India processes a large share of the world's cashews, in Kerala's Kollam belt, Mangaluru, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Indian kernels are known for careful grading and taste. Buyers in the Gulf, Europe, Japan and the USA buy by grade, so understanding the grade system is the first step.
To export cashew kernels from India, get an IEC, GST registration with an LUT, an FSSAI licence and an RCMC from the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI). Shelled cashew falls under HS code 0801 32. Grade the kernels to the standard grades such as W240 or W320, pack in vacuum pouches or tins with carbon dioxide or nitrogen flushing, test each lot, and quote per pound or per kg.
Registrations you need
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- CEPCI RCMC: the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India registers cashew exporters. See the RCMC guide.
- FSSAI: needed for processing and packing. See FSSAI for exporters.
- FDA registration for the US market. See the FDA guide.
HS codes and grades
Cashew nuts in shell fall under HS code 0801 31 and shelled kernels under 0801 32. Kernels are graded by colour, shape and count per pound:
- Whole white grades: W180, W210, W240, W320 and W450, where the number is the approximate count of kernels per pound. W240 and W320 are the most traded.
- Scorched and dessert grades: SW (scorched wholes), and lower grades for processors.
- Broken grades: butts (B), splits (S), large white pieces (LWP), small white pieces (SWP) and baby bits (BB).
Quality and testing
Buyers check moisture, broken percentage within whole grades, foreign matter, insect damage and colour. Many also ask for tests for aflatoxin, Salmonella and other microbes. Use an accredited lab, and for the EU and the USA follow their food safety rules for nuts. Certifications such as BRCGS, FSSC 22000 or HACCP help with retail buyers.
Packing and shipping
The standard export pack is two vacuum-packed pouches of 25 lb (about 11.34 kg) in one carton, flushed with carbon dioxide or nitrogen. Some buyers still ask for 25 lb tins. Retail buyers want branded pouches or jars. Cartons ship in dry containers; protect them from heat and humidity. See the documents checklist.
Pricing and payment
Cashew kernels are usually quoted in US dollars per pound, FOB or CIF, by grade. Prices follow the cost of raw cashew nuts, much of which India imports from Africa, so watch raw nut prices before you quote. For new buyers, take an advance or a letter of credit. Our FOB and CIF pricing guide shows how to build the quote.
Where to find cashew buyers
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Japan, the UK, the USA, Germany and Spain buy Indian cashew kernels. On BuyGenix you can see live cashew buyer requirements, dry fruit and nut buyers and cashew buyers in the UAE. Send graded samples with a lab report first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for cashew kernels?
Shelled cashew kernels fall under HS code 0801 32. Cashew nuts in shell use 0801 31.
What does W320 mean in cashew?
W320 is a white whole grade with about 320 kernels per pound. Lower numbers, such as W240 or W180, mean larger kernels.
Is CEPCI registration needed to export cashew?
Yes. Cashew exporters register with the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India and hold its RCMC.
How is cashew packed for export?
The standard pack is two 25 lb vacuum pouches per carton, flushed with carbon dioxide or nitrogen. Some buyers ask for tins or retail packs.
Planning cashew exports?
We handle IEC, GST, LUT, FSSAI and RCMC registration so you can start quoting cashew buyers.
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