How to Import Peanuts: 7 Steps for Safe & Cost-Effective Sourcing

Importing peanuts can significantly improve profit margins, product quality, and supply consistency for food manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors. Successfully importing peanuts requires navigating international sourcing, supplier verification, food safety regulations, customs documentation, and quality control procedures. Whether you're starting a peanut import business or expanding your global sourcing network, this comprehensive guide explains how to import peanuts step-by-step, reduce risks, and ensure consistent supply.

Raw peanuts packed for export, ready for shipment

Why Businesses Import Peanuts

1. Cost Efficiency

Many companies import peanuts from major producing countries including the United States, India, Argentina, and China. These countries offer competitive pricing due to large-scale production and established export infrastructure.

2. Access to Diverse Peanut Varieties

Different markets require different peanut types:

• Runner peanuts – ideal for peanut butter production

• Virginia peanuts – premium snacks

• Spanish peanuts – oil extraction and confectionery

• Valencia peanuts – specialty roasting

Importing allows buyers to access varieties not available locally.

3. Year-Round Supply

Because harvest seasons differ between hemispheres, importing peanuts ensures continuous availability and reduces seasonal supply gaps.

4. Market Expansion

Importing peanuts enables businesses to launch new snack lines, supply ethnic food markets, expand into private label manufacturing, and enter bulk wholesale trade.

Step-by-Step Process to Import Peanuts

Step 1: Identify the Right Peanut Exporting Country

Each country offers distinct advantages:

• United States – High food safety standards and large-scale production

• Argentina – Strong export-focused quality control

• India – Competitive pricing and bold flavor profiles

• China – Large volumes and flexible packaging options

Your decision should be based on target market requirements, budget, aflatoxin limits, logistics costs, and organic certification needs.

Step 2: Work With Verified Peanut Suppliers (or a Professional Broker)

When importing peanuts, supplier verification is critical. Buyers should request third-party lab reports, confirm HACCP and ISO certifications, verify export licenses, check production capacity, and request pre-shipment samples.

However, sourcing directly from overseas suppliers can be complex, especially for first-time importers. This is where an international peanut broker plays a valuable role.

Agriprime, as an international peanut broker, assists buyers in sourcing reliable peanut suppliers globally. Unlike exporters or traders, Agriprime doesn't sell its own peanuts. Instead, the company works on behalf of buyers to identify verified suppliers, negotiate competitive pricing, ensure documentation compliance, coordinate quality inspections, and reduce sourcing risks.

For businesses looking to import peanuts without navigating supplier vetting alone, working with a broker can significantly reduce exposure to fraud, quality issues, and compliance errors.

Step 3: Understand Peanut Import Regulations

Food safety compliance is one of the most critical aspects when importing peanuts.

Aflatoxin Regulations

Aflatoxin contamination is a major concern in peanut trade. Most importing countries enforce strict limits. In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates aflatoxin levels in imported peanuts. In Europe, strict EU maximum limits apply—often even lower than U.S. standards.

Always request aflatoxin lab testing, moisture analysis, and pesticide residue testing. Failure to comply may result in shipment rejection, heavy fines, product destruction, or import bans.

Step 4: Required Documents to Import Peanuts

To successfully import peanuts, prepare the following documentation:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading

• Certificate of Origin

• Phytosanitary Certificate

• Fumigation Certificate (if required)

• Import License (depending on country)

• Insurance Certificate

Incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of customs delays.

Step 5: Shipping and Logistics Planning

Peanuts are typically shipped via sea freight in 20ft or 40ft containers.

Common Incoterms:

• FOB (Free On Board)

• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

• EXW (Ex Works)

Sea freight is cost-efficient for bulk shipments. Air freight is rarely economical for peanuts due to weight and volume.

When importing peanuts, always confirm who pays freight, who arranges insurance, and who handles customs clearance. Clear Incoterms prevent disputes.

Quality Control When Importing Peanuts

Maintaining quality throughout the peanut import process is essential.

1. Pre-Shipment Testing

Ensure moisture levels remain below safe thresholds, conduct aflatoxin testing by certified labs, and perform size grading and visual inspection.

2. Proper Packaging

Use food-grade polypropylene bags with vacuum or hermetic sealing and moisture-resistant liners.

3. Temperature and Humidity Control

High humidity increases mold risk. Containers must be dry, sealed, and properly ventilated.

4. Arrival Inspection

After shipment arrives, inspect for condensation, conduct random sampling, confirm weight and grade, and review documentation.

Risks in the Peanut Import Business

Importing peanuts carries certain risks:

Aflatoxin Contamination – Improper drying and storage can cause fungal growth.

Supplier Fraud – Unverified exporters may misrepresent quality or certifications.

Price Volatility – Global peanut prices fluctuate based on harvest yields and climate conditions.

Customs Delays – Incorrect paperwork leads to storage charges and delays.

Working with an experienced broker such as Agriprime helps mitigate many of these risks by providing supplier screening and compliance oversight.

How to Start a Peanut Import Business

If you're planning to import peanuts commercially:

1. Register your business entity

2. Obtain food import licenses

3. Apply for import-export code

4. Secure storage facilities

5. Partner with certified suppliers or a sourcing broker

6. Establish distribution channels

The peanut import business can be highly profitable with proper sourcing strategy and risk management.

Frequently Asked Questions About Importing Peanuts

Do I need a license to import peanuts? Yes, most countries require agricultural import licensing.

What is the aflatoxin limit for imported peanuts? Limits vary by country, typically between 4–20 ppb.

Which country exports the highest quality peanuts? United States and Argentina are known for export-grade quality standards.

Can I import organic peanuts? Yes, provided suppliers hold recognized organic certification.

Is working with a peanut broker better than sourcing directly? For many buyers, yes. A broker provides supplier verification, price negotiation, and compliance oversight, reducing sourcing risk.

Final Thoughts: Import Peanuts Strategically

Importing peanuts offers strong business opportunities when managed properly. From supplier selection to regulatory compliance and logistics planning, every stage requires careful execution.

Companies that approach the peanut import process strategically gain lower sourcing costs, reliable supply chains, improved quality control, and reduced compliance risk.

For buyers seeking structured sourcing support, international brokerage firms like Agriprime can facilitate supplier identification and risk management without acting as exporters or product traders.

With proper planning and expert guidance, importing peanuts can become a scalable and profitable segment of your food trading business.