Fresh garlic

When sourcing fresh garlic, quality is primarily determined by bulb diameter, color, and firmness. Standard export grades usually categorize garlic into sizes such as 4.5cm, 5.0cm, 5.5cm, and 6.0cm+. You should prioritize bulbs that are plump, heavy for their size, and free from sprouts or mechanical damage. For white garlic varieties, ensure the skin is clean and bright white (or purple-striped depending on the variety) without dark mold spots, which indicate poor drying or storage conditions.

Fresh garlic is a living organism; therefore, moisture content must be below 65% to prevent sprouting and rot during transit. For cross-border shipping, garlic must be transported in reefer containers (refrigerated) maintained at a constant temperature of -3°C to 0°C with a relative humidity of 65% to 70%. Ensure the supplier provides ventilation settings that allow for adequate airflow to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide, which can cause internal browning.

Compliance is critical to avoid customs rejection. Buyers should require Phytosanitary Certificates issued by the exporting country's national plant protection organization. For entry into major markets like the EU or USA, GlobalG.A.P. certification is highly recommended to ensure Good Agricultural Practices. Additionally, verify that the product meets MRL (Maximum Residue Limits) for pesticides according to the destination country's food safety regulations, and request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party lab like SGS or Intertek.

Packaging should be selected based on the target market's retail or processing needs. Common options include 10kg or 20kg mesh bags for bulk wholesale, which offer the best ventilation. For retail-ready supply, small mesh bags (250g, 500g, or 1kg) or pre-packed cartons (5kg/10kg) are preferred. Ensure that the packaging materials are food-grade and sturdy enough to withstand stacking in high-humidity environments.

The biggest risks are market price volatility and quality degradation during transit. Garlic prices can fluctuate daily based on harvest yields in major regions like Shandong, China. To mitigate this, use fixed-price contracts or staggered purchasing. To prevent quality loss, always hire a third-party inspector to conduct a 'Loading Supervision' to ensure the garlic is loaded at the correct temperature and is not 'wet' before sealing the container.

Focus negotiations on payment terms and weight loss allowances. It is standard in the industry to allow for a 3-5% natural weight loss due to moisture evaporation during long voyages. Negotiate for a 30% deposit and 70% against the Bill of Lading (B/L). For large-scale buyers, ask if the supplier can provide private labeling (OEM packaging) at no extra cost for high-volume orders.

Agricultural products are high-risk due to their perishable nature. Always use Secure Payment services provided by platforms like Made-in-China.com to ensure your funds are protected until the shipping documents are verified. Never wire 100% of the payment upfront to a new supplier. Verify the supplier's Business License and Export Permit to ensure they are a legitimate producer or authorized exporter rather than an unregulated middleman.

Garlic is often subject to Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) in countries like the USA and parts of the EU to protect local farmers. Before ordering, check your local customs tariff schedule for HS Code 070320. Ensure your supplier can provide a Certificate of Origin (CO) Form A or RCEP CO if applicable, which can significantly reduce or exempt you from import duties under free trade agreements.