Key facts
- India exported US$338 million of cashew kernels in FY2024-25 (apeda.gov.in).
- Largest destinations by value: unavailable by country
- 1 production cluster mapped, in Kerala; Karnataka; Goa; Andhra Pradesh; Maharashtra; Odisha.
- Market guides for 21 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, ISO 22000 and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 20' container (about 700 cartons / about 15.9 MT) or mixed grades by LCL (typical).
Product overview
India is one of the world's largest cashew processors and consumers. APEDA reports cashew-kernel exports of US$ 338 million (65,234 t) in FY2024-25, rising to US$ 379 million in FY2025-26 (DGCI&S). Processing is concentrated in Kollam (Kerala), Mangaluru (Karnataka), Palasa (Andhra Pradesh), Goa and coastal Maharashtra, using both domestic and imported raw cashew nuts from West Africa.
Kernels are graded by the AFI/CEPCI system: white wholes by count per pound (W180 the largest, W210, W240, W320 the volume grade, W450), scorched and dessert wholes, and broken grades (butts, splits, large white pieces, small white pieces, baby bits).
The trade standard is 50 lb (22.68 kg) packed in vacuum tins or flexible pouches flushed with CO2/nitrogen. Buyers are nut roasters, snack and confectionery makers, retailers and food service.
HS note: Raw cashew nuts in shell are 0801 31; roasted or salted kernels fall under 2008 19.
Specifications
| 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) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
W180 / W210
'King' sizes - premium gifting and retail.
W240
Large wholes - retail and roasting.
W320
The highest-volume trade grade.
W450 / W500
Smaller wholes - economical retail.
Scorched wholes (SW) / dessert wholes
Slightly darker, lower-priced wholes.
Splits (S), butts (B), LWP, SWP, baby bits
Broken grades for confectionery, bakery and cooking.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk | 2 x 25 lb (50 lb / 22.68 kg) vacuum tins or flexi pouches in cartons | CO2/N2 flushed |
| Retail | 100 g-1 kg pouches and jars | Private label |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP 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. Industry convention of 700 cartons per 20' (ASSUMPTION)
Customisation: Roasted/salted/flavoured kernels via partner units, retail pouches, mixed-grade loads
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Kerala
Kollam
Largest processing cluster; CEPCI headquarters
Karnataka
Dakshina Kannada (Mangaluru), Udupi
Large processors
Andhra Pradesh
Srikakulam (Palasa)
Palasa cluster
Goa
North Goa, South Goa
Goa cashew
Maharashtra
Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri
Konkan cashew
Market requirements by region
European Union
EU buyers apply aflatoxin limits for nuts and Salmonella testing; Netherlands and Germany are key entry points. Vietnam is the main price competitor.
United States & Canada
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.
Gulf (GCC)
UAE: Dubai Municipality FIRS requires the importer to register the company and each food item (label assessment) before arrival; Arabic/English labelling per GSO 9; India-UAE CEPA preference with a CEPA certificate of origin. UAE and Saudi Arabia are major buyers of whole grades for retail and gifting.
East Asia
Japan buys high-grade wholes for confectionery.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • Pre-shipment inspection by SGS / Bureau Veritas / Intertek on request
- • Grade and count verification per AFI-style specification
- • Moisture, aflatoxin and microbiology lab report
- • Vacuum integrity check of tins/pouches
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • BRCGS Food Safety
- • Halal certificate
- • Kosher certificate
- • India Organic (NPOP)
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • Certificate of analysis
- • Health certificate where required
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Cashew kernels | 338 | verified | apeda.gov.in |
Top destinations: unavailable by country
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
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.
How many cartons fit in a 20-foot container?
About 700 cartons of 50 lb (roughly 15.9 MT) is the usual convention.
Do Indian processors use imported raw cashew?
Yes, Indian processors use both domestic and imported raw cashew nuts, mainly from West Africa.
Request a quote for Cashew Kernels (W180-W450, Splits, Butts, Pieces)
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