Cashew, Raw 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 cashew, raw in-shell under HS 080131.

Cashew, Raw In-Shell Price

$3,384USD/t

Published reference · Jun 1, 2026

Cashew, Raw In-Shell Historical Unit Values

Cashew, raw in-shell is quoted in USD/t at CIV. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Cashew, Raw In-Shell Exports and Imports

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Côte d’Ivoire led reported cashew, raw in-shell exports in 2025, at $1.5B.

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Cashew, Raw In-Shell Specifications and Quality

Cashew, raw in-shell grading factors include Shell integrity, Kernel moisture content, and Shell colour and uniformity.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for cashew, raw 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

Cashew, raw in-shell specifications record moisture content, shell breakage rate, foreign material content. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.

Moisture content3.00–5.00 %
Shell breakage rate0–2.00 %
Foreign material content0–0.50 %

Common Defects

Recorded defects for cashew, raw 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 cashew, raw 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.

Cashew, Raw In-Shell Facts and HS Code

Cashew, raw in-shell belongs to tree nuts within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 080131.

Cashew, Raw In-Shell HS Code

Also known asraw cashew nuts in shell, RCN
Scientific nameAnacardium occidentale
Product typeRaw
FormDried
Position in the chainPrimary
CategoryTree nuts — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients
HS codes080131
Quoted inUSD/t
Reference locationCIV

Production & Handling

Cashew, raw 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

PerishabilityMedium
Temperature regimeAmbient
Storage conditionsStore 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 methodsFarmed
Processing steps
  1. Harvesting
  2. Field cleaning (removal of debris and foreign material)
  3. Sun drying or mechanical drying to reduce moisture
  4. Sorting by size and quality
  5. Grading according to shell integrity and kernel size
  6. Packing in bulk sacks for transport

Packaging

Typical cashew, raw 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

Cashew, raw 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 industriesFood manufacturing, Confectionery, Snack production
Leading originsBenin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Vietnam

Sourcing risks

RiskMitigation
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.

Cashew, Raw 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".