Cashews in Shell
Cashew, raw in-shell is a tree nut harvested with its shell intact and traded as a bulk commodity. It is produced mainly in tropical countries such as India, Vietnam, and several West African nations.
Prices, specifications and international trade for cashews in shell under HS 080131.
Cashews in Shell Price
Published reference · Jun 1, 2026
Cashews in shell is quoted in USD/t at CIV. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Côte d’Ivoire led reported cashews in shell exports in 2025, at $1.5B.
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Cashews in shell grading factors include Shell integrity, Kernel moisture content, and Shell colour and uniformity.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for cashews in shell considers Shell integrity, Kernel moisture content, and Shell colour and uniformity.
- Shell integrity
Buyers inspect shells for cracks, splits, or damage that could expose kernels to moisture or pests.
- Kernel moisture content
- Shell colour and uniformity
Shells should have a consistent light brown colour without excessive dark spots or discoloration.
- Kernel size and shape
Kernels should be well‑developed, uniformly sized, and free from deformities that affect processing yield.
Typical Specification Ranges
Cashews in shell specifications record moisture content, shell breakage rate, foreign material content. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Moisture content | 3.00–5.00 % |
|---|---|
| Shell breakage rate | 0–2.00 % |
| Foreign material content | 0–0.50 % |
Common Defects
Recorded defects for cashews in shell include Moldy kernels, Insect infestation, and Shell cracks.
- Moldy kernels
Kernels showing visible fungal growth, often caused by high moisture or poor storage conditions.
- Insect infestation
Presence of insects or insect damage within the shell, indicating inadequate pest control.
- Shell cracks
Physical cracks or splits in the shell that can lead to kernel exposure and quality loss.
- Foreign material
Inclusion of stones, wood fragments, or other non‑nut material mixed with the cashew shells.
Certifications
Certifications documented for cashews in shell include ISO 22000, Fairtrade, and Organic. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- ISO 22000
Food safety management system certification applicable to raw cashew nuts.
- Fairtrade
Certification ensuring fair labor practices and sustainable sourcing for cashew producers.
- Organic
Certification for cashews grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, complying with organic standards.
Cashews in Shell Facts and HS Code
Cashews in shell belongs to tree nuts within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 080131.
Cashews in Shell HS Code
| Also known as | raw cashew nuts in shell, RCN |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Anacardium occidentale |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Tree nuts — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 080131 |
| HS6 description | Nuts, edible; cashew nuts, fresh or dried, in shell |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | CIV |
Production & Handling
Cashews in shell storage guidance: Store in-shell cashews in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Control humidity to prevent mould growth and maintain the nuts' quality, as high moisture can lead to deterioration and off-flavours.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Medium |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store in-shell cashews in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Control humidity to prevent mould growth and maintain the nuts' quality, as high moisture can lead to deterioration and off-flavours. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical cashews in shell packaging includes Jute bags, Polypropylene (PP) bags, and Bulk containers.
- Jute bags
Standard 25 kg or 50 kg jute bags used for bulk shipment, allowing ventilation.
- Polypropylene (PP) bags
Multi‑layer PP bags (e.g., 20 kg) that provide moisture barrier while maintaining flexibility.
- Bulk containers
Large bulk shipments in 20‑ft or 40‑ft containers, often with internal liners to protect against moisture.
Uses & Risks
Cashews in shell is used in Snack consumption, Kernel production, and Cashew oil extraction.
End Uses
- Snack consumption
Raw in‑shell cashews are sold to processors who shell and roast them for direct snack markets.
- Kernel production
The in‑shell nuts are shipped to shelling facilities where the kernels are extracted for use in confectionery, bakery products, and as a base for cashew butter.
- Cashew oil extraction
Kernels obtained from the in‑shell nuts are pressed to produce edible cashew oil for cooking and food formulation.
- Animal feed
Shell fragments and lower‑grade kernels are processed into feed ingredients for livestock.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food manufacturing, Confectionery, Snack production |
|---|---|
| Leading origins | Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Vietnam |
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Aflatoxin contamination Food safetyHigh Improper drying or storage can allow Aspergillus fungi to produce aflatoxins in raw cashew kernels, posing serious health risks. | Implement rapid drying to moisture <7%, store in low‑humidity, well‑ventilated facilities, and conduct regular aflatoxin testing. |
Urushiol toxin in shells Food safetyHigh The shell of raw cashew nuts contains urushiol, a skin‑irritating toxin similar to poison ivy; if nuts are not properly roasted or processed, the toxin can remain and cause allergic reactions or respiratory irritation. | Ensure thorough roasting or other validated detoxification steps before packaging; verify that processing facilities follow safe handling protocols for urushiol. |
Oxidative rancidity of unsaturated oils Food safetyMedium Cashew kernels are high in mono‑ and poly‑unsaturated fatty acids that oxidize over time, leading to off‑flavors, reduced nutritional quality, and potential formation of harmful oxidation products. | Store raw in‑shell cashews in cool, low‑humidity conditions; use rapid turnover and packaging that limits oxygen exposure. |
Shelling fraud (selling shelled nuts as in‑shell) FraudMedium Unscrupulous traders may shell nuts and then reseal them to claim higher prices for in‑shell product, deceiving buyers. | Require third‑party verification of shell integrity, random sampling, and documentation of processing steps. |
Cashew nut weevil (Curculio nucum) infestation PestMedium Weevils can infest the nuts while still in the shell, leading to damage and loss of marketability. | Use integrated pest management, including regular field scouting, timely pesticide applications, and post‑harvest sanitation. |
Cashews in Shell Questions
- Which countries are major producers of raw in-shell cashew nuts?
- The main producing countries for raw in-shell cashew nuts include Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Viet Nam.
- What is the global production volume for raw in-shell cashew nuts?
- Under which HS‑6 code are raw in-shell cashew nuts classified for customs purposes?
- Raw in-shell cashew nuts are classified under HS‑6 code 080131, described as "Nuts, edible; cashew nuts, fresh or dried, in shell".