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Frequently Asked Questions.

- BUYER SUPPORT -

Everything international buyers need to know before placing an order with Oversea Exim — from MOQ and sampling to shipping terms and documentation.

MOQ & Ordering

  • Our standard MOQ is 25 Metric Tonnes (MT), which typically fills one 20-foot shipping container. This applies to all our main product lines — Basmati Rice, Spices, Coconut, and Fruits & Vegetables.

    For buyers placing their first order or wanting to test a new product, we can sometimes accommodate smaller trial quantities. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements and we will advise based on current stock and logistics feasibility.

    Basmati & Non-Basmati Rice

    Indian Spices

    Semi-Husked Coconut

    Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

    Nashik Red Onion

    25 MT (1 × 20ft container)

    5–10 MT

    10,000 pieces minimum

    5 MT per variety

    10 MT

  • Yes — we can consolidate multiple products into one shipment wherever the products are compatible for co-loading. For example, different spice powders can be packed together, and mixed rice grades can go in one container.

    Note: Fresh produce and dry goods (rice, spices) cannot be consolidated due to different temperature and storage requirements. Contact us with your product list and quantities and we will advise the best shipment configuration.

  • The ordering process is straightforward:

    Step 1 — Inquiry: Contact us via the enquiry form, email, or WhatsApp with your product, quantity, destination port, and preferred Incoterms.

    Step 2 — Quotation: We send you a proforma invoice within 24–48 hours with pricing, specifications, lead time, and payment terms.

    Step 3 — Sample (optional): Request a sample before committing. We dispatch within 2–3 working days.

    Step 4 — Confirm & Pay: Confirm the order and make the advance payment or open an LC as agreed.

    Step 5 — Production & Dispatch: We process, pack, and ship your order within the agreed lead time with full tracking and documentation.

  • We actively work with new buyers and welcome first-time inquiries from any country. We understand that trust is built over time, which is why we make it easy to start — with transparent pricing, free samples, and flexible first-order terms.

    For first-time buyers, we typically recommend starting with a sample, followed by a trial container. Many of our long-term buyers started with a single inquiry just like yours.

  • Agricultural commodity prices fluctuate with market conditions, seasons, and currency rates — so we do not publish a fixed price list. Instead, we provide a personalised proforma invoice for your specific requirements within 24–48 hours of your inquiry.

    To get accurate pricing, share with us: the product name, grade, quantity in MT, destination port, preferred Incoterms (FOB/CIF/CNF), and your target price if any. This allows us to give you the most competitive and relevant quote.

  • Yes. We supply to importers, wholesale distributors, supermarket chains, food processing companies, and re-packers. Whether you are a large-volume importer or a regional wholesaler looking for a reliable Indian supplier, we can accommodate your needs.

    We also work with buying agents and trading companies on a commission basis — contact us if you represent buyers and would like to discuss a working arrangement.

Sampling Process

  • Yes — samples are available for all our product categories. We strongly encourage buyers to request samples before confirming a bulk order. This ensures you are 100% satisfied with the quality, grade, and appearance of the product before committing.

  • The product sample itself is provided free of charge. The buyer is responsible only for the international courier charges from India to your country (typically USD 30–80 via DHL / FedEx depending on destination).

    If you would like to send us your courier account number (DHL or FedEx), we can ship the sample on your account at no cost to you. Alternatively, we will ship via our account and charge you the actual courier cost.

  • We dispatch samples within 2–3 working days of receiving your request and courier details. International delivery via DHL or FedEx typically takes:

    Middle East (UAE, Saudi, Qatar)

    Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia)

    Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa)

    Europe (UK, Germany, Netherlands)

    Other countries

    3–5 business days

    4–6 business days

    5–8 business days

    4–7 business days

    5–10 business days

  • To request a sample, simply contact us via the enquiry form, WhatsApp, or email with the following details:

    • Product name and grade (e.g. 1121 Golden Sella Basmati Rice)
    • Your full shipping address including postal code
    • Your phone number (for courier delivery)
    • Your courier account number if you have one (DHL/FedEx)

    We will confirm dispatch within 24 hours and share the tracking number once shipped.

  • Yes — this is our core commitment. The sample you receive represents the exact grade, quality, and specification of what will be supplied in your bulk order. We do not send premium samples and ship lower quality.

    To further guarantee consistency, we provide a Quality Inspection Report with every bulk shipment confirming that the batch matches the approved sample specification. If you have your own quality requirements or lab test parameters, share them with us and we will ensure compliance before dispatch.

Payment Terms

  • We accept the following internationally standard trade payment methods:

    • LC (Letter of Credit)

    • TT / Wire Transfer

    • DP (Documents against Payment)

    • DA (Documents against Acceptance)

    At sight or usance (30/60/90 days) via any internationally rated bank

    70% advance + 30% against copy of Bill of Lading

    Available for established buyers with prior business history

    Available for long-term buyers on request

    For first-time orders, we work with TT (100% advance). Extended terms are offered once a trust relationship is established over 2–3 successful shipments.

  • We invoice primarily in USD (US Dollars), which is the standard currency for international agricultural commodity trade. We can also invoice in EUR (Euros) or AED (UAE Dirhams) depending on your preference and destination country.

    Currency conversion is based on the bank rate at the time of invoice. Please specify your preferred invoice currency when requesting a proforma.

  • For TT (Telegraphic Transfer) orders, our standard terms are:

    70% advance payment at order confirmation — this covers raw material procurement and processing costs.

    30% balance payment against the copy of the Bill of Lading (BL) — this is sent to you by email once the goods are loaded on the vessel. We only ship after the advance is received, so both parties are protected.

    NOTE: 📋 We provide a Proforma Invoice with our full bank details (SWIFT / IBAN) for wire transfers. All banking charges on your side are borne by the buyer.

  • Yes — we accept LC (Letter of Credit) from internationally recognised banks. LC is actually preferred for large orders as it provides security for both buyer and seller.

    When opening an LC, please ensure the following terms are included:

    • LC should be irrevocable and confirmed
    • Port of loading: Mundra / JNPT / Nhava Sheva, India
    • Partial shipments: Allowed (for large orders)
    • Transhipment: Allowed
    • Tolerance: ±5% on quantity and value
    • Documents required: as per our standard shipment document package

    We will share our full banking details and LC draft terms upon request.

  • Yes. Volume-based pricing is available for orders above 100 MT per product and for buyers placing regular monthly or quarterly orders. Long-term supply agreements also attract preferential pricing and priority production scheduling.

    We value repeat business and reward loyalty — many of our buyers get better rates with each successive order as their volumes grow. Contact us to discuss a long-term supply arrangement.

Lead Time & Shipping

  • From receipt of advance payment / LC opening to loading at the port of departure, our standard lead times are:

    Basmati & Non-Basmati Rice

    Indian Spices (Turmeric, Chilli, Onion)

    Semi-Husked Coconut

    Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

    Custom packaging / private label

    20–25 working days

    10–15 working days

    7–12 working days

    3–7 working days

    Add 7–10 days to above

    ⚠️ Lead times may vary during peak harvest seasons (Oct–Dec) or when global shipping is congested. We always confirm the exact timeline in your proforma invoice.

  • We primarily ship from three major Indian ports depending on the product and destination:

    • Mundra Port (Gujarat)

    • JNPT / Nhava Sheva (Mumbai)

    • Chennai Port

    Rice, Spices — best for Middle East & Africa

    All products — best for Europe, USA & SE Asia

    Coconut & South Indian products

    We select the most cost-effective and fastest port for your destination automatically. You can also specify a preferred port of loading if required.

  • Approximate transit times from Indian ports to major destination regions:

    UAE / Saudi Arabia / Qatar

    Kuwait / Oman / Bahrain

    Malaysia / Singapore

    Indonesia / Philippines

    Kenya / Tanzania / East Africa

    Nigeria / West Africa

    UK / Germany / Netherlands

    Canada / USA

    Australia / New Zealand

    7–12 days

    8–14 days

    10–16 days

    12–20 days

    14–20 days

    20–28 days

    20–28 days

    22–30 days

    18–25 days

  • We offer all major international trade Incoterms:

    • FOB (Free On Board)

    • CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)

    • CNF / CFR (Cost & Freight)

    • EXW (Ex Works)

    Price to Indian port. You arrange and pay freight & insurance from India.

    Price includes goods + freight + insurance to your destination port.

    Price includes goods + freight. You arrange insurance separately.

    Available for buyers with their own freight forwarders in India.

    💡 For first-time buyers, CIF is the simplest option — we handle everything up to your port and you only need to manage customs clearance on your end.

  • Yes. Once your shipment is loaded and the vessel departs, we share:

    • Bill of Lading (BL) with vessel name and voyage number
    • Container number for live tracking on the shipping line website
    • Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) at your destination port
    • All export documents sent by courier or email as agreed

    We remain in contact throughout transit and will alert you of any delays or port changes immediately.

Documentation

  • Our standard shipment document package includes all documents required for customs clearance in most countries:

    Commercial Invoice
    Packing List
    Bill of Lading (BL)
    Certificate of Origin
    Phytosanitary Certificate
    APEDA Certificate
    Health Certificate
    Quality Inspection Report
    Fumigation Certificate (on request)

    📨 Documents can be sent as originals by courier or as scanned copies by email — as per your bank / customs requirements.

  • Yes — a Phytosanitary Certificate is issued by the Plant Quarantine Authority of India and is provided with every shipment of agricultural products (rice, spices, coconut, onion, fresh produce). It certifies that the goods have been inspected and are free from pests and plant diseases.

    This certificate is mandatory for agricultural imports in virtually all countries and is included in our standard document package at no extra charge.

  • A Certificate of Origin (COO) is an official document confirming that your goods were produced and exported from India. It is issued by authorised bodies including FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) or the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC).

    The COO is required by your customs authority to determine the correct import duty rate and to qualify for any preferential trade agreement duties (such as India–UAE CEPA or India–ASEAN FTA). We include this in every shipment automatically.

  • Yes — fumigation is available upon request and is mandatory for certain destination countries (particularly in the Middle East and Africa). We use Methyl Bromide (CH₃Br) or Aluminium Phosphide treatment depending on the product and destination country requirements.

    A Fumigation Certificate issued by a licensed pest control operator is provided upon completion. Please inform us at the time of order if your country requires fumigation so we can factor it into the lead time and cost.

  • Yes — we are familiar with the customs and import documentation requirements of most of our key markets including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Kenya, UK, and Germany. If your country has specific requirements (e.g. Arab attestation for GCC countries, EUR.1 movement certificate for EU, or specific nutritional labelling), please advise us at the time of order and we will prepare accordingly.

    We also work with experienced freight forwarders and customs agents in India who can assist with any complex documentation scenarios.

Certifications & Compliance

  • Oversea Exim Private Limited holds all mandatory licences and registrations required for legal export of agricultural and food products from India:

    • IEC (Import Export Code)

    • APEDA Registration

    • FSSAI Licence

    • GST Registration

    Issued by DGFT, Ministry of Commerce — mandatory for all Indian exporters

    Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority — required for agri exports

    Food Safety and Standards Authority of India — confirms food safety compliance

    Goods & Services Tax — all invoices carry valid GSTIN

    We can share copies of all certificates upon request.

  • Agricultural products such as rice, spices, coconut, and fresh produce are inherently Halal by nature as they are plant-based products with no animal content or alcohol-based processing.

    If your market (particularly GCC countries) requires a formal Halal Certificate, we can arrange one from an accredited Indian Halal certification body. Please request this at the time of ordering. There may be an additional certification fee of USD 50–100 per shipment.

  • Yes — we are aware of the strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) required for agricultural products exported to the European Union. Our suppliers and processing facilities follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and we conduct pesticide residue testing before dispatch for EU-bound shipments.

    We can provide pesticide residue test reports from NABL-accredited laboratories in India. If you require testing against a specific EU MRL list, share it with us and we will ensure compliance before shipment.

    🇪🇺 EU is one of the most stringent markets for agri-food imports. We have experience supplying compliant shipments to UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.

  • Absolutely — we fully support third-party pre-shipment inspection. We regularly work with buyers who require inspection by:

    SGS
    Intertek
    Bureau Veritas
    COTECNA
    TÜV SÜD

    We will arrange full access to our warehouse / processing facility for the inspector. The cost of third-party inspection is borne by the buyer. Inspection reports must be completed before goods are loaded so please factor this into the lead time.

Quality & Packaging

  • Quality consistency is our most critical commitment. Our process includes:

    1. Sourcing: We work only with verified, licensed farmers and processing units with documented quality track records.
    2. Grading: All products are graded against international and buyer-specified standards before processing.
    3. Lab Testing: Each batch is tested for moisture, purity, foreign matter, and pesticide residues at NABL-accredited labs.
    4. Sortex: 100% machine-cleaned using optical sorters to remove discoloured grains and impurities.
    5. Inspection: Final visual inspection before packing and sealing.
    6. Documentation: A Quality Inspection Report is issued with every shipment confirming batch compliance.

  • We offer flexible packaging to suit retail, wholesale, and industrial requirements:

    1 kg / 2 kg

    5 kg / 10 kg

    25 kg

    50 kg

    Custom sizes

    Printed BOPP / PP retail pouches

    Woven PP or printed BOPP consumer bags

    Double-stitched PP woven bags (standard export)

    Jute / PP bags for bulk wholesale

    Available on request with MOQ

    Private labelling with your brand name, logo, nutritional table, and country-specific regulatory information is available. Send us your artwork and we will confirm lead time and MOQ for custom packaging.

  • Shelf life from packing date, stored under proper conditions (cool, dry, away from direct sunlight):

    Basmati & Non-Basmati Rice

    Turmeric Powder

    Red Chilli Powder

    Dehydrated Onion Powder

    Semi-Husked & Green Coconut

    Fresh Red Onion

    18–24 months

    24 months

    18–24 months

    18–24 months

    60–90 days (ambient) / 6 months (refrigerated)

    60–90 days in dry, ventilated storage

    📦 All dry products include silica gel sachets inside each bag to control moisture during transit and storage.

  • We stand behind every shipment we send. In the rare event of a quality discrepancy or damage:

    Step 1: Notify us within 7 days of receiving the shipment with photographic evidence and lab test reports if available.
    Step 2: We will review the claim alongside our Quality Inspection Report issued before dispatch.
    Step 3: If the claim is validated, we will offer a replacement in the next shipment or a credit note — depending on the nature and extent of the issue.

    For transit damage, claims should be filed with the shipping line and/or marine insurance provider (if CIF was agreed). We will assist you with documentation required for the claim.

    🤝 Our goal is always to resolve issues quickly and fairly. Disputes have never ended a business relationship with us — how we handle problems is how we earn long-term trust.

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