Important noteBuyer Checklist
Documents and checks to plan early.
A premium tea can still fail commercially if the buyer cannot clear customs, satisfy local food controls, or document the lot properly.
Pesticide residues
EU buyers should plan residue checks before bulk shipment. Ask whether the test is lot-specific, which compounds are covered, and whether the report aligns with the destination market's expectations.
Heavy metals
Tea buyers often request heavy-metal screening alongside pesticide residue reports. Build this into sample and quotation discussions instead of waiting until goods are packed.
Certificate of Origin
The Certificate of Origin helps document where the tea was produced. It should match the commercial invoice, packing list, and product description.
Phytosanitary documents
Some shipments may require phytosanitary documentation depending on product form, destination, and importer requirements. Confirm early with the freight forwarder and broker.
Label and packaging
Retail packaging can trigger additional language, ingredient, net weight, batch, origin, and importer-label requirements. Bulk shipments are simpler but still need accurate documents.
Traceability
Keep lot code, harvest note, packing date, and supplier contact connected. Traceability should be visible from sample through invoice and final shipment.