Normal white garlic

When sourcing Normal White Garlic, buyers must focus on bulb diameter (typically 4.5cm to 6.5cm+), firmness, and skin integrity. High-quality NWG should have a clean, white outer skin with slight purple stripes, no mechanical damage, and no signs of sprouting or mold. The moisture content should be strictly controlled to prevent weight loss or decay during transit.

To ensure food safety and market access, suppliers should provide Phytosanitary Certificates issued by national plant protection organizations. For high-end markets, look for GlobalG.A.P. certification, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), and ISO 22000. Ensure the product meets MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) standards for pesticides specific to the destination country, such as EU or FDA regulations.

Garlic is a seasonal crop, with the fresh harvest typically occurring from May to June in major producing regions like China. Fresh garlic is available from June to August, while cold storage garlic is supplied from September to the following May. Prices are generally lowest during the peak harvest but rise as storage costs accumulate; buyers should lock in contracts early to mitigate price volatility.

For bulk B2B orders, garlic is usually packed in mesh bags (5kg, 10kg, or 20kg) or cartons. For retail-ready needs, small mesh bags (250g, 500g, or 1kg) are common. During sea freight, garlic must be shipped in reefer containers maintained at a temperature of -3°C to 0°C with a ventilation setting of 15-25 CBM/h to prevent respiration-induced heat and moisture buildup.

Buyers should mandate a Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) by third parties like SGS or Intertek to verify size, weight, and sprout inhibition. It is critical to use Temperature Data Loggers inside the reefer container to monitor conditions throughout the voyage. Ensure the supplier uses professional cold-chain logistics to avoid the 'breaking' of the cold chain at the port of loading.

Given the commodity nature of garlic, price fluctuations can lead to contract defaults. Use Letter of Credit (L/C) for large volumes or Trade Assurance services on Made-in-China.com to protect the deposit. Avoid 100% upfront payments; a standard practice is 30% T/T deposit and 70% against the scanned copy of the Bill of Lading (B/L).

Garlic is often subject to Anti-dumping duties or import quotas in certain regions (e.g., the USA, EU, and Brazil). Buyers must verify the HS Code (typically 070320) and check for any preferential trade agreements or specific import permits required by their local customs to avoid unexpected costs or cargo seizure.

Focus on volume-based pricing and long-term supply stability. Suppliers are more likely to offer discounts if you can commit to a regular shipping schedule. Discuss weight loss allowances (typically 3-5% is acceptable for agricultural products) and clarify Incoterms—while FOB gives you control over freight, CIF might be more convenient if the supplier has strong relationships with shipping lines.