Frequently Asked Questions

You can request a quote in three ways: via our online quote form, by emailing sales@unitedspices.in, or by calling us directly at +91 95855 30094.

Please include the following details in your enquiry for the fastest response:

• Product name(s) and form required (powder / whole / finger / bulb)
• Quantity in kilograms or metric tonnes
• Destination country and port
• Preferred incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.)
• Any specific quality parameters or certifications required

We typically respond with a personalised quote within 24 working hours.

Yes. We provide pre-shipment product samples (up to 250 g per product) for quality evaluation. Each sample is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming key quality parameters.

International courier charges for sample dispatch are borne by the buyer. Alternatively, if you have a courier account (DHL, FedEx, UPS), we can ship on your account. Domestic sample dispatch within India is complimentary.

Absolutely. We routinely consolidate multiple spice products — for example, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, and cumin — into a single LCL (Less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load) shipment, subject to the combined MOQ of 1,000 kg.

Each product will be individually packed, labelled, and documented. A consolidated commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin will be issued for the combined shipment.

Once all order details are agreed (product spec, quantity, packaging, incoterms), we issue a Proforma Invoice (PI) within 24 hours. The order is confirmed upon receipt of the agreed advance payment.

Processing and dispatch typically begins within 2–3 business days of order confirmation for in-stock products. For freshly processed or custom-grade products, lead times are communicated at the time of order.

Yes — we actively partner with importers, wholesalers, distributors, and food manufacturers for long-term supply contracts. Partnership benefits include preferential pricing, priority production slots, dedicated account management, and co-branded or private-label options.

We evaluate partnership proposals based on volume commitment, market geography, and product fit. Fill in our distributor enquiry form or contact us directly to begin the conversation.

We export a comprehensive range of premium Indian spices. Our current product portfolio includes:

Custom spice blends and private-label formulations are also available. Contact us for products not listed above — our sourcing network covers the full range of Indian spices.

Curcumin content is verified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) — the gold-standard analytical method recognised by AOAC International, the European Pharmacopoeia, and major food safety authorities globally.

Testing is conducted batch-by-batch at accredited third-party laboratories. Our standard turmeric achieves 3.0–5.0% curcumin content. The test report is included in the CoA provided with each shipment.

High-curcumin grades (5%+ for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical use) are available on request.

Yes — every export batch undergoes comprehensive contaminant testing at accredited third-party labs. Our standard test panel includes:

• Pesticide Residues — 500+ compound multi-residue screen compliant with EU MRL and FSSAI limits
• Heavy Metals — Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury (per EU Regulation 2023/915)
• Mycotoxins — Aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2 <10 ppb), Ochratoxin A (<3 ppb)
• Microbiological — Total Plate Count, Yeast & Mould, E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus
• Adulteration — Sudan dye screening, starch additives, extraneous matter

Full test reports are available upon request or included in the pre-shipment CoA.

Yes. We source organic turmeric and select other spices from farms certified under NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production) for Indian market compliance and NOP (USDA Organic) for US export compliance. EU Organic equivalency is also available for relevant products.

Organic certification documentation (farm certificate, transaction certificate) accompanies all organic shipments. Please specify "organic" when placing your enquiry so we can confirm availability and pricing.

Yes. Our milling facility can produce powder in a range of fineness levels. Standard options for turmeric powder are 40, 60, 80, and 100 mesh. Other grades are available for black pepper, cumin, coriander, and other ground spices.

If your application requires a specific particle size distribution (PSD) or bulk density, share your technical specifications and we will confirm feasibility.

Shelf life is from the packing date printed on each bag. Products should be stored away from direct sunlight and strong odours. Under proper storage conditions, quality is typically maintained well beyond the stated shelf life.

We export to over 30 countries across all major global markets. Our primary export destinations include:

We can export to any country that permits the import of certified Indian spices. Country-specific documentation and compliance requirements are handled by our export team.

We are flexible and support all standard Incoterms 2020 arrangements:

FOB and CIF are most commonly chosen by our international buyers. Please specify your preferred incoterm when requesting a quote.

Our standard lead time from order confirmation to cargo delivery at the port of loading is 10–15 business days. This includes final quality checks, packing, labelling, pre-shipment inspection (if required), and inland transport to the port.

Express processing in 5–7 business days is possible for in-stock products and may attract a small surcharge. Lead times for custom-processed or freshly harvested seasonal products are communicated individually.

We primarily ship from three South Indian ports, chosen based on destination, vessel availability, and freight rates:

For time-sensitive or small shipments, air cargo from Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) or Chennai Airport (MAA) can also be arranged.

A standard shipment includes the following documents:

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List
• Bill of Lading (BL) or Airway Bill
• Phytosanitary Certificate (issued by NPPO India)
• Certificate of Origin (issued by FIEO / Chamber of Commerce)
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with full lab test results
• Fumigation Certificate (if required by the destination country)

Additional documents available on request: Organic Certificate, Halal/Kosher Certificate, MSDS/SDS Sheet, Pre-Shipment Inspection Report (SGS, Bureau Veritas, etc.).

Yes. For US-bound shipments, we are FDA-registered as a foreign food facility and can file the mandatory FDA Prior Notice for each shipment. We are familiar with FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program) requirements and can provide supporting documentation to assist your compliance.

For EU-bound shipments, our products are tested to comply with EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and relevant EC food safety regulations. An EU-authorised importer can be recommended if needed.

Our facility and products carry the following certifications:

Halal and Kosher certifications are available on request for specific batches. We can also arrange pre-shipment inspection and certification by third-party agencies (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) upon buyer request.

Halal certification is available on request for buyers in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other markets where Halal compliance is required. Please specify this requirement at the time of enquiry so we can allocate from a Halal-certified batch and arrange the appropriate documentation.

As turmeric is a plant-based product with no animal-derived processing aids or additives, it is inherently permissible under Islamic dietary law — the certification provides the formal attestation your buyers may require.

Yes. Kosher certification is available on request for qualifying batches. Please mention your Kosher requirement in your enquiry. We will confirm the certifying agency, relevant documentation, and any applicable surcharge for batches requiring separate Kosher supervision.

Yes. All our spices are sourced from non-GMO cultivars. Turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, and the other spices we export do not have any commercially approved GMO varieties in India — India prohibits GMO food crop cultivation for the species we supply.

A Non-GMO declaration letter can be provided with any shipment. Third-party PCR-based GMO testing can be arranged upon request if required by your regulations or buyers.

Copies of our current FSSAI licence, ISO 22000 certificate, organic certificates, and relevant lab accreditation can be shared upon request — typically provided with the proforma invoice or prior to your first order.

If you need certificates from a specific accredited body, or if your quality/compliance team needs to conduct an audit or supplier evaluation, please contact us and we will facilitate the process.

We offer a range of packaging formats to suit different buyer requirements and end-use applications:

Yes — private label packaging is one of our key services. We can supply products in custom-branded pouches, tins, glass jars, stand-up bags, or bulk sacks printed with your brand name, logo, ingredients list, and regulatory label information.

Please share your packaging brief (format, size, design files) with us. Our team will advise on print feasibility, minimum quantities for custom packaging, and lead times. Artwork approval is required before production.

Standard export bags are printed with: product name, botanical name, net weight, country of origin, HS code, packing date, best before date, batch number, and our company details. Certification logos (FSSAI, Organic, etc.) are included as applicable.

Custom label content can be accommodated for private label or buyer-specified requirements, subject to minimum order quantities.

Yes. All packaging materials used — woven bags, inner liners, paper bags, and flexible pouches — are food-grade and comply with FSSAI packaging regulations and EU food contact material requirements (EC 1935/2004).

The inner liner of our PP bags is a food-safe polyethylene (PE) film that provides a moisture barrier and prevents direct contact between the spice and the outer woven bag. Food safety documentation for packaging materials can be provided on request.

Yes — custom pack sizes are supported. Common non-standard formats we handle include 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, and 40 kg bags for wholesale buyers, and consumer units from 50 g to 1 kg for retail/private-label clients.

Custom packing sizes may have a minimum order requirement and may affect lead times. Confirm your preferred pack size when requesting a quote.

We accept the following payment modes for international trade:

For first-time orders, our standard terms are 50% advance + 50% against copy of BL. Established relationships may qualify for open account terms or reduced advance percentages.

We primarily invoice in US Dollars (USD). Invoicing in Euros (EUR) or British Pounds (GBP) is also available for buyers in Europe. For buyers in the UAE and GCC region, AED-denominated quotes can be arranged.

INR invoicing is available for domestic Indian buyers. Currency exchange rates are agreed at the time of Proforma Invoice issuance and locked in for that transaction.

Prices are quoted in USD per metric tonne (MT) or USD per kilogram (kg), depending on the product and volume. The quote will clearly state the unit, incoterm basis, and port of loading.

Prices are influenced by current market conditions, crop season, grade, curcumin content (for turmeric), and quantity. We provide firm pricing valid for 7–14 days from the quote date, as spice prices can fluctuate.

Yes. Pricing is tiered based on volume — larger orders and annual contracts attract better unit pricing. As a general guide, orders above 5 MT and annual contracts above 20 MT qualify for preferential pricing.

Long-term supply agreements with fixed pricing over 3–12 months are available for buyers seeking price stability and supply security. Contact our sales team to explore contract pricing options.

For new buyers, our standard payment terms are 50% advance upon order confirmation and 50% balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading (before original documents are released).

For repeat buyers with established payment history, we may extend 30% advance / 70% against BL or Letter of Credit (LC) at sight terms. These are discussed on a case-by-case basis based on order size and relationship history.

Yes. We accept Irrevocable Documentary Letters of Credit at sight issued by reputable banks. The LC should be operative through a correspondent bank in India.

Please share the draft LC terms before issuance so our export team can review and confirm compliance with our standard shipment and documentation practices. This avoids amendments and delays once the LC is operative.