How to buy cashews in bulk
A practical walkthrough for buyers sourcing cashew kernels or raw cashew nut (RCN) in commercial volumes — covering grade selection, MOQs, packaging, Incoterms, payment terms, certifications, sampling, and pre-shipment inspection.
- 01
Define grade and spec
Pick from W180, W210, W240, W320, W400, W450, W500 wholes; SW scorched wholes; LWP, SWP, BB pieces. Lock moisture (≤5%), aflatoxin tolerances (≤4 ppb EU, ≤10 ppb US), defect %.
- 02
Set quantity & destination
Volume in MT, port of destination, target arrival window. 1 MT = ~44 cartons. 20' container fits 12 MT; 40' fits 25 MT.
- 03
Pick certifications
FSSAI / APEDA for Indian origin, BRC / HACCP for processing audit, organic (USDA / EU) or fair-trade if needed.
- 04
Send RFQ
Get quotes from 3+ verified processors. Compare price, lead time, sample policy, MOQ flexibility.
- 05
Sample & approve
Order 250g–1kg sample. Test moisture, count, defect %, aflatoxin. Approve in writing before PO.
- 06
Agree terms
Incoterms (FOB / CIF / CFR / DDP), payment (LC at sight / TT 30/70 / escrow), packaging spec.
- 07
Place order
Sign proforma invoice, open LC or wire advance, processor begins production (2–4 week lead time).
- 08
Pre-shipment inspection
Third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek, Cotecna, Bureau Veritas) verifies spec at packing before container seal.
- 09
Ship & clear
Container loaded, BL issued, docs released against payment. Customs clearance at destination port.
Standard packaging
The global trade packaging standard for cashew kernels is the 22.68 kg (50 lb) vacuum tin, two tins per 25 kg carton. Tins are flushed with CO₂ or N₂ for shelf life — properly packed kernels hold quality for 12 months at ambient and 18+ months refrigerated. Some processors offer 200 kg metal drums or 1 MT FIBC (flexible intermediate bulk container) for processing-grade buyers.
Incoterms quick reference
- EXW (Ex Works) — Buyer collects from factory. Cheapest but logistically heaviest.
- FOB — Supplier covers up to port of export. Buyer arranges freight and insurance. Standard for experienced buyers.
- CFR (Cost & Freight) — Supplier covers freight, buyer arranges insurance.
- CIF — Supplier covers freight and insurance. Recommended for first-time buyers.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — Supplier handles everything to buyer's door. Premium pricing.
Payment terms
- LC at sight — Letter of credit, paid on document presentation. Most secure for both sides. Bank fees apply.
- TT 30/70 — 30% advance wire, 70% against BL copy. Common for repeat orders.
- TT 50/50 — Higher advance for new suppliers or premium grades.
- Escrow (Q3 2026) — Cashew Index will offer escrow through Razorpay / Stripe for smaller buyers wanting LC-like security without the bank overhead.
Documentation checklist
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading (BL)
- Certificate of Origin
- Phytosanitary Certificate (plant-health, mandatory for most markets)
- Health Certificate (FSSAI for India, similar for other origins)
- Aflatoxin and moisture test certificates
- Fumigation Certificate (if required by destination)
- Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate (if contracted)
FAQ
What's the MOQ for buying cashews wholesale? +
Most verified processors quote MOQs from 1 MT (≈44 cartons of 22.68 kg vacuum tins) for trial orders. Repeat buyers typically order in 5–20 MT lots. For full container loads (FCL), 20-foot containers hold ~12 MT and 40-foot containers hold ~25 MT.
What's the difference between FOB and CIF for cashew imports? +
FOB (Free on Board) pricing covers the goods at the port of export — buyer pays freight and insurance. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) bundles freight and insurance into the supplier price. CIF is simpler for first-time buyers; FOB gives experienced buyers freight cost control.
How do I verify a cashew supplier's certifications? +
For India: FSSAI license number is publicly searchable; APEDA registration can be cross-checked with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority). For Vietnam: ask for BRC/HACCP certificate and verify with the issuing body. Cashew Index validates these on every onboarded processor.
What are the standard payment terms? +
LC (Letter of Credit) at sight is the international standard — buyer's bank guarantees payment against shipment documents. TT (Telegraphic Transfer) with 30% advance + 70% against BL copy is common for repeat orders. Escrow through Cashew Index launches Q3 2026.
How long does it take to receive a cashew shipment? +
Production lead time is typically 2–4 weeks after order confirmation. Sea freight: 2–3 weeks within Asia, 3–4 weeks to Europe, 4–6 weeks to North America. Total time from RFQ to landed goods is usually 6–10 weeks.
Ready to start?
Send your first RFQ. We route it to verified processors that match your grade, quantity, and certification needs.