Groundnuts export requirements for European Union
The compliance checklist for exporting groundnuts from West Africa to European Union — 5 requirements across 1 category. Market risk: High.
Last reviewed 4 November 2026 · verify against official sources before shipment.
What you need for European Union
Food Safety & Contaminants
Reg (EU) 2023/915 sets aflatoxin limits for groundnuts. Groundnuts and groundnut products for the final consumer or as a food ingredient (including roasted nuts and peanut butter): aflatoxin B1 2.0 µg/kg, sum of B1+B2+G1+G2 4.0 µg/kg. Groundnuts to be sorted or physically treated before use: 8.0 / 15.0 µg/kg. Crude oil for refining and refined groundnut oil are excluded from these limits.
Ghana groundnuts are listed in Annex I of Implementing Reg (EU) 2019/1793 (as replaced by Reg (EU) 2026/1206) for aflatoxins, with identity and physical checks, including sampling, on 50 % of consignments. The listing covers in-shell and shelled groundnuts, peanut butter, groundnut paste, other prepared groundnuts, flours and oilcake; groundnut oil is not listed. Customs only release the goods once the importer has a finalised CHED-D. The list is reviewed every six months.
Only if you export sesame oil or groundnut oil. Reg (EU) 2023/915 limits for oils placed on the market for the final consumer or as a food ingredient: benzo(a)pyrene 2.0 µg/kg and the sum of four PAHs 10.0 µg/kg (5.1.11); sum of 3-MCPD and its fatty acid esters 2,500 µg/kg, the "other vegetable oils" tier that sesame and groundnut oil fall into (5.3.1.2); glycidyl fatty acid esters 1,000 µg/kg as glycidol (5.4.1). The aflatoxin exemption covers only crude oil destined for refining and refined oil, so unrefined (virgin, cold-pressed) oil sold as it is must also meet aflatoxin B1 2.0 µg/kg and total 4.0 µg/kg (1.1.5).
Under Art. 6 of Reg (EU) 2023/915, each package and the original accompanying document must state the intended use of groundnuts that are to be sorted or physically treated, and carry a batch code. Groundnuts for crushing are only exempt when labelled "Product to be subject to crushing for the production of refined vegetable oil" and shipped to a crushing plant.
Peanuts and products thereof are a listed allergen in Annex II of Reg (EU) 1169/2011, with no exemption for refined oil (unlike soybean oil). Consumer packs of peanut butter, groundnut paste, roasted nuts or groundnut oil must clearly indicate peanut. Bulk product for processing does not carry the consumer label.
Groundnuts → European Union questions
Do I need a aflatoxin test certificate (eu maximum levels for groundnuts) to export groundnuts to European Union?
Yes — Aflatoxin test certificate (EU maximum levels for groundnuts) is one of the required items for the Groundnuts → European Union lane. This page lists the full checklist, and you can check your own status free.
Is groundnuts to European Union covered by EUDR?
This lane is not primarily driven by EUDR; its requirements are mainly phytosanitary, food-safety and market-access documents. See the full list above.
How long does it take to become compliant for groundnuts → European Union?
Individual items range from a few days to a few weeks; the longest single item here is an estimated 0 days, so start well ahead of your shipment.
Score your Groundnuts → European Union readiness
Run the free checker against this list and see exactly where you stand.