Market
Roasted peanuts in Brazil are supported by a large, export-oriented peanut supply chain concentrated in São Paulo, with domestic demand across packaged snack and confectionery uses. Conab has reported strong peanut production growth in recent years and notes that a large share of production is exported, with European destinations highlighted. Market access and continuity are highly sensitive to aflatoxin compliance (Brazil sets maximum limits for peanuts including roasted) and ANVISA-enforced packaged-food labeling rules.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter; domestic processed snack market
Domestic RoleCommon packaged snack and confectionery/food manufacturing input (roasted kernels and coated variants)
Market GrowthGrowing (medium-term (2014/15–2021/22 supply context))rapid expansion in upstream peanut supply in the last decade (as reported by Conab for 2014/15 to 2021/22)
Risks
Food Safety Aflatoxin HighAflatoxin non-compliance is a deal-breaker risk for roasted peanuts in Brazil: ANVISA’s RDC 274/2002 sets maximum total aflatoxin limits for peanuts (explicitly including raw or roasted), and ANVISA has publicly interdicted peanut lots/brands due to aflatoxin levels above legal tolerances.Implement a documented mycotoxin control plan (supplier qualification, drying/storage controls, statistically valid sampling, accredited lab testing, and hold-and-release) and retain COAs for each lot.
Regulatory Enforcement MediumANVISA enforcement actions (e.g., lot interdictions) can rapidly disrupt sales and trigger withdrawals/returns when aflatoxin results fail compliance, creating reputational and channel-loss risk for brands and importers.Maintain recall-ready traceability, run routine verification testing, and align finished-goods specifications with RDC 274/2002 limits before release.
Import Clearance MediumImports of products under sanitary surveillance can face delays if Siscomex LI is required and not obtained correctly/early; ANVISA describes licensing as non-automatic for such products and notes penalties for absence of LI where required.Confirm licensing need via Siscomex Treatment/Administrative using the correct NCM, submit LI before shipment when required, and plan lead times for ANVISA review/possible inspection.
Logistics MediumExport margins for roasted peanuts and upstream peanut shipments can be sensitive to container freight volatility and port congestion on long-haul routes (model estimate).Use forward freight planning for peak seasons, diversify carriers/ports where feasible, and align contract terms (FOB/CIF) with risk tolerance.
Standards- HACCP (Codex-aligned food safety management expectation)
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 (common GFSI-aligned schemes in international trade)
- BRCGS Food Safety (common retailer/importer requirement in some markets)
FAQ
What is the maximum aflatoxin limit for peanuts (including roasted) in Brazil?ANVISA RDC 274/2002 sets a maximum limit of 20 µg/kg for total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) in peanuts, explicitly covering peanuts with shell or shelled and raw or roasted, and also applies the same limit to peanut paste.
Has ANVISA ever stopped the sale of peanut products due to aflatoxin in Brazil?Yes. ANVISA has publicly interdicted specific peanut lots/brands after laboratory results found aflatoxin levels above the legal tolerance, which means those lots cannot be commercialized while enforcement actions apply.
When importing roasted peanuts into Brazil, how does the Siscomex import license (LI) relate to ANVISA?ANVISA explains that the import license (LI) is registered in Siscomex and, for products under sanitary surveillance, licensing is handled as non-automatic, requiring prior review by the sanitary authority; the importer must check the NCM in Siscomex to see if LI is required and which agencies must authorize the import.