What buyers should check in a hazelnut specification
A useful specification connects commercial description, measurable quality criteria, food-safety requirements and the intended application. It should be agreed before price is treated as comparable.
Product identity and quality
Record product and processing state, origin requirement, crop or production reference where relevant, calibre or particle size, colour, flavour, moisture target and tolerances for defects and foreign matter. UNECE DDP-04 provides a commercial-quality reference for kernels.
Food safety and documentation
Define sampling, analysis method, traceability and documents required for the destination and use. EU Regulation 2023/915 distinguishes hazelnuts intended for further sorting or physical treatment from hazelnuts placed on the market for final consumption or ingredient use; the applicable aflatoxin category must match the declared use.
Commercial acceptance
Agree sample approval, pack, net weight, pallet pattern, quantity tolerance, Incoterm, delivery point and complaint process. Requirements vary by buyer and application, so the signed specification and offer should control rather than a generic catalogue.