Custom Duty on Raw Cashew Nut 2026: Navigate Duties, Cut Costs, Stay Compliant

United States Customs Duties Overview for Raw Cashew Nut

The United States maintains a highly accessible import regime for raw cashew nuts, typically classified under HTS code 0801.31.00. Most imports enter the country duty-free under the General rate of duty, though importers must comply with federal administrative fees. The overall structure is designed to support domestic processing and consumption by minimizing trade barriers for raw agricultural commodities.

Key Duty and Tax Components:

• Ad Valorem Duty: The standard Most-Favored-Nation rate for raw cashews is 0%, allowing for cost-effective sourcing from global markets. This ensures that the primary cost for importers remains the commodity price rather than tariff barriers.
• Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): An administrative fee applied to most formal entries to cover CBP processing costs. For SME importers, this is capped at a maximum of $634.62 per entry.
• Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): A tax collected on ocean-borne cargo to fund the maintenance of U.S. ports. It is calculated as a percentage of the cargo value and only applies to shipments arriving via sea.