Last updated: 9 August 2026
These pages explain our normal working process. A signed quotation, pro forma invoice, specification and sales contract may set different terms and will control the order.
1. Quotations and order acceptance
A quotation is valid only for the period written on it and is based on the stated product, lot or sample, quantity, packing, currency, destination and Incoterm. An inquiry, sample request or purchase order does not by itself bind us. The order is accepted only after the agreed commercial document is issued or signed and the required payment or other stated condition is received.
2. Product, sample and specification priority
The quotation or contract should identify the product, grade or style, crop or lot where relevant, approved sample, sensory and analytical specification, packing, marks, test scope and documents. Unless the contract states another precedence, a signed sales contract and its controlled specification take priority over website text, general brochures and informal messages.
3. Price and Incoterms
Prices may be quoted EXW, FOB, CFR or CIF, or another expressly agreed rule. Every quotation should name the place or port and the Incoterms® edition, normally Incoterms® 2020. Currency, bank charges, insurance, inland haulage, ocean or rail freight and destination costs are included only when the quotation expressly says so.
4. Payment and production start
Payment method, deposit, balance milestone and beneficiary account appear in the quotation, pro forma invoice or contract. Production or lot reservation normally starts only after receipt of the required payment and approval of the product sample or specification, packaging structure, artwork and any buyer-supplied information needed for production.
5. Lead time and availability
Production and dispatch dates are estimates until the tea lot, packing, test laboratory, documents and carrier booking are confirmed. Seasonal spring tea, organic-transition programmes, custom printing and destination testing may require longer preparation. A change requested by the buyer may restart or extend the lead time.
6. Packing and container planning
Normal bulk formats include lined cartons, bags or sacks. Planning ranges are approximately 7–11 MT for 20GP, 16–22 MT for 40GP and 18–24 MT for 40HQ. These are not guaranteed payloads. Tea density, unit dimensions, pallets, route, carrier and legal weight decide the final load. Mixed containers require agreed quantities, marks and loading sequence for every product.
7. Transport and documents
Commercial containers normally move by sea; rail may suit selected Central Asian or European routes. Smaller premium lots and samples may move by air or courier. Documents may include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or rail waybill, certificate of origin, COA and phytosanitary, health or residue documents where required and agreed. The buyer must state destination documentary requirements before contracting.
8. Risk, title, customs and insurance
Risk transfers according to the named Incoterm and place. Transfer of title, if different, follows the contract and payment terms. Unless the agreed Incoterm or contract places the duty on us, the buyer is responsible for import licences, product registration, destination labels, customs clearance, duties, taxes and post-arrival compliance. Insurance is included only where the quoted rule or contract says so.
9. Carrier delay and destination charges
Vessel, rail and air schedules are controlled by carriers and authorities and may change. Estimated transit time is not a guaranteed arrival date. Storage, demurrage, detention, examination, port congestion or failed-delivery charges caused after risk transfer or by buyer delay are borne as stated in the contract and applicable Incoterm.
10. Force majeure
Neither party is responsible for delay caused by events beyond reasonable control, such as natural disaster, epidemic restriction, war, government action, port closure, carrier interruption, power failure or crop disruption, to the extent allowed by the contract and law. The affected party should notify the other and take reasonable steps to reduce the effect.
11. Changes and cancellation
Changes or cancellation after lot reservation, production, testing, packaging purchase, printing or booking may create non-recoverable costs. Any change, refund, credit or revised delivery plan must be confirmed in writing.
12. Inspection and claims
Pre-shipment approval, arrival inspection and quality claims follow the Samples, Inspection & Claims policy unless the signed contract states otherwise.