Tool 02

Import Readiness Checklist.

Eight questions every institutional buyer should answer before placing their first order with an Indian exporter.

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Readiness Score

8 items — check all that apply

Import Readiness — for buyers importing Indian agri-commodities

This checklist is designed for procurement managers and importers placing their first order with an Indian exporter. It covers what you need before your first container ships.

Import Licence / Business Registration
You hold a valid business registration and food import licence (or equivalent) in your destination country. For GCC: SFDA/ESMA registration. For Kenya: KEBS importer approval. For Bangladesh: BSTI import permit. Pending

Preferred Destination Port
You have a preferred port of discharge (e.g. Jebel Ali, Jeddah, Mombasa, Chittagong). Your freight forwarder has confirmed vessel availability from Nhava Sheva or Mundra to that port. Pending

Licensed Customs Broker
You have a licensed customs broker in your destination country who has handled Indian agri-commodity imports before. Your broker knows the HS code and duty rate for the commodity you are importing. Pending

Commodity Specification Defined
You know the specific grade you need: purity %, moisture %, packaging size (25kg / 50kg PP bags), and whether you need private label or bulk packaging. Vague specifications result in vague quotations. Pending

Minimum Volume — 18 MT per Order
BillionBird's minimum order is 18 MT, equivalent to one 20ft FCL container. If your initial order is below 18 MT, contact our trade desk to discuss trial container options before submitting a quotation request. Pending

Payment Method Confirmed
You have confirmed your preferred payment structure with your bank: TT advance (30% at order, 70% against BL copy) or Letter of Credit (LC) at sight. BillionBird accepts both. LC issuance from your bank: allow 5–7 business days. Pending

Phytosanitary Import Requirements Checked
Your customs broker or national plant protection authority has confirmed the specific phytosanitary certificate endorsements required for Indian pulse or spice imports at your destination port. (Example: SFDA requires Callosobruchus maculatus statement for pulses.) Pending

Third-Party COA Requirement Confirmed
You know whether your destination port authority, retail buyer, or internal quality standard requires an SGS or Intertek Certificate of Analysis. BillionBird commissions a COA on every lot as standard — this item is about knowing what your buyer or authority requires from the COA content (specific parameters, aflatoxin limits, pesticide panel). Pending

Not fully ready yet?

Our trade desk can advise on any item you have not yet confirmed. We have guided first-time importers through every one of these requirements — including connecting buyers with licensed customs brokers in GCC and African markets.

Contact Trade Desk →

Fully Compliant and Ready to Trade?

Request a formal quotation. 12-hour response. Trial container available.

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