Building BusinessServices

Section 14

Cashew kernels

India’s exports: 378.58 US$ million · 2025-26 (provisional)

HS codes
2
top markets
5

How to start

  1. Get an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT online; it is free and linked to your PAN.
  2. Register with APEDA and get your RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) through the DGFT e-RCMC system.
  3. Sell graded whole kernels (W180, W240, W320 and others) packed in vacuum tins or pouches.
  4. Shell liquid (CNSL) from the same unit is a separate export line.

Top buyer countries

  1. Vietnam112.65 US$ million · 2025-26
  2. United Arab Emirates101.91 US$ million · 2025-26
  3. Netherlands44.24 US$ million · 2025-26
  4. Japan36.55 US$ million · 2025-26
  5. Spain26.29 US$ million · 2025-26

Certificates and registrations

  • APEDA RCMC (APEDA registers cashew kernel exporters)
  • FSSAI licence
  • BRCGS or ISO 22000 food-safety certificate for large buyers

Watch out for

  • Indian processors depend on imported raw nuts from Africa; raw-nut prices and African export rules decide your margin.
  • Vietnam is a major competitor and also a buyer of raw nuts.

Businesses in the encyclopedia

Cashew Nut Processing →Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) →Cashew Apple Syrup →

Sources (3)
  1. TradeStat, Department of Commerce — Export: Principal Commodity-wise, April–March 2026 (provisional), US$ million — row "B2, CASHEW"
  2. TradeStat (Export Import Data Bank), Department of Commerce — Commodity-wise all countries export, HS 0801, 2025-26, US$ million · 2025-26
  3. HBP Appendix 2T — List of EPCs / Commodity Boards (DGFT), via research/export-import.json · 2023