Complete guide for Iranian buyers importing Indian peanuts — HPS (Hand Picked Selected) kernels, Java and Bold varieties, counts, aflatoxin control, packaging and shipping to Bandar Abbas.
Indian peanuts — especially HPS (Hand Picked Selected) kernels — are exported to Iran for roasting, snacks, confectionery and ingredient use. India is one of the world's largest peanut producers, with strong growing regions in Gujarat (Saurashtra), Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. This guide walks Iranian buyers through every step.
Why buy peanuts from India
- India is one of the world's largest peanut producers.
- Gujarat (Saurashtra) produces high-quality Bold and Java peanuts.
- Indian HPS kernels are exported to over 100 countries.
- Indian packers can sort to specific counts per ounce.
- The India-Iran trade lane is well-established.
Common challenges for Iranian importers
- Receiving peanuts with high aflatoxin (above destination limit).
- Inconsistent count per ounce (under-size or mixed counts).
- Weevil / insect damage.
- High moisture leading to mould.
- Missing or outdated COA.
- Supplier not registered with APEDA.
How Blueroute Exim solves this
- We source only from APEDA-registered packers in Gujarat.
- We coordinate samples for buyer approval.
- We run PSI and lab testing (aflatoxin, moisture, foreign matter, count per ounce, broken, split).
- We sort to specific counts (e.g., 24/28, 28/32, 38/42, 40/50, 50/60, 60/70).
- We fumigate to prevent infestation in transit.
- We prepare complete documents and ship to Bandar Abbas.
Peanut varieties and specifications
### Java (small, round, sweet) - Counts: 50/60, 60/70, 70/80 (smaller kernels). - Use: roasting, snacks, direct consumption.
### Bold (long, large) - Counts: 20/24, 24/28, 28/32, 38/42 (larger kernels). - Use: blanching, confectionery, ingredient.
### Red Skin - Java or Bold with red skin intact. - Use: roasting, snacks.
### Blanched - Skin removed; white kernel. - Use: confectionery, ingredient.
Typical specifications
- Moisture: max 7–9%.
- Aflatoxin B1: max 4 ppb (for direct consumption; verify destination limit).
- Aflatoxin total: max 10 ppb (verify destination limit).
- Foreign matter: max 0.5%.
- Broken / split: max 2–5%.
- Count per ounce: per grade (e.g., 24/28, 28/32).
- Shelf life: 12 months (properly packed).
Packaging options
- PP woven bags with inner polyliner: 25kg, 50kg.
- Vacuum packs: 1kg, 2kg, 5kg (premium retail).
- Private-label consumer packs with buyer artwork.
- Cartons with vacuum pouches for premium retail.
MOQ and container loading
- MOQ: 1 FCL (one 20ft container).
- Loading: approximately 17–19 MT per 20ft (PP bags).
- For private label: MOQ is typically 5 MT per SKU.
Step-by-step import process
- 1**Send your enquiry** with variety (Java / Bold), count, packaging, target quantity, target port (Bandar Abbas).
- 2**Receive a Proforma Invoice** with HS code (120220), country of origin, total value, payment terms.
- 3**Approve the PI** and arrange payment.
- 4**Sample approval** (if first order).
- 5**Sorting / packing** at the APEDA-registered packer.
- 6**Fumigation** to prevent infestation.
- 7**Pre-shipment inspection** and lab testing (especially aflatoxin).
- 8**Stuffing and shipping** from Mundra, Kandla or Pipavav.
- 9**Documents delivered**.
- 10**Clearance at Bandar Abbas**.
Required documents
- Commercial invoice (HS code 120220, country of origin).
- Packing list.
- Bill of Lading.
- Certificate of Origin (APEDA / FIEO).
- Certificate of Analysis (aflatoxin, moisture, foreign matter, count, broken).
- Phytosanitary certificate.
- Fumigation certificate.
- Health certificate (where applicable).
- APEDA registration copy (of the packer).
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate (if requested).
- Insurance certificate (under CIF).
Payment — bank compliant only
- Advance TT.
- 50% advance + 50% before BL release.
- LC at sight.
- Rupee payment through permitted Iranian bank accounts.
No crypto. No hawala.
Quality assurance
- APEDA-registered packers only.
- Sample approval before bulk packing.
- Fumigation before stuffing.
- Independent PSI on every shipment.
- Lab testing at NABL-accredited labs (especially aflatoxin).
- Stuffing photographs and seal numbers shared.
Why choose Blueroute Exim
- Single-point India-side partner for peanut sourcing.
- APEDA-registered packer network in Gujarat.
- Independent PSI, lab testing and fumigation.
- Iran-ready Proforma Invoice for LC opening.
- Bank-compliant payment only.
- Based in Surat, Gujarat — close to Saurashtra growing regions, Mundra and Pipavav.
- Business hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM IST.
- Contact: +91 93132 01754, info@bluerouteexim.in.
Key Takeaways
- HPS = Hand Picked Selected; count per ounce defines the grade.
- Java = small, round, sweet; Bold = long, large.
- Aflatoxin is the critical parameter — verify destination limit.
- Insist on COA, phytosanitary and fumigation certificate.
- Bank-compliant payment (TT, LC, rupee) is the only safe route.
If you want to import peanuts (HPS kernels) from India to Iran, contact Blueroute Exim at info@bluerouteexim.in or +91 93132 01754.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are HPS peanuts?
HPS stands for Hand Picked Selected — peanuts that are manually or optically sorted by count per ounce. Higher count (e.g., 40/50) means smaller kernels; lower count (e.g., 20/24) means larger kernels.
Which peanut varieties are exported to Iran?
Java (small, round, sweet) and Bold (long, large) varieties are the most common exports to Iran. Java is preferred for roasting and snacks; Bold for blanching and confectionery.
What is the aflatoxin limit for peanuts?
Aflatoxin limits are strict — typically max 4 ppb (B1) and 10 ppb (total) for direct human consumption in many destinations. Always confirm the destination limit with your customs broker.
What is the typical MOQ for HPS peanuts?
MOQ is typically 1 FCL (one 20ft container, approximately 17–19 MT). For private label, MOQ is typically 5 MT per SKU.
What packaging is most common for peanut exports?
PP woven bags with inner polyliner (25kg, 50kg), vacuum packs for premium retail (1kg, 2kg, 5kg), and private-label consumer packs with buyer artwork.