Six steps from requirement to shipment
Each step shows what the buyer provides, what we do, and a typical duration. Actual durations vary by product, supplier and destination.
Buyer requirement
Product specification, quantity, destination port, Incoterm, packaging, documentation, inspection requirements, target lead time.
Review the RFQ for completeness; ask clarifying questions; assess feasibility across our supplier network.
1–2 business days
Supplier check
Provide any buyer-specific compliance requirements (destination MRLs, labelling, certifications).
Identify and verify 3–5 shortlisted suppliers — IEC, GST, MSME, capacity, references — and confirm capability for the specific order.
3–7 business days
Quotation
Review the quotation comparison; approve a supplier; issue purchase authorisation.
Issue RFQ to shortlisted suppliers; collect quotations; present a clear comparison with our recommendation.
3–7 business days
Inspection
Approve sample (for first orders / private label); confirm inspection agency and AQL levels; approve inspection brief.
Coordinate sample evaluation and lab testing where required; prepare inspection brief; schedule and supervise pre-shipment inspection; review report.
1–3 weeks (incl. lab tests)
Documentation
Approve draft documents (CI, PL, BL, COO) before originals are issued; confirm LC terms if applicable.
Coordinate the full document pack — CI, PL, COO, BL, COA, product-specific certificates; review drafts for internal consistency.
3–7 business days
Shipment
For FOB/FCA, nominate freight forwarder; for CIF, confirm freight and insurance scope.
Coordinate container booking, stuffing supervision, B/L issuance and original document courier; track shipment.
Container stuffing: 1–2 days; transit: 7–40 days depending on destination
Incoterms 2020 — who pays, who bears risk
A practical reference for the Incoterms most commonly used in Indian exports. Always specify the Incoterm and named port in full in the Proforma Invoice (e.g., "FOB Nhava Sheva, India, Incoterms 2020").
| Code | Name | What it means | Freight paid by | Risk transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXW | Ex Works | Seller makes goods available at their premises. Buyer handles everything from there — loading, export clearance, freight, insurance, import clearance. | Buyer | Seller's premises |
| FCA | Free Carrier | Seller delivers goods, cleared for export, to the buyer's nominated carrier at a named place. Modern alternative to FOB; works for LCL and air freight. | Buyer | When handed to nominated carrier |
| FOB | Free On Board | Seller loads goods on board the vessel at the named origin port. Buyer handles ocean freight, insurance and destination clearance. | Buyer | On board vessel at origin port |
| CFR | Cost and Freight | Same as FOB, plus seller pays ocean freight to the named destination port. Buyer handles insurance and destination clearance. Risk transfers at origin port. | Seller (freight only) | On board vessel at origin port |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance and Freight | Same as CFR, plus seller arranges minimum marine insurance. Risk still transfers at origin port — the seller arranges freight and insurance as a service. | Seller (freight + insurance) | On board vessel at origin port |
FOB / FCA — best when the buyer has a nominated freight forwarder and wants cost control.
CIF / CFR — useful for first-time or small buyers who prefer the seller to arrange freight.
EXW — buyer handles everything from the supplier's door; rarely used for Indian exports.
Request a Quote
Share your product specification, target destination, MOQ and certification requirements. Our team will evaluate supplier availability, quality feasibility, compliance and documentation before confirming.