Export garlic

When sourcing garlic for export, quality is categorized by bulb diameter (e.g., 4.5cm, 5.0cm, 5.5cm, and 6.0cm+). You must ensure the bulbs are plump, firm, and free from mechanical damage, mold, or sprouting. For premium markets, prioritize 'Pure White Garlic' (Snow White) over 'Normal White Garlic' (with purple stripes) as it commands a higher aesthetic value. The moisture content should be strictly controlled below 65% to prevent rot during long-transit maritime shipping.

Compliance is the most critical barrier in agricultural trade. Suppliers must provide Phytosanitary Certificates issued by national customs authorities to prove the cargo is free from pests like the stem and bulb nematode. For the EU market, GlobalG.A.P. certification is often mandatory. Ensure the product meets MRL (Maximum Residue Limits) for pesticides according to the destination country's regulations (e.g., FDA for the US, EFSA for Europe). Additionally, HACCP and ISO 22000 are vital for food safety management verification.

Garlic is a living organism that requires 'breathing' space. Standard export packaging includes 5kg/10kg/20kg mesh bags or 8kg/10kg cardboard cartons with ventilation holes. For sea freight, you must use Reefer Containers (RF) maintained at a constant temperature of -3°C to 0°C with a fresh air exchange rate of 15 CBM/hour. This prevents the garlic from breaking dormancy and sprouting or developing 'waxy breakdown' due to heat stress.

Garlic is a seasonal crop, typically harvested in May and June. Sourcing 'Fresh Garlic' is best from June to August. From September onwards, you will be purchasing 'Cold Storage Garlic'. Prices are generally lowest during the harvest peak but fluctuate based on global yield reports and cold storage electricity costs. B2B buyers should lock in contracts during the harvest season to ensure price stability for year-round supply.

The primary risk is quality degradation during transit due to improper container settings or delays. Another risk is market price volatility, as garlic is often treated as a speculative commodity. To mitigate this, use Third-Party Inspection services (like SGS or Intertek) to conduct pre-shipment inspections at the loading port to verify size, weight, and sprout inhibition.

Focus on transparency regarding the origin (e.g., Jinxiang or Pizhou) and the 'crop year'. Request a detailed breakdown of the price, including the base product cost, processing/packing fees, and cold chain logistics. For large volumes, negotiate a staggered payment schedule (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% against the Bill of Lading) to ensure the supplier remains committed to quality until the goods are shipped.

Garlic is often subject to Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) in certain regions like the USA or specific import quotas in Indonesia and the EU. Always verify the HS Code (typically 070320) and consult with a local customs broker to confirm the tariff rate. Ensure all documents, including the Certificate of Origin (CO) and Fumigation Certificate, are perfectly aligned to avoid costly port storage fees (demurrage).

Utilize the secured payment and trading services provided by Made-in-China.com to protect your funds. Conduct a factory audit (virtual or physical) to confirm the supplier has their own cold storage facilities and processing lines, which indicates a higher level of reliability compared to pure trading companies.