Peanut, originally known in Chinese as "luohuasheng" and commonly called groundnuts, are an important source of edible oil and are also rich in plant sterols, resveratrol, antioxidants and other bioactive compounds. Regular consumption offers various benefits, including anti-aging effects, blood-clotting support, and improved memory. Major peanut-growing areas in China include Shandong, Liaoning, Leizhou Peninsula, and the Huang-Huai River region. How, then, do peanuts embark on their journey to overseas markets? This guide will walk you through the process.
I. Classification of Peanuts for Export
Peanuts are generally classified by processing method into shelled peanuts, unshelled peanuts, roasted peanuts, and other types. Each type corresponds to a different HS code, most of which fall under headings 1202 and 2008. The specific subheading must be determined based on the processing method and other relevant factors.
II. Major Export Markets
According to recent statistics, China's peanut exports are concentrated in the European Union, Russia, and several Middle East countries. Driven by local consumption patterns and dietary preferences, these markets maintain strong and stable demand for peanuts.
III. Peanut Export Clearance Process
The clearance process for peanut export consists of three key steps: enterprise registration, pre-declaration supervision, and export declaration and release.
(1) Producers of peanuts for export must apply to the local customs office for registration as an export food production enterprise.
Application Process: Applicants may log in to China International Trade Single Window (https://www.singlewindow.cn/) or the "Internet+ Customs" integrated online service platform (http://online.customs.gov.cn/). Select the module "Export Food Production Enterprise Registration Approval," complete the Export Food Production Enterprise Registration Application Form, submit it together with the required materials to the customs office with jurisdiction over the place of business. The competent customs will examine the application within 3 working days and,if the submission is complete and meets statutory requirements, issue the Export Food Production Enterprise Registration Certificate. Export activities may commence after registration is approved.
(2) Pre-Declaration Supervision
Peanut production enterprises, exporters, or their agents shall enter export declaration information via the China International Trade Single Window, submit an inspection and quarantine application to the customs at the place of origin or consolidation. They shall also provide electronic versions of supporting documents and declare possession of all relevant documents, including but not limited to the contract, invoice, and packing lists.
Upon accepting the application, customs shall review the enterprise's export declaration information for peanuts subject to system-directed on-site inspection and laboratory testing, and conduct a consolidated assessment based on the inspection and laboratory test results.
Where the consignment is found compliant, customs will issue the required certificate, authorize export, and generate the corresponding electronic records.
If the consignment is assessed as non-compliant, customs will notify the exporter or its agent in writing.
For peanuts eligible for technical treatment, export shall be permitted only after the treatment is completed and compliance is achieved. Peanuts that cannot be technically treated, or that remain non-compliant after treatment, shall not be exported.
(3) Export Declaration and Release
For consignments that have passed pre-declaration supervision, enterprises shall submit export declarations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Customs will conduct inspections export peanuts at the port, and consignments that pass inspection will be cleared for export.
(4) Follow-Up Supervision
Customs will conduct follow-up supervision of the production and export of peanuts to ensure their continued compliance with relevant standards and requirements.
IV. Inspection and Quarantine Requirements for Export Peanuts
(1) Export peanuts shall meet the following inspection and quarantine requirements:
1. Transport packaging and labeling shall comply with the applicable inspection and quarantine requirements;
2. No plant seeds other than those declared for export may be present;
3. No live insects, mites, mollusks, weeds or other harmful organism, nor soil or plant debris such as roots, stems, leaves, or fruits, may be present;
4. Levels of toxic and harmful substances shall not exceed the food safety and hygiene standards of the importing country or region;
5. Where an agreement or protocol has been concluded between China and the importing country or region, the relevant provisions of such agreement or protocol shall also be met.
(2) Aflatoxins and pesticide residues requiring special attention
Aflatoxin contamination in peanuts is considered one of the most serious food safety concerns in the world. Under China's national standard GB 2761-2017,the maximum permissible level of aflatoxin B1 in peanuts is 20μg/kg.
Among major export destinations, Canada applies the same limit as the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), namely 15μg/kg. Japan sets a maximum level of 10μg/kg for aflatoxins in peanuts and peanut product. The European Union adopts even stricter and more detailed limits: for peanuts intended for direct human consumption, the maximum levels for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins are 2μg/kg and 4μg/kg, respectively; for peanuts intended for processing prior to consumption, the corresponding limits are 8μg/kg and 15μg/kg.
In addition to aflatoxins, pesticide residues are another key parameter monitored by regulatory authorities worldwide for peanut products. Among these, chlormequat and chlorpyrifos pose have the greatest challenge for China's peanut exports. Japan introduced a uniform maximum residue limit of 0.01mg/kg for chlormequat and chlorpyrifos in peanuts in August 2019 and May 2022, respectively. The European Union currently applies the same maximum residue limit of 0.01mg/kg for both pesticides.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
