Food Safety Comes First
Food safety is one of the central requirements for selling food products in Europe.
Exporters need to ensure that products comply with applicable European regulations concerning contaminants, pesticide residues, additives, allergens and microbiological safety.
For dried tropical fruits, the Centre for the Promotion of Imports (CBI) notes that food safety testing and certification are important requirements for suppliers targeting European buyers.
Testing and Documentation
European buyers may request laboratory test results and detailed product documentation before placing orders.
Depending on the product, testing can cover pesticide residues, mycotoxins, heavy metals, microbiological parameters and other relevant contaminants.
For nuts, aflatoxins and pesticide residues are among the issues receiving particular attention from European buyers. CBI's 2026 guidance for entering the European groundnut market also highlights allergens, packaging and traceability as important areas for exporters.
Certifications and Food Safety Systems
International buyers often evaluate suppliers according to their food safety management systems and certifications.
Depending on the customer and market segment, certifications and systems such as HACCP, BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000 and organic certification may be relevant.
However, certification requirements can vary by buyer, product and distribution channel. Exporters should therefore confirm the specific requirements of their target customer before preparing a shipment.