Brazil Nut
Brazil nut is an edible tree nut harvested from the Bertholletia excelsa tree in South America. It is commonly sold dried and shelled for use in confectionery, baking, and snack products.
Prices, specifications and international trade for brazil nut under HS 080122.
Brazil Nut Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Brazil nut is quoted in USD/t at BOL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Bolivia led reported brazil nut exports in 2025, at $192M.
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Brazil nut grading factors include Size, Moisture Content, and Shell Integrity.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for brazil nut considers Size, Moisture Content, and Shell Integrity.
- Size
Diameter of the nut measured in millimetres, used to classify nuts into size grades.
- Moisture Content
Percentage of water in the nut, determined by oven‑dry method.
- Shell Integrity
Assessment of whether the shell is intact, cracked or broken, affecting handling and value.
- Foreign Material
Presence of non‑nut material such as bark, stones or other nuts, evaluated visually.
Typical Specification Ranges
Brazil nut specifications record moisture content, shell thickness, average nut weight. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Moisture Content | 2.00–5.00 % |
|---|---|
| Shell Thickness | 2.00–4.00 mm |
| Average Nut Weight | 5.00–8.00 g |
Common Defects
Recorded defects for brazil nut include Mold, Insect Damage, and Shell Cracks.
- Mold
Fungal growth on the nut surface, rendering the product unsuitable for consumption.
- Insect Damage
Evidence of insect infestation such as boreholes or frass within the nut.
- Shell Cracks
Visible fractures in the shell that may lead to contamination or reduced shelf life.
Certifications
Certifications documented for brazil nut include Fairtrade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- Fairtrade
Certification indicating compliance with Fairtrade standards for social and environmental responsibility.
- Organic
Certification confirming that the nuts were grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
- Rainforest Alliance
Certification that the production meets Rainforest Alliance sustainability criteria.
Brazil Nut Facts and HS Code
Brazil nut belongs to tree nuts within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 080122.
Brazil Nut HS Code
| Also known as | Brazil nut |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Bertholletia excelsa |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Tree nuts — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 080122 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | BOL |
Production & Handling
Brazil nut storage guidance: Dry, well‑ventilated storage
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Medium |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Dry, well‑ventilated storage |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical brazil nut packaging includes Bulk Bags and Vacuum‑Sealed Bags.
- Bulk Bags
Large woven polypropylene bags typically holding 20 t of shelled nuts.
- Vacuum‑Sealed Bags
Polyethylene bags of 1 kg to 5 kg capacity, vacuum‑sealed to preserve freshness.
Uses & Risks
Brazil nut is used in Edible snack, Confectionery and bakery products, and Oil extraction.
End Uses
- Edible snack
Whole Brazil nuts are sold as a ready‑to‑eat snack.
- Confectionery and bakery products
Ground or chopped nuts are used in chocolates, cookies, cakes and other baked goods.
- Oil extraction
The kernels are pressed to produce Brazil nut oil for culinary and cosmetic applications.
- Cosmetics and personal care
Brazil nut oil is incorporated into skin‑care creams, soaps and hair products for its emollient properties.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food processing, Confectionery manufacturing, Bakery industry, Cosmetics and personal‑care products, Edible oil production |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Deforestation and climate variability ClimateHigh Brazil nuts are harvested from wild trees in the Amazon rainforest; loss of forest cover and climate changes can reduce tree populations and nut yields. | Support sustainable forest management and conservation programs to maintain natural habitats. |
Rainfall variability ClimateHigh Irregular precipitation patterns can impact flowering and nut development, causing yield fluctuations. | Diversify sourcing regions within Brazil and employ irrigation where feasible to stabilize yields. |
South American leaf blight DiseaseMedium Fungal infections can reduce tree productivity and nut yield, affecting supply consistency. | Implement regular canopy monitoring and apply approved fungicides where permitted. |
Remote Amazon transport constraints LogisticsMedium Limited road infrastructure and seasonal river navigation can delay shipments and increase handling costs. | Plan shipments well in advance, use multimodal routes, and maintain buffer inventories to offset delays. |
Capsid beetle infestation PestMedium Beetles can damage developing nuts, leading to lower quality and increased rejects. | Adopt integrated pest management practices, including trap crops and timely biological controls. |
Import restrictions and special conditions PolicyMedium Certain regions impose special import conditions on Brazil nuts in shell, which can delay shipments and increase compliance costs. | Ensure compliance with relevant import regulations and maintain documentation for certifications. |
Brazil Nut Questions
- What are the typical quality grades for Brazil nuts?
- Brazil nuts are graded by size, moisture content, and shell integrity; common grades include “large” (diameter over 30 mm), “medium” (25‑30 mm) and “small” (under 25 mm), with moisture levels usually below 5 % to prevent mold.
- How should Brazil nuts be stored and transported to maintain quality?
- Brazil nuts should be kept in dry, well‑ventilated conditions at temperatures between 10 °C and 20 °C; they are typically shipped in bulk bags or containers with moisture‑proof liners to avoid humidity and oxidation.
- What are the main end‑uses for Brazil nuts in industry?
- Brazil nuts are used as a snack food, as an ingredient in confectionery and bakery products, and for oil extraction, where the oil is valued for its high vitamin E and selenium content.