Things to Check When Trading Spices: A 25-Point Checklist
The checks every spice buyer and seller should make — counterparty, specification, samples, lab tests, contract terms, documents, payment, shipping and after-arrival claims.
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Spice trading rewards people who check things. Most losses come from a missed detail: a vague spec, an untested lot, a wrong document or an unknown counterparty. Use this checklist on every deal.
Trade guidance only, not legal or financial advice. Agree specifications and terms in writing, and take professional advice for large contracts.
The counterparty
- Registered company name, trade licence and address match
- How long they've been trading, and with whom
- Trade references you can actually call
- Bank details belong to the same company
- Communication from a company domain, not a free email
The product and specification
- Product, origin and grade named exactly
- Measurable specs: moisture, purity, density, size, volatile oil
- Safety limits: aflatoxins, residues, Salmonella, no ethylene oxide
- Crop year
- Packing: bag type, weight, marks, labels
Samples and testing
- Pre-shipment sample approved before loading
- Lab report from an accredited lab, matching the lot number
- Third-party inspection for larger lots
- Retained samples kept by both sides
The contract
- Quantity and tolerance (e.g. ±5%)
- Price, currency and Incoterm
- Shipment period and port
- Payment terms
- Quality claims process and deadlines
- Dispute resolution and governing law
Documents and shipping
- Every document matches the contract and L/C exactly
- HS codes and product descriptions consistent
- Container clean, dry and odour-free
After arrival
- Inspect and sample on arrival
- Raise any quality claim within the agreed time, with evidence
Download the checklist from our resources page.
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Trade spices with a partner you can check
Pyalm trades spices, coffee and pulses from Calicut (Kozhikode) on the Malabar coast and Dubai, exporting to Europe and worldwide, with samples, lab reports and clear contracts. See our trading checklist, quality and products.
💬 Talk to us on WhatsApp or call +971 56 938 0690.