Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried (shelled kernels)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product (post-harvest processed kernel grade)
Market
Cashew kernel (SW180) in Singapore is an import-dependent market, supplied through commercial food imports rather than domestic production. Market access and continuity are primarily shaped by importer registration, import-permit compliance, and food-safety controls for known nut risks such as aflatoxins. Product handling focuses on maintaining packaging integrity and suitable dry, cool storage to prevent mould growth and quality deterioration. Singapore’s merchandise trade structure supports redistribution and re-export activity for imported goods, making documentation discipline and traceability important for both domestic sale and onward shipment.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with re-export/transhipment activity
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a known risk for nuts, and SFA sets maximum limits for mycotoxins (including aflatoxins) and tests food in Singapore; non-compliant food is not allowed for sale in Singapore, creating shipment rejection, recall, and business-disruption risk for imported cashew kernels.Require supplier mycotoxin controls and certificates of analysis/lab testing for aflatoxins; maintain dry, cool storage and packaging integrity through transport and warehousing to prevent mould growth.
Regulatory Compliance MediumCommercial imports of processed food require SFA registration and a valid import permit via TradeNet; incomplete/incorrect declarations or missing supporting documents for items under strict import control can delay clearance or trigger inspection requirements.Validate SFA (Processed Food) registration status, pre-check HS/product codes and declarations, and keep HACCP/GMP/health documentation and relevant lab reports ready for submission when required.
Labor And Human Rights MediumCashew supply chains can carry child-labor and labor-rights risks in certain origin countries (as flagged by U.S. DOL ILAB for cashews), and cashew processing has recognized worker-safety hazards from cashew nut liquid; these can trigger reputational risk or buyer compliance failures for Singapore importers/distributors.Conduct origin risk screening, require supplier labor/OSH policies and audit evidence, and prioritize credible third-party verification or certification where appropriate.
Quality MediumCashew kernels can suffer quality deterioration from moisture exposure, infestation, and oxidation (rancidity) if packaging integrity or storage conditions are inadequate, increasing customer-complaint and rejection risk.Use hermetically sealed packaging and appropriate gas flushing where specified; monitor moisture and storage conditions; apply incoming QC against agreed commercial specifications (moisture, rancidity indicators, microbiological parameters).
Labor & Social- Child labor risk in origin supply chains: the U.S. Department of Labor ILAB TVPRA List includes ‘Cashews’ for certain countries (e.g., Brazil, Guinea, Vietnam), creating ESG/reputational due-diligence risk for Singapore importers supplying strict buyers.
- Occupational health and safety risk in processing: Fairtrade’s Nuts standard includes cashew-specific requirements to protect workers from exposure to cashew nut liquid (cashew shell liquid) through protective garments/oils and training in processing units.
FAQ
What registrations and permits are needed to import cashew kernels into Singapore for commercial sale?Commercial importers of processed food must be registered with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and each consignment intended for sale must be covered by a valid import permit applied through TradeNet before arrival. SFA also advises importers to retain documentary proof that the products are produced under sanitary conditions (for example HACCP or GMP certificates) and produce them if requested.
What does “SW180” mean for cashew kernels?In commercial cashew grading, “scorched” refers to kernels with yellow to light brown coloration, and the “180” size designation corresponds to about 140–180 whole kernels per pound (266–395 per kg) in commonly used trade specifications. “Whole” kernels are typically defined as having the characteristic shape with not more than 1/8 of the kernel broken off.
What is the most critical food-safety risk for cashew kernels in Singapore?Aflatoxins are a key concern for nuts, and SFA sets maximum limits for mycotoxins (including aflatoxins) and conducts sampling/testing; food that does not meet SFA’s food-safety standards is not allowed for sale. Importers typically manage this risk through reputable sourcing, appropriate storage controls, and mycotoxin testing documentation where needed.