Resource centre
Useful before the first quotation.
Practical references for importers and procurement teams. Product specification sheets and our catalogue are sent on request by the export desk.
- Buyer enquiry checklistWhat to include for an accurate quotation.
- Incoterms guideWho pays and who carries the risk.
- Export documentsWhat each document is for.
- Packaging & storageProtecting quality in transit.
- HS orientationSix-digit headings, with caveats.
- Buyer FAQQuotations, samples, documents.
On request
Export catalogue & specification sheets
Sent by the export desk with current availability, so you never work from an outdated PDF.
Checklist
What to include in an enquiry
The more precise the requirement, the more precise — and comparable — the quotation.
Start an RFQ- Commodity & grade — or your specification sheet
- Estimated quantity — per shipment or per month
- Packing — bag or carton size, liner, labelling
- Destination — country and port
- Timeline & Incoterm — if known
- Testing & documents — what your market or bank requires
Incoterms
Four terms buyers ask about most
A general explanation based on ICC Incoterms® 2020. The term for your shipment is agreed in the quotation.
EXW
Ex Works
We make the goods available at our or the supplier’s premises. The buyer arranges and pays for everything from there, including export clearance.
FOB
Free On Board
Sea freight only. We clear the goods for export and load them on the vessel the buyer has booked at the named Indian port. Risk passes once the goods are on board.
CFR
Cost and Freight
Sea freight only. We also pay sea freight to the named destination port; risk still passes when the goods are loaded at origin.
CIF
Cost, Insurance and Freight
As CFR, plus we arrange minimum marine insurance cover for the buyer. Buyers who need wider cover should say so.
Export documents
What each document is for
The exact set depends on the product, the destination, the payment terms and the contract.
- Commercial invoice
- The seller’s invoice for the consignment, used for customs valuation.
- Packing list
- Contents, weights and marks of every package in the consignment.
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- The carrier’s receipt and contract of carriage.
- Certificate of origin
- States where the goods were produced; may affect duty under trade agreements.
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Issued by India’s plant-protection authority where the destination requires it for plant products.
- Certificate of analysis
- Test results for the specific lot against the agreed parameters.
- Laboratory report
- An independent laboratory’s report, where the contract or market requires one.
Packaging & storage
Protecting quality between origin and use
- Moisture is the main enemy of dried spices, dehydrated vegetables, makhana and jaggery. Food-grade liners and sealed packing limit moisture pick-up in transit.
- Store cool, dry and out of direct light on arrival, off the floor and away from strong odours.
- Container condensation on long voyages can be reduced with appropriate packing and container preparation — discuss for your route.
- Fresh produce depends on temperature control and transit time; feasibility is assessed per destination.
- Shelf life is stated on the specification sheet and depends on storage conditions.
HS orientation
Six-digit HS headings, for orientation only
International six-digit headings commonly used for these products. Final classification — and national tariff lines beyond six digits — must be confirmed by the importer’s customs broker.
| Product | HS heading (6-digit) |
|---|---|
| Turmeric | 0910.30 |
| Red Chilli Powder | 0904.22 |
| Makhana (Fox Nuts) | Varies with processing — confirm with your broker |
| Black Pepper | 0904.11 |
| Cloves | 0907.10 |
| Fennel Seed | 0909.61 |
| Dehydrated Red Onion Flakes | 0712.20 |
| Dehydrated White Onion Flakes | 0712.20 |
| Dried Garlic Flakes | 0712.90 |
| Jaggery Powder | 1701.13 |
| Fresh Pineapple | 0804.30 |
Have a question these don’t answer?
The export desk will answer it directly.