The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on dated 18th January 2022 has issued an order regarding import of raw cashews.
As per the earlier order dated 27 October 2017, the FSSAI has issued directions regarding exemption from FSSAI clearance for the import of raw cashew nuts. In the order, the FSSAI has stated that a large number of raw cashew nut consignments are referred to FSSAI by Customs for FSSAI clearance. The Customs refers these consignments because raw cashew nuts have been listed under Chapter 8 of the Indian Tariff Code which has an ITC HS Code – 08013101.
Raw cashew nuts are not directly edible but need to be processed in the cashew processing units prior to consumption. Raw cashew nuts are regarded as a raw material and therefore do not require FSSAI clearance presently. Till the standards for raw cashew nuts are framed FSSAI cannot detain import consignment for inspection and such cashews only fall under plant quarantine.
Therefore through this order, it has been decided that till such time the standards for raw cashew nuts are notified, it may be considered as “food not specified “to facilitate trade.
