The Canada market for Indian cashew kernels
USA: the packing facility needs FDA Food Facility Registration, every shipment needs FDA Prior Notice, and the US importer must run FSVP supplier verification. US tariff treatment of Indian goods changed several times in 2025-26 (reciprocal tariffs, product exemptions, a Feb-2026 India-US framework and later court rulings) - verify the current duty for the HTS line before quoting landed cost. US roasters buy mainly W320 and W240; Salmonella testing is standard.
Indian community in Canada (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 3,247,980 (PIO 1,859,680 + NRI 1,388,300).
Cashew Kernels specification for Canada orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Count (white wholes) | W180: 170-180/lb; W240: 220-240/lb; W320: 300-320/lb; W450: 400-450/lb (AFI-style grading) |
| Moisture | ≤ 5% (typical) |
| Broken in wholes | ≤ 5% (typical) |
| Lower grade allowance | ≤ 5% (typical) |
| Packing atmosphere | Vacuum with CO2/N2 flush |
| Aflatoxin / Salmonella | Per destination limits; Salmonella absent (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Canada requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Canada
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Importer licence & controls | CFIA (SFCR) | SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements |
| Labelling | CFIA / Health Canada | Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts |
| Phytosanitary | CFIA | Import permit/PSC per AIRS; ISPM-15 |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping cashew kernels to Canada
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Montreal: 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days. Halifax alternative gateway; +1-3 days rail Montreal/Halifax to Toronto; St Lawrence winter restrictions
Supply window: Indian cashew kernels is mainly produced or harvested Indian RCN harvest Feb-Jun (VERIFIED APEDA/GCC crop calendar); processing year-round on imported RCN. Allow 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Canada customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 700 cartons (≈ 15.9 MT) of 50 lb, 40' HC about 1,300-1,400 cartons (≈ 29-31 MT) limited by payload - often loaded 1,200 cartons.
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA; CIF Montreal is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Canada
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Montreal / Halifax / Port of Toronto (minor), inland; also rail from Vancouver/Prince Rupe | Indian diaspora grocery/spice distributors (largest in Canada), apparel & home-textile importers, pharma/generics |
| Brampton | Montreal / Halifax / Port of Toronto (minor), inland; CN Brampton Intermodal Terminal · To | Indian (Punjabi/Gujarati) diaspora grocery & restaurant supply - one of the highest South Asian shares in Canada, apparel/sarees & jewellery, pharma |
| Surrey | Port of Vancouver (Deltaport & Fraser Surrey Docks adjacent) · Vancouver International (YV | Indian (Punjabi) diaspora grocery/restaurant supply - largest Punjabi community in Canada, apparel & jewellery, agri-food |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import cashew kernels into Canada?
Key requirements: Importer licence & controls — CFIA (SFCR) (SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements); Labelling — CFIA / Health Canada (Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts); Phytosanitary — CFIA (Import permit/PSC per AIRS; ISPM-15). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Canada take?
Typically 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Montreal, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Canada have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. India–Canada CEPA negotiations relaunched March 2026 (2nd round May 2026; aim to conclude by end-2026) [S7]. Canada's GPT preferences apply to many Indian goods. CONFLICT: 06 §C.7 says talks 'paused'; S7 (28 Oct 2026) reports relaunch and rounds in 2026 — S7 is newer A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to cashew kernels from India?
Usually HS 080132. Canada applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What does W320 mean?
White wholes with 300-320 kernels per pound - the most widely traded cashew grade.
Which grade is the largest?
W180 ('king cashew') is the largest commercial white-whole grade, at about 170-180 kernels per pound.
How are cashews packed for export?
In 50 lb (22.68 kg) cartons holding two vacuum tins or flexible pouches flushed with CO2 or nitrogen.
Related guides
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