Iranian nuts wholesale: almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts in shell and as kernels

Iranian nut types at a glance

Almonds

Mamaei is the best-known Iranian sweet almond. It has a long, thin kernel and is valued in the Gulf and in Iranian retail. Other local types are often sold under the name of the region or as Shahroud selections. Bitter almonds and wild mountain almonds are also traded, mostly for oil and specialist uses.

Specify in-shell or kernel, kernel size or count per ounce, the share of doubles, broken and chipped kernels, and moisture. Ask for an aflatoxin result for the lot, because almonds are subject to aflatoxin limits in many markets.

Walnuts

Walnuts from Tuyserkan in Hamadan province are known for light kernels and good taste. Walnut kernels are traded by colour, from extra light to amber, and by form: halves, quarters and pieces.

Light colour is the main price driver for kernels, along with the share of halves. Walnut kernels turn rancid if stored warm, so ask for the cracking date and keep them chilled.

Hazelnuts

Iranian hazelnuts come mainly from Gilan, especially the Ashkevarat area, and from Qazvin. Volumes are smaller than those of the largest producing countries, so they are usually bought for regional retail and roasting rather than for very large industrial contracts.

Specify in-shell or kernel, size in millimetres, raw or roasted, blanched or not, and moisture.

Quality checks, packaging and storage

Kernels keep best chilled and away from light; in-shell nuts keep longer. Typical bulk orders start from about one tonne, and mixed containers with dried fruit are common. Price depends on nut type, form, size, colour, crop year and quantity.

Before a large order, ask for a sample of a few hundred grams from the lot, sent by courier, and compare it with the photos and the lab report. Agree in writing that the shipment will match the approved sample, and keep part of the sample sealed until the goods arrive. This gives you a clear basis if you need to open a dispute before you confirm receipt.

• Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin report for the actual lot.
• Moisture, usually 5–7% or lower for kernels, depending on the nut.
• Rancidity indicators such as free fatty acids and peroxide value for kernels.
• Limits on broken kernels, shrivelled kernels, insect damage, shell pieces and foreign matter.
• Crop year and cracking date for kernels.
• Packaging: in-shell nuts usually in 25–50 kg bags; kernels usually vacuum packed in 10–12.5 kg cartons.

HS codes, documents and shipping

Check the full code with your customs broker. Usual documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, and a health certificate and lab analysis where required. Import rules differ by country; check your own country's rules on trade with Iran before you order.

Sea cargo usually leaves from Bandar Abbas, often via Jebel Ali; road, rail and Caspian routes serve Central Asia and Russia. Common Incoterms are EXW, FOB Bandar Abbas, CFR and CIF. See /guides/incoterms-for-iranian-exports and /guides/export-documents-from-iran.

How to buy nuts on ASL Market

Browse /categories/asl_agriculture_food or post a buying request at /post-request with nut type, form, size, colour, quantity and destination. Chat with suppliers through ASL Market; your contact details stay private.

Before you pay, the supplier confirms price, quantity, freight, Incoterm and ship-by date, and adds the checked freight cost to the invoice. Payment is in USDT today; more payment methods are coming soon. ASL Secure Pay holds the payment until you confirm receipt, or until it is confirmed automatically after a set period if you neither confirm nor dispute. ASL Market decides disputes and can give a partial refund. More at /trade-assurance.

FAQ

What is a Mamaei almond?

Mamaei is a well-known Iranian sweet almond type with a long, slim kernel. It is popular in Iran and the Gulf and is usually sold at a premium over common almonds. Ask for size and moisture on the offer.

How are Iranian walnut kernels graded?

Walnut kernels are graded mainly by colour, from extra light to amber, and by form: halves, quarters or pieces. Lighter colour and more halves mean a higher price. Ask for the cracking date because kernels age faster than in-shell walnuts.

What are the HS codes for almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts?

Almonds are 0802.11 in shell and 0802.12 shelled; hazelnuts 0802.21 and 0802.22; walnuts 0802.31 and 0802.32. These are six-digit codes. Check the full code with your customs broker.

Do I need an aflatoxin test for Iranian nuts?

Many markets set aflatoxin limits for almonds, hazelnuts and other nuts. Ask for a lab report for the lot before you pay and write your market's limit into the order. ASL Market does not test goods itself.

Can I combine nuts and dried fruit in one container?

Yes, many Iranian exporters load mixed containers of nuts, raisins, figs and barberries. Agree each product's specification and packing separately. See /buy/iranian-dried-fruit-wholesale.

How should walnut and almond kernels be stored?

Keep kernels cool, dry and away from light, ideally chilled, to slow rancidity. In-shell nuts keep longer than kernels. Use the oldest stock first.