A Buyer's Guide to Sourcing Indian FMCG Products

India supplies a large share of the world's spices, rice, pulses and packaged staples. For a first-time importer, the difficulty is not finding a supplier but knowing which questions separate a reliable exporter from a broker.

Start with documentation. A genuine merchant exporter holds an IEC registration, an FSSAI licence and, for agricultural produce, APEDA registration. Ask for copies before you discuss pricing.

Next, agree the specification in writing: moisture content, purity, grain length, colour value, packing material and label artwork. A specification sheet attached to the proforma invoice prevents most disputes.

Finally, confirm who prepares the export documents. When the exporter handles invoicing, certificates of origin and phytosanitary paperwork in-house, your clearance at destination is far smoother.