Cashew Nuts - Shipments Proceedure

	Quality Control & Pre-shipment Inspection : Export of cashew Kernels from India are subject to quality control and pre-shipment  inspection.
	Cashew shipment from India is mainly in container of size 20 ft. that will carry about 700 Cartons.
	mainly for domestic  market.Ocean Freight is charged per Cubic Meter (Volume Basis). Freight for full container load (FCL) is fixed. It is more economical than freight for part container load (LCL).
	Contracts are normally made on FOB or C&F basis. Pricing in international  trade in cashew is in U.S. dollars per lb (0.454gms). Quotation in other currencies will be available on request. Business in Cashew is done on an offer and acceptance basis by telephone, Fax or E-Mail since the prices are subject to frequent fluctuations. Insurance is on account of the buyer. At the time of contract,  the shipment month, grade and prices are to be clearly indicated. Sometimes  shippers offer for shipments up to 6 months in advance. Payment is usually made by 100% irrevocable Letter of Credit in favour of the shipper through his bank. The LC is opened immediately on execution of contract  or one month prior to shipment. Standard documents like commercial invoice, certificate of  origin, Quality and weight certificate issued by the Export Inspection Agency  are provided. Any other specific requirements have to be informed in advance by the buyer.
	Inspection of cashews is being conducted under the basis consignment-wise inspection. It is ensured that the product is processed and packed as per the standards prescribed, confirmed  the standards by drawing samples from finished product.
	Cashew Kernels in  bulk are packed in four gallon tins with a net weight of 11.34 Kg. (25 lb.) in  each tin. The filled tins are then vacuumised and filled with cabon-di-oxide gas  and sealed. Two such tins of the same grade are packed in a carton for export. The net weight of a carton is thus 22.68 Kg. (50lbs). Some manufactures also  pack in tins of 10Kgs. net to certain market to suit the requirements of  buyers.
	At present new forms of packing have been introduced. Multi-layer  plastic bags of a capacity of 22.68kg each or 2 x 11.34 kg each are also  available as a choice.