Cameroon Groundnuts exported to your specification
BV Holdings Agro exports Cameroon groundnuts, also called peanuts, in-shell or as shelled kernels. Aflatoxin limits follow your contract, and independent testing is available on request.
BV Holdings Agro exports Cameroon groundnuts, also called peanuts, as in-shell pods or shelled kernels in full container loads. Most lots come from the North, Far North and Adamawa regions, where groundnuts are a staple farm crop. We buy from producer groups and aggregators, then dry, shell, sort, test and bag each lot for export.
Aflatoxin control matters more with groundnuts than with almost any other crop, because limits differ sharply by market. For this reason, this page explains those limits in detail. It also covers growing areas, specs, grades, testing, uses, packing, documents and pricing.
We load at Douala or Kribi on FOB, CFR or CIF terms. In addition, every offer names the form, count, aflatoxin limit and Incoterm in plain words, so there are no surprises at destination.
Where Cameroon groundnuts are grown
Most Cameroon groundnuts come from the northern savannah. The North and Far North regions lead output, while Adamawa adds more from the plateau. Farmers also grow groundnuts in other regions, mainly for home use and local markets.
The crop is grown mostly by smallholders on small plots. Families often rotate or intercrop groundnuts with sorghum, millet, maize or cotton. Because groundnuts are legumes, they fix nitrogen and help the next cereal crop. As a result, they play a key role in northern farming systems.
Seasons and harvest
Farmers sow with the first steady rains, usually from May to July. The crop then needs about three to four months to mature. Harvest runs mainly from about September to November, as the rains end. Our Cameroon harvest calendar shows how groundnuts fit with other crops.
At harvest, farmers lift the plants and shake off the soil. Then they dry the pods in the sun, often on the plant first and then off it. Next, the nuts move to buying centres for shelling, grading and bagging.
Shelling happens by hand or with small machines at village level. Machine shelling is faster, but it can split more kernels. Therefore, we check splits closely on Cameroon groundnuts meant for the snack trade.
Why drying speed matters
Fast, even drying is the best defence against aflatoxin. The mould that makes it, Aspergillus flavus, grows on damp pods and kernels. Therefore, pods should dry quickly to safe moisture and stay off bare soil. We buy dry nuts and store Cameroon groundnuts off the ground in covered warehouses, so moisture stays low until loading.
Typical specification of Cameroon groundnuts
The values below cover shelled kernels unless noted. In-shell lots follow their own moisture and shelling targets. Groundnuts fall under HS 1202.41 in shell and HS 1202.42 shelled in the WCO Harmonized System.
| Parameter | Cameroon groundnuts: typical value |
|---|---|
| HS code | 1202.41 in-shell / 1202.42 shelled |
| Forms | In-shell pods, shelled kernels, crushing grade |
| Kernel count | 40/50, 50/60 or 60/70 per ounce, by lot |
| Moisture | 7% max. kernels; 9% max. in-shell |
| Oil content | 45% to 50% |
| Foreign matter | 1% max. (kernels) |
| Broken and split kernels | 5% max. |
| Skin colour | Red or tan, by lot; confirmed with sample |
| Aflatoxin | To your destination limit; tested on request |
Final specifications are confirmed in each contract and verified before loading.
Kernel count is the number of kernels in one ounce (about 28 g). So a 40/50 count means larger kernels than a 60/70 count. Snack makers often want a tight count, because even sizes roast evenly.
Grades and forms of Cameroon groundnuts
We offer three main forms, and each one serves a different trade. So the right choice depends on what you make.
- In-shell pods (HS 1202.41): whole pods for roasting in shell and for the snack trade.
- Shelled kernels (HS 1202.42): graded kernels for peanut butter, sweets and snacks. Hand-picked selected (HPS) lots are possible by agreement.
- Crushing grade: mixed sizes and splits for oil mills.
Snack buyers usually want a tight count and few splits. Peanut butter makers, however, can accept splits, since they grind the kernels anyway. Meanwhile, oil mills care most about oil content, so mixed lots work well for them. Finally, HPS Cameroon groundnuts suit buyers who need clean, sorted kernels for direct food use.
Skin colour also varies with the variety grown in each area. Some markets prefer red-skin kernels for snacks, while others want tan skins. So we show the skin colour on the offer sample, and you can match it to your market.
When you compare offers for Cameroon groundnuts, check five points. First, the form and count. Second, moisture and foreign matter. Third, splits and damaged kernels. Fourth, the aflatoxin limit and test plan. Finally, the crop year, because fresh kernels taste better and store longer.
Quality control and testing before loading
We test every lot against the contract before it moves to port. Our process follows five steps: buy in region, dry and store, sample and test, clean and pack, then inspect and load. The full method is on our quality control page.
What we check on each lot
- Moisture: we use a calibrated meter, because damp kernels invite mould.
- Count and size: we count kernels per ounce on a weighed sample.
- Splits and damage: we sort out split, shrivelled, discoloured and insect-damaged kernels, then weigh each part.
- Foreign matter: we remove stones, shells, sticks and soil, then check again.
- Aflatoxin: a lab tests the lot against your limit on request.
Hand-sorting reduces risk
Most aflatoxin sits in a small share of bad kernels. These are often mouldy, shrivelled, discoloured or damaged. For this reason, sorting them out lowers the aflatoxin level of the whole lot. So for food lots of Cameroon groundnuts, we arrange extra hand-sorting by agreement.
Why sampling plans matter
Aflatoxin is not spread evenly through a lot. Instead, it sits in “hot spots” of a few kernels. Therefore, one small sample can give a false result. EU rules set a formal sampling method with large aggregate samples drawn from many points. We follow the plan written in your contract, so the test reflects the whole lot.
In addition, you can nominate an inspection company such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or Cotecna. The inspector draws samples, sends them to an agreed lab and issues the weight and quality certificate.
Aflatoxin limits for Cameroon groundnuts by market
Every market sets its own aflatoxin limit, and the gap between them is wide. So the same lot can pass in one country and fail in another. We always write your limit, test method and lab into the contract.
- European Union: Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets 2 µg/kg aflatoxin B1 and 4 µg/kg total for groundnuts sold for direct human use. Groundnuts that will be sorted first have levels of 8 µg/kg B1 and 15 µg/kg total.
- United States: the FDA uses an action level of 20 ppb (µg/kg) total aflatoxins for most foods.
- Japan: a limit of 10 µg/kg total aflatoxins applies to all foods.
- Codex Alimentarius: sets 15 µg/kg total for peanuts meant for further processing, which many countries use as a reference.
- Animal feed in the EU: feed materials carry a limit of 20 µg/kg aflatoxin B1.
Other countries follow Codex or their own national standard. Therefore, check your limit with your importer or food safety agency before you sign. Tell us the end use too, because a lot for crushing or sorting can follow different rules from a lot for direct sale.
Low limits mean a careful buying plan. For example, EU food buyers of Cameroon groundnuts should expect extra sorting and a full lab report. Crushing buyers, meanwhile, often work with higher limits set by their own plant.
Uses and industries for Cameroon groundnuts
Groundnuts feed a wide range of trades, from snacks to oil. The FAO ranks the groundnut among the most important oil and food legumes in Africa.
- Snack roasters: roast, salt or coat kernels, or roast pods in shell.
- Peanut butter makers: grind roasted kernels into spreads and pastes.
- Confectionery: use kernels in bars, brittle, chocolate and sweets.
- Oil mills: press crushing grade nuts for groundnut oil, a popular cooking oil.
- Feed mills: use groundnut cake from the crush as a protein source, within aflatoxin limits.
- Bird food makers: buy kernels for wild bird feed, where feed limits apply.
Each use sets its own quality needs. For example, a snack roaster needs an even count and low aflatoxin, while an oil mill cares about oil yield. Tell us your end use, so we can shape the offer for Cameroon groundnuts around it.
Groundnut oil has a mild flavour and suits frying well. For this reason, oil mills in many countries buy crushing grade nuts. The cake left after pressing is rich in protein, so feed mills use it too, within their aflatoxin limits.
Packaging, loading and container capacity
Shelled kernels travel in new 50 kg jute or polypropylene bags, marked for export with a lot number. In-shell packing is agreed per contract. Because groundnuts pick up moisture, we load only clean, dry, odour-free containers.
- 20ft container: about 18 to 20 MT of shelled kernels, depending on bag size.
- 40ft container: about 25 MT of kernels, because weight limits apply before space runs out.
- In-shell pods: much bulkier, so a 40ft high-cube usually suits them better; payload depends on pod size.
- Fumigation: standard before loading, with a certificate where required.
- Protection: kraft paper lining, desiccant or ventilated stowage on request.
Avoiding condensation at sea
Containers crossing from warm to cool waters can form condensation, often called “container rain”. This moisture can drip onto the bags and start mould growth. For this reason, we load Cameroon groundnuts at low moisture and add lining or desiccant where agreed. At destination, store the bags in a cool, dry and ventilated place.
Storage and shelf life
In-shell pods keep longer than kernels, because the shell protects the nut. Shelled kernels, however, can turn rancid or attract insects over time. So plan to process kernels of Cameroon groundnuts within a few months of arrival. Keep the bags off the floor and away from walls, and check moisture often in humid seasons.
Export documents and compliance for Cameroon groundnuts
Every shipment travels with a full document set. We prepare the papers with the exact form, weight and HS code, and release them according to the payment terms in your contract.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading
- Phytosanitary certificate from MINADER plant protection
- Certificate of origin
- Weight and quality certificate from the agreed inspection company
- Fumigation certificate where required
- Lab reports for aflatoxin and pesticide residues, where agreed
Destination checks can be strict for groundnuts. For example, EU border controls test imported groundnuts for aflatoxin, and some origins face extra checks. Other countries may need an import permit or pre-shipment certificate. Where a lot already has a lab report, we can share it with the offer for Cameroon groundnuts, so you can review it before you sign. So please share your import rules early, and we will match the documents to them. Our export process page shows each step.
How pricing works
We do not publish fixed prices, because groundnut prices move with the market. Instead, we quote Cameroon groundnuts per metric tonne for each container lot, with the Incoterm and port named.
- World supply: crops in major producers such as China, India, Nigeria, Senegal, Argentina and the United States.
- Form and count: kernels, in-shell and crushing grade each trade at different levels.
- Aflatoxin limit: tighter limits need more sorting and testing.
- Season: fresh-crop nuts often trade differently from old-crop stock.
- Incoterm and freight: FOB, CFR and CIF each include different costs.
What makes an offer for Cameroon groundnuts competitive? Usually, it is the mix of quality, test results, timing and freight. For example, a well-sorted lot with a clean lab report may save you rework at destination. Likewise, a 40ft container can lower freight cost per tonne compared with a 20ft.
Our FOB vs CIF guide explains what each term covers. Payment terms are agreed per contract, for example a letter of credit or documentary collection.
How to order Cameroon groundnuts from BV Holdings Agro
- 1. Inquiry: send the form, count, volume, destination port, Incoterm and aflatoxin limit.
- 2. Offer and sample: we reply with a written offer and send a sample for your tests.
- 3. Agreement: we sign a contract that sets the spec, price, Incoterm, payment terms, inspection and shipment window.
- 4. Shipment: we prepare, inspect and load the lot, then release documents per the contract.
The minimum order is one 20ft container, and larger orders can ship over several containers. Before you write, note your end use and any lab tests your customers need. With these details, we can reply faster and offer lots that already fit.
Why buy from BV Holdings Agro
- Part of BV Holdings PLC, with a team based in Yaoundé.
- Your aflatoxin limit written into every contract, because markets differ.
- Pre-loading checks on every lot of Cameroon groundnuts.
- Hand-sorting for food lots by agreement.
- Independent third-party inspection at your request.
Cameroon groundnuts FAQ
What is the difference between HS 1202.41 and 1202.42?
HS 1202.41 covers groundnuts in shell, while HS 1202.42 covers shelled groundnuts, whether or not broken. Both codes are for raw nuts that are not roasted or otherwise cooked. The right code appears on our invoice, certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate. Please confirm your national tariff line with your customs broker.
Can you test Cameroon groundnuts for aflatoxin?
Yes. An independent lab can test each lot against your limit before loading. We agree the limit, sampling plan, test method and lab in the contract. As a result, the lab report travels with the shipping documents. For food lots with low limits, we also arrange extra hand-sorting by agreement.
Which aflatoxin limit applies in my country?
It depends on your market and the end use. For example, the EU sets 4 µg/kg total for direct human use, while the US FDA action level is 20 ppb. Japan uses 10 µg/kg total. So check your national rule with your importer, and we will write that limit into the contract.
Which kernel counts can you supply?
Counts depend on the crop and the lot. Common counts are 40/50, 50/60 and 60/70 kernels per ounce. We confirm the count with the sample, so you can check it before you sign. If you need a tight count for roasting, tell us early, because we may need extra grading.
What is the minimum order for Cameroon groundnuts?
The minimum order is one 20ft container, which holds about 18 to 20 MT of shelled kernels. Larger orders can ship in several 20ft or 40ft containers. In-shell pods are bulkier, so a 40ft high-cube often works better for them. We agree volumes and shipment timing in the contract.
When are fresh-crop groundnuts available?
The main harvest runs from about September to November in the north. After drying and shelling, fresh-crop kernels usually reach the export market late in the year. Buying early in the season often gives the widest choice of lots. However, supply varies by year, so we confirm availability with each offer.
Can I get a sample before I order?
Yes. After your inquiry, we send a written offer and a sample from the lot on offer. You can test it in your own lab or through a third party. In addition, we keep a reference sample, so both sides can compare the shipment with the approved quality later if needed.
Which Incoterms and ports do you offer?
We quote FOB Douala or Kribi, CFR to your destination port, or CIF to your destination port with minimum cargo insurance. FOB suits buyers who hold their own freight contracts. CFR and CIF, meanwhile, suit buyers who want us to book the vessel. Each offer states the Incoterm and port clearly.
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One arm of BV Holdings PLC
BV Holdings Agro is the agricultural export company of BV Holdings PLC, alongside BV Cocoa Products and BV Metal & Minerals.
Request a Cameroon groundnuts quote
Tell us the form, count, volume and aflatoxin limit you need, so we can send an offer and sample. Request a quote for Cameroon groundnuts today. You can also browse our oil seeds , such as sesame seeds and soybeans .