The global trade of cashew kernels is growing rapidly, with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa becoming major import destinations. However, before cashews reach supermarket shelves or industrial processors, they must pass through a complex network of customs clearance procedures, import documentation, and strict food safety regulations.

At Tamila Agrifood, we specialize in simplifying this process for international buyers by ensuring full compliance with import laws and providing all the necessary certifications for seamless trade.

This article explains how customs clearance for bulk cashew shipments works — and what importers in the EU, GCC countries, and African markets must prepare for.

1. Understanding Customs Clearance in Cashew Trade

Customs clearance is the process by which goods legally enter or leave a country after being declared and inspected. For food commodities like cashew kernels, this involves:

•    Verification of documents and certifications

•    Payment of import duties or tariffs

•    Food safety and quality inspection

•    Release authorization by the port authority or food control agency

Each region — EU, Middle East, and Africa — has its own set of laws, documentation requirements, and sanitary standards, which we will explore below.

2. Customs Clearance in the European Union (EU)

Europe is one of the largest markets for premium cashew kernels, importing mainly from Asia and Africa. However, the EU maintains some of the world’s most stringent food import regulations to ensure consumer safety and transparency.

a. Required Import Documents

To successfully clear customs in the EU, importers typically need:

•    Bill of Lading (B/L)

•    Commercial Invoice & Packing List

•    Certificate of Origin (Form A or EUR.1)

•    Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant-based goods)

•    Health Certificate / Sanitary Certificate

•    Certificate of Analysis (COA) for aflatoxin & pesticide levels

•    Import Notification (via TRACES system in EU Food Safety Portal)

b. Food Safety Standards

All cashew shipments entering the EU must comply with:

•    Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 – Food Law principles

•    Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 – Maximum levels of contaminants (e.g., aflatoxins ≤ 4 ppb)

•    Regulation (EU) 2017/625 – Official control and inspection standards

•    HACCP & ISO 22000 certification for processing facilities

Failure to meet these standards can result in border rejection, product destruction, or return to origin.

c. Import Tariffs

The EU applies variable tariffs depending on the product form and origin:

•    Raw cashew nuts: 0% (under GSP for developing countries)

•    Shelled kernels: 3.6–6% average, unless covered by preferential trade agreement

3. Customs Clearance in the Middle East (GCC & MENA Region)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait — serves as one of the most dynamic re-export hubs for cashew kernels.

a. Documentation Requirements

Importers in the Middle East must typically submit:

•    Commercial Invoice & Certificate of Origin (attested by Chamber of Commerce)

•    Halal Certificate

•    Health Certificate / Laboratory Report

•    Packing List & Bill of Lading

•    Product Label Translation (Arabic labeling mandatory in GCC)

b. Customs & Tariffs

•    Common Customs Tariff: 5% across GCC countries

•    Duty Exemptions: Available for re-exporting traders operating in Free Zones (e.g., JAFZA, KIZAD, or King Abdullah Port)

•    Clearance Time: 2–5 business days with valid documentation

c. Regulatory Authorities

Each country has a dedicated body overseeing food import compliance:

•    UAE: Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA)

•    Saudi Arabia: SFDA (Saudi Food & Drug Authority)

•    Qatar: Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)

•    Oman: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources

All imported cashew kernels must meet GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) food standards and be traceable to certified sources.

4. Customs Clearance in African Markets

Africa is both a producer and emerging importer of processed cashew kernels. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt import premium grades for retail, confectionery, and export reprocessing.

a. Documentation & Procedures

Similar to other regions, African countries require:

•    Commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading

•    Certificate of origin

•    Phytosanitary & health certificate

•    Certificate of analysis (optional but preferred)

b. Tariffs & Trade Zones

•    African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is simplifying tariff systems, offering preferential duties for member states.

•    South Africa: Applies a 10% duty on roasted or salted cashews; 0–5% for raw or plain kernels.

•    Kenya & Nigeria: Focus on promoting import substitution; importers need trade permits from agricultural ministries.

c. Port & Clearance Efficiency

African ports vary in efficiency — Durban, Mombasa, and Lagos being the most active. Partnering with an experienced logistics provider like Tamila Agrifood helps ensure customs delays are minimized through pre-cleared documentation and inspection coordination.

5. Common Challenges During Cashew Customs Clearance

Importers often face avoidable issues that can cause significant shipment delays. The most common challenges include:

Challenge    /    Description   /    Solution

Missing or incorrect documentation   /   Certificates or invoices not aligned with shipment data  /  Double-verify with exporter before departure

Labeling non-compliance    /   Absence of Arabic or EU language labels   /   Include bilingual labels with nutritional info

Aflatoxin contamination   /   Failure to meet EU limits (≤4 ppb)   /  Source from certified, lab-tested exporters

Delays in inspection   /  Backlog or manual verification at ports    /  Use pre-clearance or electronic submission

Incorrect HS codes   /  Wrong tariff classification   /   Confirm correct HS code: 0801.32 for cashew kernels

6. Best Practices for Smooth Cashew Kernel Import Process

To ensure efficient customs clearance and regulatory compliance, importers and distributors should:

•    Work only with certified exporters (ISO, HACCP, Organic, Halal)

•    Pre-submit documents electronically (e.g., TRACES, SFDA, ESMA portals)

•    Use reputable freight forwarders experienced in food logistics

•    Request third-party lab testing reports (SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas)

•    Maintain proper labeling and traceability documentation

At Tamila Agrifood, our logistics and documentation team handles every aspect — from export permits to customs coordination — ensuring zero delays, no penalties, and full regulatory compliance.

7. Role of Tamila Agrifood in Facilitating Global Cashew Trade

As a trusted global supplier, Tamila Agrifood bridges the gap between high-quality cashew producers and importers worldwide. Our services include:

•    Complete documentation and certification management

•    Pre-shipment inspection and third-party testing

•    Coordination with port authorities and customs brokers

•    End-to-end logistics including temperature-controlled storage and container tracking

By combining compliance expertise with supply reliability, Tamila Agrifood helps importers confidently trade in multiple regions without facing legal or regulatory risks.

Conclusion

Navigating the customs and import landscape for cashew kernels requires precision, preparation, and partnerships with trusted suppliers. Whether you’re importing to Germany, Dubai, or South Africa, compliance is key to unlocking fast, profitable trade.

With Tamila Agrifood, you gain not just a supplier — but a strategic trade partner who understands every layer of global customs, documentation, and certification compliance.

Smooth customs clearance starts long before the shipment departs, and we make sure your cashews arrive on time, fully certified, and ready for market success.

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

Call / WhatsApp for Quotations:  +989141858935