Insights for buyers sourcing from India.
Guides on chemicals, agro commodities, quality checks, shipping terms and export paperwork.
Guides and explainers
Water Treatment Chemicals from India: PAC vs Alum vs Ferric Chloride
Three coagulants do most of the world's water clarification. Here is how they differ, where each one works best, and what to ask your supplier.
Read the article Buying guide · 7 min readHow to Import Chemicals from India: Documents, Packing and Shipping
India is one of the world's major chemical producers. This step-by-step guide covers what to agree with a chemical exporter before your first shipment.
Read the article Chemicals · 6 min readDetergent Raw Materials Explained: LABSA, SLES, Soda Ash and STPP
Every detergent formula is built from surfactants, builders and fillers. Here is what each raw material does and how to buy it.
Read the article Agro commodities · 6 min readBuying Indian Spices in Bulk: Cumin, Turmeric, Chilli and Coriander
India is the world's largest spice producer. Here is how to specify grades, quality checks and packing when you buy cumin, turmeric, chilli and coriander in bulk.
Read the article Agro commodities · 6 min readBasmati vs Non-Basmati Rice: An Importer's Guide to Indian Rice
India is the world's largest rice exporter. Learn the difference between basmati and non-basmati varieties, processing types and the specifications to put in your order.
Read the article Chemicals · 6 min readPolyurethane Raw Materials: Polyols, MDI, TDI and Blended Systems
Mattress foam, fridge insulation and shoe soles are all polyurethane. Here is how polyols and isocyanates combine, and how to buy them.
Read the articleExport basics
Buying · 4 min readQuestions to ask before buying chemicals from India
Six checks that save time before you place a first order.
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A clear specification protects both sides. Before you confirm an order, ask for these items in writing.
1. Grade and specification
State the grade, purity and any limits you need to meet. Ask for a technical data sheet.
2. Packing
Confirm drums, bags or bulk containers, the net weight per pack and how the cargo is palletised.
3. Safety data sheet
Your customs office and warehouse will want it. Ask for it before shipment.
4. Shelf life
Ask how long the product keeps and the storage conditions it needs.
5. Samples
For a first order, request a sample and test it against your specification.
6. Import rules
Check your own country's registration and labelling rules for chemicals. Tell your supplier what applies.
Shipping · 4 min readFOB or CIF: which shipping term suits you?
A plain explanation of two terms you will see on almost every export quotation.
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Shipping terms, called Incoterms, state who pays for what and where the risk passes from seller to buyer.
FOB: free on board
The seller delivers the goods onto the ship at the port of loading. From that point the buyer bears cost and risk. FOB suits buyers with their own freight forwarder.
CIF: cost, insurance and freight
The seller pays ocean freight and minimum insurance to the destination port. Risk still passes to the buyer once the goods are on board. CIF suits buyers who want one all-in price.
Which to choose
If you ship regularly and have a trusted forwarder, FOB gives you control. For a first import, CIF is simpler to price. Ask for both quotations and compare.
Documents · 3 min readThe paperwork behind an export shipment
The documents your customs broker will ask for, and what each one does.
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Every export shipment travels with a set of documents. Knowing them in advance avoids delays at the port.
- Commercial invoice: the price and description of the goods, used to assess duty.
- Packing list: what is in each package, with weights and dimensions.
- Bill of lading: the shipping line's receipt and the document of title for the cargo.
- Certificate of origin: confirms the goods were made in India, where the buyer needs it.
- Product-specific papers: for example safety data sheets for chemicals.
Check your own country's import requirements before ordering. Tell us what your customs office needs and we prepare to match.