Does cashew nuts, roasted/salted qualify for India–UAE CEPA?

Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CC + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CC) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions are required, not either/or.

What proof is needed at import?

A preferential Certificate of Origin filed through eCoO 2.0, presented at customs before clearance. Without it, the 45% MFN duty applies.

Cashew nuts, roasted/salted (HS 20081910) under India–UAE CEPA

HS 20081910 · FRUIT · Rules of Origin & preferential rate

Data last updated: 14 June 2026 · MFN duty & IGST verified against ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI). Rules of Origin per CEPA Annex 3B. Verify your exact HS line before filing.

CEPA eligible: Yes
Value addition (RVC): 40%
Tariff-classification change: CC
MFN → CEPA basic duty: 45% → 0%

Rule of Origin (CEPA Annex 3B, primary source): CC + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).

Qualifying under the Rules of Origin

To claim the CEPA preference on cashew nuts, roasted/salted (HS 20081910), the goods must qualify as UAE-originating: the Product-Specific Rule (Annex 3B) is "CC + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": the goods must undergo a change of chapter (CC) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions, not either/or. Roasted and salted cashew nuts carry a 45% MFN basic customs duty that CEPA takes to 0% from 2026. The UAE is a major cashew re-processing and packaging hub, so this is one of the more realistically claimable concessions — but the rule is a change of chapter plus 40% value addition, meaning the roasting, salting and processing must add genuine UAE value, not just re-bagging imported kernels. IGST is 5%. Verify the precise line: raw and prepared cashew are treated differently across Chapter 8 and 20. MFN from ICEGATE; the 0% preferential is the year-five rate in CEPA Annex 2A. A valid Certificate of Origin filed through the eCoO 2.0 system must accompany the shipment; without it, customs charges the 45% MFN rate instead of the preference.

Check your own figures in the Rules of Origin (RVC) qualifier.

Frequently asked questions

Does cashew nuts, roasted/salted qualify for India–UAE CEPA?: Yes, if it meets the Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule "CC + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).": it must BOTH change tariff classification (CC) AND add at least 40% regional value content — both conditions are required, not either/or.
What is the Rule of Origin for cashew nuts, roasted/salted?: Per CEPA Annex 3B: CC + VA 40% (CEPA Annex 3B Product-Specific Rule; tariff-shift AND value addition both required).. RVC% = [(FOB − value of non-originating materials) / FOB] × 100 (FOB basis).
What proof is needed at import?: A preferential Certificate of Origin filed through eCoO 2.0, presented at customs before clearance. Without it, the 45% MFN duty applies.