The United States is one of the world's largest importers of nuts and dried fruits. Turkey's high quality and production capacity in products such as hazelnuts, pistachios, dried apricots, dried figs and grapes offer Turkish exporters significant opportunities in the US market. However, there are some legal requirements that companies wishing to export dried food to the US must comply with. The most important of these requirements are FDA registration (Food and Drug Administration Register) and label compliance.
1. Why is FDA Registration Mandatory?
Every food product shipped to the US must be produced in an FDA-registered facility. This is true whether it is raisins, nuts or almonds. FDA registration means that the product was produced safely and meets US food safety standards.
For Turkish exporters, this registration process includes
- Food Facility Registration: Registration of the production facility in the FDA system.
- D-U-N-S Number Provision: Required for global identification of company identity.
- U.S. Agent Designation: It is mandatory to designate an official representative in the USA.
- Product Notification and Label Review: Labels must contain the correct product name, ingredients, net quantity, allergen information and manufacturer's address.
2. Labeling and Allergen Warnings
The labeling process is a critical step for companies that will send nuts and dried fruits to the USA. On the labels
- English content list,
- Nutrition Facts table,
- Allergen declaration (e.g. "Contains: Hazelnut, Peanut, Almond"),
- Net quantity (both in grams/kilogram and ounce/pound),
- Manufacturer name and FDA registered address must be present.
Incorrect or missing labels may result in goods being detained at customs.
3. US Customs Processes and Customs Bond
US customs processes are as vital for exporters as FDA registration.
- Customs Bond is required for companies that will export regularly to the USA.
- Products are inspected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at US customs.
- Misrepresentation or missing documents can lead to rejection of products and financial losses.
We provide consultancy to exporters both in FDA registration processes and customs procedures, ensuring smooth entry of products.
4. Advantage for Turkish Exporters
Turkey isthe world's largest exporter of hazelnuts and dried apricots. Especially organic certified products, healthy snacks and packaged nuts are in high demand in the US market. Thanks to the correct management of FDA and customs processes, your products:
- Amazon,
- Walmart,
- It can be sold through chain grocery stores in the US.
Potential Dried Food, Nuts and Dried Fruit Products for Export to the USA
1. Nuts
The US is one of the world's largest nut consumption markets. Featured products for Turkish exporters:
- Hazelnut: Especially used in chocolate and pastry sector. There are no big producers in the US, Turkey has a significant advantage.
- Pistachio: California production is intense in the US, but there is also demand for imports. Turkish pistachios stand out especially in dessert and baklava production.
- Walnut: California is a major producer, but Turkish walnuts are in demand for different flavors.
- Almonds: The US is strong in its own production, but exports of processed almonds (salted, roasted, coated) offer opportunity.
- Peanut: Consumption of nuts and peanut butter is high, affordable Turkish products can be competitive.
2. Dried Fruits
The US is experiencing a steady increase in dried fruit imports due to the healthy snacking trend. Opportunities for Turkish products:
- Dried Apricot: One of Turkey's strongest areas. There is a high demand in the US for both packaged consumption and industrial use (bars, granola, cakes).
Dried Fig: Especially organic figs are sold in the premium category in the US. - Raisin: Although produced in the US, Turkish seedless raisins are preferred especially by the European immigrant population and ethnic markets.
- Mulberry: It is in the superfood category. Demand is increasing in the organic and healthy snack category.
Dried Apples & Pears: A rising trend in the US, especially in the "apple chips" and "pear snacks" categories.
3. Processed and Value Added Products
Not only raw products but also value-added forms bring higher profits in the US:
- Trail Mix Packs: Packages blended with raisins, cashews, almonds, hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
- Protein Bar Ingredients: Nut flours (e.g. hazelnut flour, almond flour) and dried fruit purees are widely used by protein bar manufacturers in the US.
- Organic Certified Products: Products with the USDA Organic logo provide shelf advantage in grocery stores such as Amazon and Whole Foods.
- Gluten Free & Vegan Snacks: Dried fruit bars and roasted nuts are especially in demand when they are labeled vegan and gluten free.
4. US Consumer Trends
- Healthy Living: Labels such as "Healthy Snacks", "Clean Label", "No Added Sugar" make products attractive.
- Ethnic & Premium Consumption: Turkish brands can enter the premium segment by emphasizing "Mediterranean Origin" or "From Anatolia".
- Amazon and Online Sales: Packaged dry food products, especially through Amazon.com, are ideal for entering the US in small batches and testing the market.
Food Service Channel: Hotels, restaurants, bakeries, catering companies buy in bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions (Dried Fruit & Nuts Export - USA & FDA)
1. Is it mandatory to obtain an FDA certificate for exporting dried fruits and nuts to the US?
All food products exported to the US must come from a facility registered with the FDA. There is no separate certificate called "FDA certificate"; instead, it is called Food Facility Registration. For dried apricots, dried figs, hazelnuts, almonds and similar products, the producer or packaging facility must be registered with the FDA system.
2. Is FDA registration and customs clearance the same thing?
No, it is not. FDA registration is the recognition of the facility and products in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) system. Customs clearance is handled by CBP (Customs and Border Protection). A product without FDA registration cannot enter US customs. However, registration alone is not enough; customs processes such as Customs Bond and importer registration must also be completed.
3. What should be noted on product labels?
All dry food products to be shipped to the US must have the following elements on their labels:
- Nutrition Facts table (US format)
- List of ingredients (Ingredients)
- Allergen declaration (e.g. "Contains: Hazelnut, Peanut")
- Net quantity (both grams/kilogram and ounce/pound)
- Manufacturer name and FDA registered address
Incorrect or incomplete labeling can lead to goods being detained at customs.
4. Is Customs Bond required for exporting nuts and dried fruits to the USA?
Yes, Customs Bond is required. Customs Bond is mandatory for companies that will export regularly to the USA. Customs Bond is a guarantee system used for the smooth passage of products through customs and guaranteeing taxes. "Single Entry Bond" is used for one-time shipments and "Continuous Bond" is used for regular exports.
5. Is FDA registration required for exporters who want to sell on Amazon.com?
Absolutely yes. Amazon requires sellers in the food category to provide proof of FDA-registered product. Products without FDA registration will be refused to be listed on the Amazon platform. In addition, even if the products are not classified as "Hazmat", labeling and content inspections are carried out.
6. What happens if aflatoxin or pesticide residues are found in products sent from Turkey?
Strict controls are carried out by CBP and FDA at US customs. If aflatoxin or pesticide residues above the limit are detected in the products:
- The product is blocked at customs.
- Return or destruction processes can be initiated.
- The company's name is put on the FDA "Import Alert" list.
Therefore, it is recommended that products are supported by laboratory analysis reports prior to export.
7. What is a D-U-N-S Number and why is it needed?
The D-U-N-N-S Number is an international identification number for each company. It is mandatory for facility verification during the FDA registration process. In addition, e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Walmart also require a DUNS number when opening a company account.
8. Is organic certification required for dry food exports to the USA?
It is not mandatory. However, USDA Organic certified products can be sold at much higher prices in the US market. Exporters who want to sell with the organic label should check whether their certificates in Turkey are recognized in the US.