clearance and compliance steps that commonly affect walnut imports into Egypt?Key steps include Egypt’s ACI pre-arrival documentation workflow (ACID generation and document upload), meeting NFSA food import licensing conditions where applicable, and complying with Egyptian Plant Quarantine requirements such as obtaining an import permit prior to shipment and presenting a phytosanitary certificate aligned to that permit.