How to Import Cashew Nuts to the USA

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Find a Reliable Cashew Supplier

For processed cashew kernels (ready to eat or use as ingredients), look for suppliers with established processing facilities that meet international food safety standards (HACCP, ISO 22000, BRC, or SQF certified). Nigeria and Ghana have a growing number of modern cashew processing plants. For raw cashew nuts (RCN) intended for processing in Asia, West African origins offer the highest kernel out-turn (KOR) ratios. Origin Direct works with both RCN aggregators and finished kernel processors across Nigeria and Ghana, providing full traceability and quality assurance.

Step 2: Request Samples and Verify Quality

For raw cashew nuts (RCN), the key metric is Kernel Out-Turn (KOR), which measures the weight of usable kernels per 80 kg bag. Standard RCN specifications: KOR minimum 44-48 lbs per bag (out of 80 kg), moisture max 10%, nut count 170-200 nuts per kg, defective nuts max 12%. For processed cashew kernels, grading follows the international standard: W180 (king size, 170-180 kernels/lb), W210 (jumbo, 200-210/lb), W240 (regular, 220-240/lb), W320 (medium, 300-320/lb), W450 (small, 400-450/lb). Also specify: whole vs broken vs splits, color (white, scorched, dessert), aflatoxin levels (FDA action level: 20 ppb total aflatoxins), and Salmonella (absent in 25g).

Step 3: Agree on Commercial Terms

RCN pricing is per metric ton, typically FOB West African port. Kernel pricing follows the global cashew market, referenced against the Vietnamese benchmark. Common Incoterms: FOB Tema (Ghana), FOB Apapa/Tin Can (Nigeria), or CIF US port. Payment: L/C at sight for first orders, T/T with advance for established relationships. Contracts should specify: grade, quantity (minimum 1 FCL), packaging (vacuum-packed nitrogen-flushed bags in cartons for kernels, jute bags for RCN), shipping period, and quality tolerances.

Step 4: Supplier Prepares Documentation

• Phytosanitary Certificate - Required by USDA APHIS for all nut imports.
• Certificate of Origin - For AGOA duty-free treatment.
• Certificate of Analysis - Lab report covering moisture, aflatoxin, Salmonella, grade, defect count.
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Fumigation Certificate - Proof of treatment against stored-product pests (typically phosphine fumigation).
• HACCP/BRC/SQF Certificate - For processed kernels, proof the processing facility meets food safety standards.

Step 5: Arrange Shipping

Cashew kernels ship in 20ft containers (approximately 15-17 MT per container depending on packaging). Kernels must be vacuum-packed in nitrogen-flushed bags inside corrugated cartons, stacked on pallets. RCN ships in jute bags, 80 kg each, approximately 18-20 MT per 20ft container. Loading ports: Tema (Ghana), Apapa or Tin Can Island (Nigeria), Port of Abidjan (Ivory Coast). US destination ports: Port Newark, Port of Savannah, Port of Long Beach. Transit: West Africa to US East Coast 18-22 days, to US West Coast 28-35 days (via Suez or around the Cape). Temperature management is important: kernels are sensitive to heat and humidity.

Step 6: Clear US Customs

• ISF 10+2 - Filed 24 hours before vessel departure.
• FDA Prior Notice - Required for all food products. File via PNSI before arrival.
• CBP Entry - Standard customs entry with supporting documents.
• FDA Examination - FDA may detain cashew shipments for aflatoxin testing. Cashews from certain origins are on enhanced FDA surveillance. Aflatoxin action level is 20 ppb total aflatoxins.
• USDA APHIS Inspection - For raw cashew nuts, APHIS may inspect for pests and require the phytosanitary certificate.
• FSVP Compliance - Under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSMA), US importers must verify that foreign suppliers meet US food safety standards. Maintain records of supplier audits, hazard analysis, and verification activities.
• AGOA Duty Preference - Cashew nuts from Ghana and Nigeria qualify for 0% duty under AGOA (when active).

Step 7: Receive and Inspect

Inspect the shipment against contract: verify grade and kernel count, check vacuum seal integrity, pull samples for aflatoxin and microbiological testing, verify weight and carton count. For processed kernels, color grading is important since US buyers are particular about uniformity. File claims within 14-21 days for any quality discrepancies.

Key Documents Required

• FDA Prior Notice
• ISF 10+2
• CBP Entry Summary
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Certificate of Origin (AGOA)
• Certificate of Analysis
• Fumigation Certificate
• FSVP documentation

HS Codes and Duty Rates

• 0801.31.00 - Cashew nuts, in shell. MFN Duty: Free.
• 0801.32.00 - Cashew nuts, shelled (kernels). MFN Duty: Free.
• 2008.19.15 - Cashew nuts, roasted, prepared or preserved. MFN Duty: 17.9% (ad valorem).

Raw and shelled cashews enter duty-free regardless of origin. Roasted/prepared cashew products carry a 17.9% duty. For the full HS code reference, see our HS Code Directory.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Aflatoxin contamination - The number one cause of FDA detention for cashew imports. Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus mold during improper drying or storage. Test every batch before shipment.
• Broken kernels vs wholes - Shipping and handling can increase the percentage of broken kernels. Pack carefully with proper cushioning, and negotiate a tolerance for breakage in your contract.
• Incorrect grading - Some suppliers overgrade their product. W240 that is actually W320 is a common complaint. Independent pre-shipment inspection is essential.
• Rancidity - Cashews have high unsaturated fat content and go rancid quickly when exposed to air, heat, or light. Nitrogen-flushed vacuum packing is non-negotiable for kernels.
• FSVP non-compliance - FDA enforces FSVP rigorously. If you cannot demonstrate that your foreign supplier meets US food safety standards, FDA can refuse entry of your shipment. Maintain updated supplier files.
• Pest infestation in RCN - Raw cashew nuts are vulnerable to storage pests (Caryedon serratus, the groundnut borer). Fumigation before shipment and clean containers are essential.

How Origin Direct Makes This Easy

Origin Direct sources both raw cashew nuts and processed cashew kernels from Nigeria and Ghana. We work with HACCP-certified processing facilities and manage quality control from harvest through final packaging. Every shipment includes independent lab analysis for aflatoxins and microbiological safety, proper vacuum-packed nitrogen-flushed packaging, and complete export documentation. We also help US importers with FSVP compliance by providing facility audit reports, hazard analysis documentation, and ongoing supplier verification records.