Importing cashew nuts from Vietnam to the EU
Vietnam is the world's largest exporter of cashew kernels and the main origin for EU buyers. A workable import deal turns on four things: which kernel grade you are buying, the tariff line and whether the EU-Vietnam FTA preference applies, the EU food-safety rules (above all aflatoxins), and how the kernels are packed, shipped and documented. This is a practical overview with pointers to the sources you should check before each contract.
By Hiram Trade Editorial Desk
- Published
8 min read
Cashew grades
Cashew kernels are graded by colour, size (count per pound/kg) and brokenness. Common grades:
| Grade code | What it is |
|---|---|
| W180, W240, W320, W450 | white whole kernels, numbered by count per pound (lower number = larger kernel) |
| SW (SW240, SW320) | scorched whole (slightly darker from heat) |
| WB, FB | white / fancy butts |
| WS, SS | white / scorched splits |
| LWP, SWP | large / small white pieces |
Raw cashew nut (RCN) is the unshelled nut; most EU buyers purchase processed kernels, not RCN. Define the exact grade, count and defect tolerances in the contract, and state the quality standard referenced (for example the AFI - Association of Food Industries - specifications commonly used in the trade).
Tariff code and the EU-Vietnam FTA
- 0801 31 - cashew nuts in shell (raw);
- 0801 32 - cashew nuts, shelled (kernels).
Shelled cashew kernels generally enter the EU at a low or zero third-country duty, and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA, in force since 1 August 2020) removes remaining duties on qualifying Vietnamese-origin goods. Confirm the exact 8-digit code and the current third-country and preferential rates in the European Commission's Access2Markets / TARIC before you contract - do not assume the rate. See our guide to HS and CN codes.
To claim the EVFTA preference you need valid proof of preferential origin: under EVFTA this is a statement on origin made out by the exporter (for consignments above EUR 6,000 the Vietnamese exporter must be registered, i.e. have a REX number). The origin rules must actually be met - the goods must qualify as Vietnamese-originating.
Food safety: aflatoxins come first
An EU importer placing food on the market is a food business operator and carries the compliance duty. For cashews the dominant risk is aflatoxins (mycotoxins produced by moulds). Key acts:
- Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (General Food Law) and Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 (hygiene, HACCP);
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (contaminants): sets maximum levels for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins in tree nuts. The limit depends on whether the nuts are to be sorted or physically treated before human consumption or are placed on the market ready to eat, so read the current table for your exact case rather than assuming a single number;
- Regulation (EC) No 396/2005: pesticide maximum residue levels;
- Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (official controls).
Separately, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 lists specific product-and-origin combinations that face a temporary increase of official controls (and sometimes a required certificate and sampling) at the EU border. The list changes with each amendment, so check the current Annex I for cashew nuts of Vietnamese origin before you ship - do not assume your consignment is or is not listed. Require a recent aflatoxin certificate of analysis from an accredited laboratory in the contract regardless, because a rejected lot at the border is far more expensive than a test.
Salmonella and general microbiological safety also matter for ready-to-eat kernels; agree sampling and limits. Organic cashews fall under Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and need an electronic certificate of inspection in TRACES.
Processing and packing
Kernels are usually steam-treated during shelling; the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) in the raw shell is a skin irritant, which is a processing concern at origin, not for the finished kernel. Kernels are hygroscopic and bruise easily, so packing protects both quality and shelf life:
| Packing | Notes |
|---|---|
| Vacuum-packed tins (commonly ~22.68 kg / 50 lb) in cartons | the traditional export pack; good protection |
| Vacuum/flushed pouches in cartons | lighter, increasingly common |
| Bulk bags | lower cost, higher risk to quality and moisture |
Control moisture and temperature in transit; kernels pick up odours, so avoid mixed cargo that taints them.
Documents
A typical set for a sea shipment from Vietnam:
- commercial invoice and packing list;
- bill of lading or other transport document;
- certificate of analysis for the lot (aflatoxins, moisture, microbiology) from an accredited laboratory;
- proof of preferential origin to claim EVFTA: a statement on origin (REX for consignments above EUR 6,000);
- phytosanitary certificate if required for your product form and destination;
- health/official certificate and sampling if required under Regulation (EU) 2019/1793;
- insurance certificate if the seller insures; pre-shipment inspection report if agreed;
- for organic kernels: the TRACES certificate of inspection.
Do not assume a document is or is not needed: list the documents in the contract and confirm them with your customs broker.
Incoterms for cashew kernels
- Containers (the normal case): FCA terminal at the port of loading, or CPT or CIP to the destination port. Avoid FOB and CIF for containerised cargo.
- Delivered to plant: DAP or DPU if the supplier has an EU logistics partner.
Under CIF or CIP, agree the insurance cover level explicitly. See our guide to Incoterms 2020.
Checklist before signing
- Grade, count and defect tolerances defined against a named standard (e.g. AFI).
- TARIC code and current duty / EVFTA preference confirmed in Access2Markets.
- EVFTA origin proof (statement on origin, REX) and that the origin rules are met.
- Aflatoxin limits for your exact case checked in Regulation (EU) 2023/915.
- Current Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 checked for cashew / Vietnam.
- Aflatoxin certificate of analysis from an accredited lab required in the contract.
- Packing, moisture control and no-taint transport agreed.
On Hiram you can post a cashew request with grade, count and food-safety requirements and compare quotes from Vietnamese and other suppliers by total landed cost. Go to the market.
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (General Food Law): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/178/oj (opens in a new tab)
- Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2004/852/oj (opens in a new tab)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/915/oj (opens in a new tab)
- Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on pesticide maximum residue levels: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/396/oj (opens in a new tab)
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (temporary increase of official controls): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02019R1793-20250812 (opens in a new tab)
- Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj (opens in a new tab)
- Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/848/oj (opens in a new tab)
- EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) overview: https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/vietnam_en (opens in a new tab)
- European Commission, Access2Markets - Guide for import of goods: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/guide-import-goods (opens in a new tab)
- CBI (Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Entering the European market for cashew nuts: https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/processed-fruit-vegetables-edible-nuts/cashew-nuts/market-entry (opens in a new tab)
This article is for information only and is not legal, tax or customs advice. Rules and rates change: check the current official sources or consult an adviser before you decide.