Iranian pistachio exporters: in-shell pistachios and kernels wholesale

Where Iranian pistachios grow and when they are harvested

The main growing area is Kerman province, around Rafsanjan, followed by Khorasan Razavi, Semnan, Yazd and other central provinces. The harvest runs from late August to late September.

Freshly harvested nuts are hulled, washed, dried and sorted within hours, because delays raise the risk of staining and aflatoxin. New-crop pistachios usually reach exporters from October.

Iranian pistachio varieties

Size is counted as the number of in-shell nuts in one ounce (28.35 g). A lower count means larger nuts. Exact ranges vary by crop and sorter, so state the size range you need. The guide /guides/pistachio-grades-and-sizes explains sizing in detail.

Product forms and specifications

• Natural open in-shell, raw or roasted and salted.
• Closed or mechanically opened shells, usually for processing.
• Kernels (shelled), graded by colour from green to yellow.
• Green peeled kernels from early harvest, used by confectioners and ice-cream makers.
• Split rate (share of naturally open nuts), for example 90% or higher.
• Limits on closed shells, blanks, stained shells, insect damage and foreign matter.
• Moisture, usually around 5–6% or lower for storage stability.

Aflatoxin and lab tests

Aflatoxin is the main food-safety risk in pistachios and the main reason for border rejections. Ask for a lab report for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins on the lot you buy, sampled according to your market's method, before you pay.

Limits differ by market. In the European Union, for example, the maximum for pistachios ready for direct consumption is 8 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 10 µg/kg for total aflatoxins. The EU also applies special import conditions to pistachios from Iran, including official certificates and sampling. Check the current rules of your country with your broker.

Packaging, MOQ, shelf life and price drivers

In-shell pistachios are usually packed in 10 kg or 25 kg cartons or in 25–50 kg poly or jute bags; kernels are usually vacuum packed in 10–12.5 kg cartons. Private-label retail packs are possible with many packers.

Typical bulk orders start from about one tonne up to one container load, depending on the supplier. Raw pistachios keep about 12 months, or longer in cool, dry storage. Price depends on variety, size, split rate, aflatoxin result, crop year and quantity.

HS code, documents and shipping

In-shell pistachios are classified under HS 0802.51 and shelled pistachios under HS 0802.52. Check the full code with your customs broker.

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

Most sea shipments leave from Bandar Abbas, often with transshipment via Jebel Ali. Rail and road routes serve China, Central Asia and Turkey, and the Caspian ports serve Russia. See /guides/export-documents-from-iran and /guides/shipping-routes-from-iran.

How to buy pistachios on ASL Market

Browse pistachio listings in /categories/asl_agriculture_food, or post a buying request at /post-request with variety, size, split rate, aflatoxin limit, packaging and destination. Chat through ASL Market; your contact details stay private.

The supplier confirms price, quantity, freight, Incoterm and ship-by date, and adds checked freight to the invoice. Pay in USDT today; more payment methods are coming soon. ASL Secure Pay holds your 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 grant a partial refund. See /trade-assurance and /guides/paying-iranian-suppliers-safely.

FAQ

What does 28–30 mean for pistachios?

It means 28 to 30 in-shell nuts per ounce (28.35 g). The lower the count, the larger the nuts. Size is one of the main price drivers.

Which Iranian pistachio variety is cheapest?

Fandoghi, the round variety, is usually the best value per kilogram at a given quality. Long varieties such as Akbari and jumbo sizes usually cost more. Compare offers at the same size, split rate and aflatoxin level.

How do I avoid aflatoxin problems with Iranian pistachios?

Buy against a lab report for the actual lot, sampled by a recognised method, and set the limit of your own market in the contract. Ask about drying and storage conditions. Use escrow so you can dispute if the goods fail at your border.

What is the HS code for pistachios?

In-shell pistachios are HS 0802.51 and shelled pistachios are HS 0802.52 at the six-digit level. Roasted and salted products can fall under other headings in some countries. Check the full code with your customs broker.

When is new-crop Iranian pistachio available?

The harvest runs from late August to late September. Sorted and dried new-crop nuts usually reach exporters from October. Confirm the crop year on every offer.

Can I buy pistachio kernels and green kernels?

Yes. Many exporters sell shelled kernels graded by colour, and green peeled kernels from early harvest for confectionery. State the colour grade and usage in your request.

Does ASL Market test the pistachios?

No. ASL Market does not inspect or test goods. Ask the supplier for lab reports and samples, and use ASL Secure Pay, which releases payment only after you confirm receipt or after the automatic confirmation period.