How to Import Cashew Nuts to Europe

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Find a Reliable Supplier

For processed cashew kernels, look for suppliers with BRC, IFS, or FSSC 22000 certified processing facilities. West African processors are increasingly investing in these certifications to access the EU market. For raw cashew nuts (RCN), the major West African origins are Ivory Coast (largest RCN producer globally), Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, and Benin. Origin Direct connects EU buyers with certified processors and RCN aggregators across the region, providing quality control and traceability from farm to container.

Step 2: Request Samples and Verify Quality

EU aflatoxin limits for cashew nuts are among the strictest in the world. Key specifications:

• Aflatoxin B1 - Max 8 mcg/kg (EU Reg. 2023/915). For further processing: max 15 mcg/kg.
• Total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) - Max 10 mcg/kg (ready to eat). For further processing: max 15 mcg/kg.
• Salmonella - Absent in 25g (5 samples, n=5, c=0).
• Ochratoxin A - Max 5 mcg/kg (under discussion, currently advisory).
• Grade - Same international grading: W180, W210, W240, W320, W450, splits, pieces.
• Moisture - Max 5% for kernels.
• Pesticide MRLs - Must comply with EU Reg. 396/2005.

Test samples at an ISO 17025 accredited lab. EU border controls frequently test cashew imports for aflatoxins, and rejections are reported on RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed).

Step 3: Agree on Commercial Terms

Pricing follows global cashew market benchmarks. Common Incoterms: FOB West African port or CIF Rotterdam/Hamburg. Payment: L/C at sight for initial orders. For kernels, contract specifications should detail: grade, color (white/scorched/dessert), whole/broken ratio, packaging (vacuum-packed, nitrogen-flushed, 25 lb or 50 lb cartons), and any certifications (organic, Fairtrade, BRC/IFS). The EU market increasingly demands sustainability certifications.

Step 4: Supplier Prepares Documentation

• Phytosanitary Certificate - Required under EU plant health regulations for tree nuts.
• EUR.1 Movement Certificate - For 0% duty under EU-ECOWAS EPA.
• Health Certificate - Some EU member states require a health certificate for food products from third countries.
• Certificate of Analysis - Accredited lab report with aflatoxin, Salmonella, moisture, and grade verification.
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Fumigation Certificate - Proof of phytosanitary treatment.
• BRC/IFS/FSSC 22000 Certificate - Of the processing facility.

Step 5: Arrange Shipping

Cashew kernels ship in 20ft containers (15-17 MT). Packaging: vacuum-packed nitrogen-flushed bags in cartons, palletized. RCN ships in jute bags, 80 kg each, 18-20 MT per 20ft container. Main ports: Tema (Ghana), Apapa (Nigeria), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Bissau (Guinea-Bissau). EU destination ports: Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Felixstowe. Transit times: West Africa to Rotterdam 12-14 days, to Hamburg 14-16 days. This is significantly shorter than the 25-35 day transit from Vietnam or India, which gives West African origins a freshness and logistics advantage.

Step 6: Clear EU Customs

• TRACES/CHED-PP - Tree nuts require a Common Health Entry Document for Plants and Plant Products (CHED-PP) filed via the EU TRACES system before arrival.
• Border Control Post (BCP) - Cashew shipments must enter through a designated BCP where phytosanitary and food safety checks are performed.
• Increased Controls - Cashew nuts from certain origins may be subject to increased border checks under EU Implementing Regulation 2019/1793 (Annex II). This means a higher percentage of shipments are sampled for aflatoxin testing at the border.
• Customs Declaration - Filed electronically with EUR.1 for preferential duty.
• Import Duty - Cashew nuts in shell (HS 0801 31): 0% MFN. Shelled cashews (HS 0801 32): 0% MFN. No duty advantage needed since cashews enter duty-free regardless.
• Import VAT - At destination country rate, reclaimable for VAT-registered businesses.

Step 7: Receive and Inspect

Upon release, inspect the shipment: verify carton count and weight, check vacuum seal integrity (any broken seals mean potential quality degradation), pull samples for independent lab verification of grade and aflatoxin, and assess color uniformity. EU buyers are particularly demanding on color consistency. Maintain traceability records for at least 5 years.

Key Documents Required

• EORI Number
• CHED-PP (via TRACES)
• Customs Import Declaration
• EUR.1 Movement Certificate
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Certificate of Analysis
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Fumigation Certificate
• Food safety certification of processor

HS Codes and Duty Rates

• 0801 31 00 - Cashew nuts, in shell. MFN Duty: 0%.
• 0801 32 00 - Cashew nuts, shelled. MFN Duty: 0%.
• 2008 19 13 - Roasted cashews, in packages >1 kg. MFN Duty: 7%.

For the full HS code reference, see our HS Code Directory.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Aflatoxin border rejections - The EU has zero tolerance for exceeding aflatoxin limits. Rejections are published on RASFF, which can damage your reputation and trigger increased scrutiny on future shipments from the same origin.
• CHED-PP not filed - Without a CHED-PP, your shipment will be refused entry at the BCP. File at least 1 business day before arrival.
• Allergen labeling - Tree nuts are one of the 14 EU allergens. Ensure proper labeling and that processing facilities manage allergen cross-contamination risks.
• Ethylene oxide - The EU has detected ethylene oxide residues in various food imports, including nuts. EU limit is 0.02 mg/kg. Ensure your supplier does not use ethylene oxide for sterilization.
• Sustainability demands - European retailers increasingly require proof of sustainable and ethical sourcing. Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or organic certification significantly improves marketability.

How Origin Direct Makes This Easy

Origin Direct sources cashew nuts from certified processors in Ghana and Nigeria who meet EU food safety standards. We manage pre-shipment quality testing including aflatoxin screening, coordinate EUR.1 certificates and phytosanitary documentation, and arrange shipping to major EU ports. Our West African origins offer shorter transit times than Asian suppliers, meaning fresher product and lower shipping costs. We help EU buyers navigate the TRACES/CHED-PP system and ensure every shipment arrives with complete, compliant documentation.