Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried, shelled cashew kernels (raw/unroasted)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Market
Raw cashew nuts in Chile are primarily supplied through imports, as the product is not associated with significant domestic commercial production. Market access is shaped by Chile’s food safety framework under the Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos (RSA), with imported food controls carried out by regional health authorities (SEREMI) and supported by laboratory checks. Plant-product entry may also trigger phytosanitary requirements and inspection processes administered by the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG), depending on product condition and origin. Tariff treatment depends on origin and whether a preferential trade agreement applies, which can be checked via Chile’s official tariff/FTA tools.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleImported nut ingredient for retail snacks and food manufacturing/foodservice use
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityAvailability is largely year-round via imports; any seasonality is driven by origin harvest cycles and shipping schedules rather than domestic production.
Risks
Food Safety HighChile controls imported foods under the RSA through SEREMI, with consignment-level authorization and potential laboratory testing; any non-compliance (e.g., contaminants/mycotoxins relevant to tree nuts, or documentation gaps) can lead to detention, rejection, or disposal restrictions for the shipment.Align label and product specs to RSA requirements, prepare the CDA and SEREMI submission package in advance, and use pre-shipment COAs/testing targeted to key nut risks (including mycotoxin controls consistent with Codex guidance).
Regulatory Compliance MediumProcess complexity across Customs, SEREMI (CDA + authorization), and potentially SAG (phytosanitary rules for plant products) can create clearance delays if the product condition/origin-specific requirements are not checked and documented correctly.Run a pre-clearance checklist: HS line, SAG import-requirement lookup by product/condition/origin, and SEREMI CDA + authorization workflow readiness.
Logistics MediumLong-distance sea freight and port/inspection timing can extend lead times; delays increase warehousing time and raise quality risks if packaging integrity or dry storage discipline is weak.Use hermetic moisture/oxygen barrier packaging, specify dry-storage handling, and plan buffer lead times around inspection and documentation steps.
Supply MediumChile’s cashew kernel availability is import-dependent; global supply shocks in major producing/processing regions can transmit quickly into Chile’s landed cost and availability.Qualify multiple origin/processors and maintain safety stock policies aligned to shipment cycles.
Sustainability- Supply-chain due diligence on agricultural practices and origin sourcing (varies by supplying country and processor)
Labor & Social- Worker health and safety risks in cashew processing in some origin countries (e.g., skin burns/dermatological and respiratory issues reported in manual/roasting operations); buyers may face reputational and compliance scrutiny if due diligence is weak.
Standards- GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification (e.g., BRCGS, FSSC 22000) is often used by importers/retail programs to manage supplier risk (program-specific).
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used for raw cashew kernels (shelled) when trading with Chile?Cashew nuts, fresh or dried, shelled are commonly classified under HS 080132. Final tariff-line selection should be confirmed in Chile’s tariff schedule and with your customs broker.
Which Chilean authorities are most relevant for importing raw cashew nuts as food?Chile’s Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos (RSA) under the Ministry of Health applies to imported foods, and SEREMI de Salud controls imported foods consignment-by-consignment. Depending on product condition and origin, SAG may also apply phytosanitary requirements for plant-origin imports.
What document is highlighted in Chile’s process for authorizing imported foods for use and disposition?ChileAtiende describes the Certificado de Destinación Aduanera (CDA) as a document required by the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas for imported foods, and it is part of the SEREMI workflow before obtaining the authorization for use and disposition.