Market
Raw walnuts in Kazakhstan are supplied by a growing but still relatively small domestic orchard base concentrated in the southern regions, alongside substantial imports. Kazakhstan is a net importer of both in-shell (HS 080231) and shelled (HS 080232) walnuts, with imports in 2023 concentrated from China and supplemented by Chile and neighboring Central Asian suppliers. Exports exist but are much smaller and, for in-shell walnuts, are largely shipped to the Russian Federation. Market access is highly sensitive to border plant-quarantine control and documentation compliance, where missing phytosanitary certificates and document discrepancies are a recurring enforcement issue.
Market RoleNet importer with emerging domestic production
Domestic RoleEmerging orchard crop in southern Kazakhstan supplying domestic consumption and local trade channels
Risks
Phytosanitary HighBorder quarantine phytosanitary control and documentation enforcement is a potential trade blocker: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture has reported recurring violations for regulated plant products, including missing phytosanitary certificates, document discrepancies, missing marking/labeling, and failure to present goods for secondary inspection—any of which can lead to shipment delay or refusal.Run a pre-shipment compliance checklist (phytosanitary certificate where applicable, document consistency, labeling/marking readiness) and coordinate with an experienced customs broker for routing and inspection readiness.
Supply Concentration MediumImport supply is concentrated by origin (notably China in 2023 for both in-shell and shelled walnuts), increasing exposure to origin-specific disruptions (policy changes, logistics constraints, crop shocks) and price volatility.Qualify secondary origins (e.g., Chile and regional Central Asian suppliers) and use multi-origin contracting for continuity.
Food Safety MediumWalnuts are sensitive to moisture and oxidation; quality deterioration (rancidity, off-odors) can occur if storage and transport humidity control is weak, creating commercial rejection risk and potential non-compliance under EAEU food safety obligations.Specify moisture/quality parameters contractually, require sealed packaging for kernels, and implement inbound quality inspections with retention samples.
Plant Health MediumDomestic walnut production in southern Kazakhstan has reported pressure from fungal and bacterial diseases (including walnut blight and related pathogens), which can reduce yield and marketable quality for locally sourced walnuts.For local procurement, prioritize orchards with documented phytosanitary management and post-harvest drying/handling controls; diversify sourcing across producing districts.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliance with EAEU/Kazakhstan labeling requirements (including language expectations and mandatory labeling elements under TR TS 022/2011) can delay release into circulation or trigger relabeling costs.Localize labels (Kazakh and Russian) and verify TR TS 022/2011-required elements before printing and shipment.
FAQ
Which HS codes are commonly used for raw walnut trade statistics in Kazakhstan?Raw walnuts are commonly tracked as HS 080231 (walnuts in shell, fresh or dried) and HS 080232 (walnuts shelled, fresh or dried).
Who are the main suppliers of raw walnuts to Kazakhstan?In 2023, China was the dominant supplier for both in-shell (HS 080231) and shelled (HS 080232) walnut imports into Kazakhstan, with additional supply from Chile and neighboring Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyz Republic.
What is the biggest practical import-clearance risk for walnuts entering Kazakhstan?Phytosanitary and documentation non-compliance is a key clearance risk: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture has highlighted recurring cases involving missing phytosanitary certificates, document discrepancies, missing marking/labeling, and failure to present goods for secondary inspection, which can lead to delays or refusal.
What labeling languages are typically expected for imported packaged food products sold in Kazakhstan?Kazakhstan generally requires labeling in both Kazakh and Russian for imported products sold on the market, and EAEU food labeling rules under TR TS 022/2011 apply to food products released into circulation.