Top 5 Costly Mistakes Importers Make When Sourcing Herbal Powders from India
- akshat028
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Most importers make grave mistakes while importing from India.
Be it any product - turmeric powder, henna powder or moringa powder…
Knowing about these problems and avoiding helps importers with competitive pricing, on-time shipments and consistent product quality.
Below, are the top 5 mistakes importers commonly make and how to avoid these pitfalls and receive the best goods from the best suppliers:
Knowing the correct incoterms
A 2021 survey by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) found that 65% of trade disputes arise from misunderstandings about Incoterms like FOB and CIF. For example, importers often pay 12-15% extra in hidden shipping costs due to unclear pricing.
Why It Hurts:
FOB (Free on Board) means you handle shipping and insurance. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) covers costs to your port.
The Fix:
Ask suppliers clearly: “Is this price FOB or CIF?”
Proper Certification
Quality assurance is non-negotiable in the herbal export industry.
Many importers mistakenly of accepting certifications at face value, without performing thorough due diligence.
Certifications like FSSAI, USDA Organic, ISO 22000, and Fair Trade are critical indicators of product safety and quality and certifications like these must be checked with the respective supplier.
This step is vital because a misrepresented certification can mean that the product does not meet international safety standards, ultimately affecting your brand reputation and compliance with regulatory bodies.
With Gupta Global Exports, you receive only products verified by rigorous quality checks, so you can confidently market your herbal powders to global buyers.
Not Locking in Long-Term Supplier Contracts
The Spice Board India’s 2023 Report noted 35-40% price spikes for herbs like turmeric during harvest seasons (October-December). Buyers without contracts pay 18-22% more, per APEDA’s 2023 Export Statistics.
Why It Hurts:
Prices swing wildly, and suppliers prioritize contracted buyers.
The Fix:
Sign contracts with price locks and late-delivery penalties.
Selecting Exporters with Very High MOQs
Many first-time importers make the mistake of partnering with exporters who enforce unnecessarily high Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs).
These inflated requirements - often 30-50% higher than industry standards - can drain your capital.
Rather than automatically accepting these terms, buyers should select suppliers with No Minimum Order Qunaitity.
A Canadian supplement company saved thousands by avoiding a supplier demanding 1,500kg minimums and instead choosing one with no MOQ for herbal organic powder - with the same quality.
Guess which exporter did they shift to because of No Minimum Order Quantity for supplying organic herbal powder from India?
Gupta Global Exports.
Neglecting Market Trends and Seasonal Variations
The Spice Board India’s 2024 Price Tracker shows turmeric prices drop 25-30% post-harvest (March-April) but spike 40% by December.
Many importers forget seasonal variations and market fluctuations which results in overpayment during peak demand.
Staying updated with the latest market insights from authoritative bodies like APEDA and the Spice Board India is crucial.
These organizations provide regular updates on pricing trends, quality benchmarks, and supply-demand metrics that can inform your purchasing decisions.
At Gupta Global Exports, our team continuously monitors market conditions and provides you with real-time insights. We provide you constant updates for your sourcing strategy, so you can benefit from competitive pricing and timely deliveries - keeping your business FAST.
How Gupta Global Exports Can Help You Avoid These Mistakes
At Gupta Global Exports, we specialize in bridging the gap between global importers and India’s top herbal powder suppliers.
Here’s how we can be your best herbal powder supplier partner:
Transparent Pricing: We provide detailed quotes that clearly differentiate between FOB and CIF pricing, ensuring that you are never caught off guard by hidden costs.
Rigorous Certification Verification: Our team provides all the certifications you require ranging from FSSAI to NPOP EU Organic.
No Minimum Order Quantity: By leveraging extensive market data from APEDA, Spice Board India, and DGFT, we negotiate favorable MOQs that align with your business needs, optimizing your cash flow and order flexibility.
Diverse Supplier Network: We work with a broad range of suppliers across key regions like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and the Coimbatore processing zones. This diversity protects your supply chain against disruptions and ensures consistent product quality.
Advanced Quality Control: Our commitment to quality is unwavering. We conduct independent lab tests and regular audits, so you receive products that meet international standards every time.
Partnering with Gupta Global Exports means you are not just sourcing herbal powders - you are investing in a risk-free supply chain that prioritizes quality, transparency, and efficiency.
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Ready to optimize your supply chain? Reach out to Gupta Global Exports by clicking here or visit our website for more information on our comprehensive services. Let us help you navigate the complexities of global trade and build a resilient, cost-effective import strategy.
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