Top 5 Things to Check Before Buying Imported Raw Materials in India

India’s manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, chemical, and industrial sectors rely heavily on globally sourced raw materials. Products such as cat litter, sesame oil cakes, chemicals, specialty grains, minerals, feed ingredients, and food additives are frequently imported from markets like China, Turkey, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and African nations.

With this rising import activity, it becomes crucial for Indian buyers — whether wholesalers, manufacturers, or distributors — to verify the authenticity, quality, and compliance of imported raw materials before placing large orders.

At Rudra Agri International, we support several Indian companies in sourcing high-quality imported raw materials. From verifying supplier credentials to conducting quality checks and ensuring proper documentation, we help businesses minimise risks and maintain consistency.

Here are the top 5 things every Indian buyer must check before purchasing imported raw materials for their business.

1. Verify Supplier Reputation & Export Track Record

The first step to safe importing is choosing the right supplier. Thousands of companies across Asia supply raw materials, but their experience, reliability, and export credibility vary greatly.

What to Check:

• Years of export experience in the product category
• Factory audit videos/photos for transparency
• Certifications (ISO, HACCP, GMP, SGS-tested, etc.)
• Past references from Indian buyers
• On-time delivery history and production capacity

Reliable suppliers maintain consistent product quality and provide complete documentation for each shipment. At Rudra Agri, we work only with certified suppliers following global standards.

2. Check Product Quality Specifications & Lab Reports

Imported raw materials often have multiple grades based on origin, purity, composition, and processing method. Choosing the wrong grade can affect manufacturing performance, product stability, or final output quality.

Key Quality Parameters to Verify:

• Moisture content
• Purity level (97% / 98% / 99% / 99.5% depending on product)
• Granule size, dust percentage (for minerals, chemicals, cat litter)
• Oil content & protein level (for feed ingredients)
• Heavy metal levels (for food grade products)
• Aflatoxin limits (for agro imports)
• SGS or third-party inspection reports

Ask for:

• COA – Certificate of Analysis
• MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet
• Lab test reports from independent certified labs

This step ensures you receive the exact quality you’re paying for.

3. Understand Import Documentation & Compliance Rules

Every imported product in India must follow specific legal and compliance guidelines. Incorrect documents can lead to customs delays, penalties, or shipment rejection.

Mandatory Documents to Verify:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Certificate of Origin
• Fumigation Certificate (if required)
• Phytosanitary Certificate (for agro products)
• HS Code confirmation

Depending on the category, India may also require:

• FSSAI Import Clearance (food ingredients)
• DGFT approvals (restricted items)
• BIS certification (regulated materials)
• Customs Duty Structure checks

4. Check Pricing Structure, Incoterms & Hidden Costs

Before finalising an order, it is crucial to understand the complete cost structure. Imported goods often include multiple hidden expenses if Incoterms are not clear.

Understand These Cost Variables:

• FOB Price (cost at origin port)
• CIF Price (includes freight + insurance)
• DDP/DDU options (door delivery terms)
• Container loading charges
• Destination port charges
• Customs duty + GST
• Local transportation
• Clearing agent fees

A clear understanding prevents unexpected financial issues and protects profit margins.

Additional Things to Confirm:

• Expected transit time
• Port congestion or seasonal delays
• Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
• Packaging type (bags, pallets, big bags, cartons)

Professional suppliers always provide transparent pricing and breakdowns for each cost element.

5. Inspect Packaging, Shelf Life & Storage Requirements

Many imported raw materials are highly sensitive to moisture, temperature, and contamination. Poor packaging or storage conditions can lead to quality deterioration during transit.

Important Packaging Checks:

• Type of packaging (PP bags, laminated bags, kraft bags, jumbo bags)
• Bag strength & stitching quality
• Moisture protection liners
• Palletized or non-palletized loading
• Container fumigation for organic goods

Product-Specific Checks:

• Bentonite litter: moisture-proof & dust-free packaging
• Feed ingredients: airtight bagging to prevent fungal growth
• Food grade items: contamination-free handling
• Chemicals/minerals: correct hazard labeling

Always check the manufacturing date, shelf life, and storage requirements to ensure product stability after arrival.

Final Thoughts

Importing raw materials offers huge advantages in terms of quality, availability, and pricing — but only when done correctly. By verifying the supplier, checking quality specifications, understanding documentation, clarifying costs, and ensuring proper packaging, Indian buyers can minimise risks and strengthen their business operations.

If you're looking to source imported raw materials for your company, contact Rudra Agri International today for samples, pricing, and detailed specifications.