The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) recently issued an announcement granting comprehensive quarantine access to cashew nuts produced in African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China. As the local customs authority for the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, Changsha Customs provided strong technical support to facilitate the implementation of this market access policy.

Africa is the world’s largest supplier of cashew nuts. Previously, only a few African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Gambia, had obtained quarantine access for their cashew nut exports to China. Going forward, African diplomatic partners intending to export cashew nuts to China are no longer required to undergo country-by-country quarantine access negotiations. Instead, exports to the Chinese market can proceed as long as they meet the criteria specified in the announcement, a move that significantly streamlines the quarantine access process. While maintaining rigorous food safety standards, this measure diversifies the sources of imported cashew nuts, enriches domestic market supply, and advances practical China-Africa cooperation in agriculture and trade.

Chen Xinhuan, Director of the Food Safety Division of Changsha Customs District, noted that GACC designated Changsha Customs District to lead the special assessment for African cashew nut access. Leveraging the pre-assessment systems for African foodstuffs exported to China—an innovative measure developed by the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone—Changsha Customs compiled the Risk Assessment Report on Cashew Nuts Exported from African Countries to China. This report establishes the technical foundation for the market access of African cashew nuts to China. Changsha Customs will continue to develop the “green channel” for African agricultural and food products exported to China, providing comprehensive support to Hunan enterprises looking to expand their import operations.

According to the head of Changsha Aifeitangfeng Agriculture Co., Ltd., the company imported more than 400 tonnes of African cashew nuts in 2025. The new access policy ensures broader and more stable sourcing of raw materials while making costs more predictable. Bolstered by China’s zero-tariff policy for African diplomatic partners, the company plans to accelerate its expansion across the entire industrial chain of African cashew nuts and establish processing facilities in several major African cashew-producing countries, with a view to expanding imports and meeting the consumer demand in China. (By Huang Chengyin)

Disclaimer:

This is an English translation of the original Chinese version and is provided for reference only. In the event of any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.