Every week we receive enquiries from buyers who have never imported from Sri Lanka before. They want to place a first order but are not sure what documentation they need, which Incoterm to choose, or how the logistics chain actually works.
Start with a Sample, Not a Container
The single biggest mistake new importers make is skipping the sample stage. A 200–500 g sample costs almost nothing to ship and gives you the chance to run your own lab tests, check moisture content, and compare against your current supplier. We send samples free of charge to verified importers. Request yours here.
Documents You Will Need
- Certificate of Origin (CO) — required by most importing countries for tariff purposes.
- Phytosanitary Certificate — confirms the product is free from pests and disease. Mandatory for almost all markets.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) — lab results covering moisture, ash content, essential oil yield, microbial counts, and heavy metals.
- Organic Certificate (if applicable) — USDA NOP or EU Organic, issued by our third-party certifying body.
Choosing an Incoterm
FOB Colombo is the most common term for first-time buyers. CIF is easier for smaller buyers who want a single landed price but gives you less visibility into freight costs. Our export team handles queries for 47 countries daily. Send us a message and we will come back to you within 24 hours.