Shipping & Delivery Policy for Shalan Spice (Pvt) Ltd

At Shalan Spice (Pvt) Ltd, we are committed to delivering premium quality Ceylon Cinnamon and Sri Lankan spices to our global partners efficiently, safely, and in compliance with international maritime and aviation standards.

Since we primarily operate on a B2B (Business-to-Business) model, our shipping terms are structured to accommodate bulk cargo.

1. Shipping Methods & Modes of Transport

Depending on the order volume, urgency, and buyer requirements, we offer the following shipping modes:

  • Sea Freight (Ocean Freight): Ideal for large bulk orders. We accommodate both FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments.
  • Air Freight: Recommended for urgent orders, premium grades, or smaller commercial quantities requiring rapid delivery.
  • Courier Services: For commercial samples and micro-orders, we utilize trusted international couriers such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS.

2. International Commercial Terms (Incoterms)

To ensure clarity regarding costs, risks, and responsibilities, we typically trade under the following standard Incoterms (ICC 2020):

  • FOB (Free On Board): We handle customs clearance and load the cargo onto the vessel at the Port of Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The buyer assumes responsibility once the goods are on board.
  • CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): We arrange the ocean/air transport and marine insurance to the buyer’s designated destination port.
  • CFR (Cost and Freight): Similar to CIF, but the buyer is responsible for arranging their own cargo insurance.
  • Note: Alternative Incoterms can be negotiated and finalized in the Sales Contract.

3. Lead Times & Dispatch Schedule

  • Order Processing & Packaging: Spices are processed, quality-checked, and packed fresh upon order confirmation. Processing times vary based on the order volume and specific packaging/private labeling requirements (typically 7 to 21 business days).
  • Transit Times: Sea freight transit times vary significantly depending on the destination port (e.g., Asia: 7–15 days, Europe: 20–35 days, North America: 30–45 days). Air freight usually takes 3–7 business days worldwide.

4. Packaging and Preservation

To maintain the rich aroma, volatile oil content, and freshness of our Ceylon Cinnamon and spices during long transit periods, we use export-grade packaging materials, including:

  • Food-grade jute bags / gunny bags.
  • Multi-layer Kraft paper bags.
  • Corrugated cartons with inner polythene liners.
  • Vacuum packaging (upon custom request).

5. Export Documentation & Customs Clearance

We ensure that all shipments leave Sri Lanka with the mandatory regulatory documentation. Standard documentation provided by us includes:

  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List
  • Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB)
  • Certificate of Origin (issued by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce / Department of Commerce)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (issued by the National Plant Quarantine Service of Sri Lanka)
  • Fumigation Certificate (where applicable)

Important Note for Buyers: Import customs clearance, duties, taxes, and any destination-specific compliance/testing fees at the discharge port are the sole responsibility of the buyer/importer. Please check your country’s agricultural import regulations prior to confirming the shipment.

6. Damage and Risk Management

All sea and air freight shipments arranged under CIF terms are covered by comprehensive Marine Cargo Insurance. In the rare event of damage or loss during transit, buyers must notify us and the insurance surveyor within 7 days of cargo discharge, providing official documentation and photographic evidence.

Shipping Inquiries & Tracking

Once your shipment is dispatched, our logistics team will provide you with the tracking details, container numbers, or flight details along with scanned copies of the shipping documents.

For specific shipping quotes, port-to-port estimates, or custom logistics arrangements, please contact our export desk:

  • Email: hello@shalanspice.com / shalanspices@gmail.com
  • WhatsApp / Hotline: +94 74 252 2192