Quick answer: Importing cashew kernels from Vietnam usually takes six steps: send an enquiry and get samples, agree specifications and price, sign a contract (FOB or CIF), pay a deposit or open an L/C, production with inspection and container loading, and receive the documents for customs clearance. A 20-foot container holds about 700 cartons of 50 lb kernels, close to 16 tonnes.
Step by step
- Enquiry: state the grade (W240, W320…), quantity, packing, destination port, shipment period and any certification your market needs.
- Quote and samples: assess samples for size, colour, moisture and taste. Keep part of each sample as a reference sample.
- Contract: specify technical specs, tolerances, Incoterms, shipment date, payment terms, inspection and how claims are handled.
- First payment: a T/T deposit or an L/C.
- Production, inspection, loading: the supplier checks the lot; the buyer can appoint a third party to inspect and supervise loading.
- Documents and arrival: the buyer receives the documents (scans first, originals after) to clear customs at destination.
Typical export documents
- Contract, Commercial Invoice and Packing List.
- Bill of Lading.
- Certificate of Origin (C/O). Under free trade agreements such as EVFTA (EU), RCEP or CPTPP, the right C/O can reduce import duty.
- Phytosanitary Certificate, if the importing country requires it.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) and independent lab reports.
- Inspection certificate from SGS, Intertek or similar, if the contract requires it.
- Fumigation, health or other certificates depending on the market.
FOB or CIF?
Under the International Chamber of Commerce's Incoterms 2020:
- FOB (Free On Board): the seller loads the goods on board at a Vietnamese port (usually Cat Lai, Ho Chi Minh City). The buyer books freight and insurance. Good if you have a forwarder with strong rates.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): the seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port. Simpler for the buyer.
- CFR: like CIF, but the buyer arranges insurance.
Common payment methods
- T/T (bank transfer): usually a deposit at contract signing and the balance against a copy of the bill of lading.
- L/C (letter of credit): the bank guarantees payment; secure for both sides but with more cost and paperwork.
- CAD (cash against documents): the buyer pays at the bank to release the documents.
Deposit size and payment timing are agreed in each contract.
Packing and container capacity
The standard is a 50 lb (22.68 kg) carton holding two 25 lb vacuum pouches flushed with CO₂ or nitrogen, or tins. A 20-foot container takes about 700 cartons, roughly 15.9 tonnes. Smaller orders can ship LCL or combine several grades in one container. See also packing and storing cashews and macadamias.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for cashew kernels?
Export orders are usually counted in 20-foot containers (about 16 tonnes), but grades can be combined in one container or shipped LCL. Discuss exact volumes with your supplier.
Do Vietnamese cashews get lower duty in the EU?
EVFTA gives many Vietnamese agricultural products preferential duty in the EU, provided the rules of origin are met. Check the HS code and current rate with your customs authority.
What is the HS code for cashew kernels?
Cashews fall under HS heading 0801; shelled cashew kernels are usually declared under 0801.32. National tariff lines may add further digits.
Sources
- International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Incoterms® 2020 — iccwbo.org
- EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)
- World Customs Organization, Harmonized System, chapter 08
VSAP ships FOB or CIF and prepares the full document set each market requires. Request a quote: our sales team replies within one business day.
— VSAP
