Tea strainers

B2B buyers must prioritize Food-Grade Stainless Steel (304 or 316 grade) to ensure corrosion resistance and prevent metallic aftertastes. For silicone components, ensure they are BPA-free and FDA or LFGB certified. If sourcing plastic variants, verify they are heat-resistant up to at least 100°C to avoid chemical leaching during brewing.

The mesh size determines the tea types the strainer can handle. Ultra-fine mesh (0.5mm or less) is essential for Rooibos or CTC teas to prevent sediment, while perforated holes are suitable for large-leaf Oolong or Green teas. For premium markets, etched precision holes are preferred over woven wire mesh as they are easier to clean and do not deform over time.

For office use, look for strainers with integrated drip trays to prevent mess. For teapots, extra-wide baskets with dual handles ensure stability and allow tea leaves to fully expand for maximum flavor extraction. For travel mugs, long-handle 'stick' designs or slim cylinders are necessary to fit narrow openings.

Quality control should focus on smooth edge finishing (no burrs that could cut users), weld point integrity (spot welding should be seamless and rust-proof), and lid fitment (must be secure but easy to remove). Conduct a salt spray test to verify the anti-rust properties of the plating or base metal.

Always request a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) and specifically ask for a Material Spectrometer Test to confirm the stainless steel grade. On Made-in-China.com, you can utilize Audited Suppliers who have undergone third-party verification by SGS or TÜV Rheinland to ensure their production facilities meet international standards.

Focus on tooling costs and customization. If you require a custom logo or unique mesh pattern, negotiate a rebate on the mold fee once your cumulative order volume reaches a certain threshold (e.g., 5,000 units). Additionally, ask for tiered pricing based on packaging options, as switching from color boxes to bulk polybags can reduce costs by 5-10%.

Tea strainers are classified as food-contact materials. You must ensure the supplier provides Declaration of Compliance (DoC) documents. For the US market, ensure compliance with FDA 21 CFR; for the EU, adhere to Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Failure to provide these can lead to customs seizures or heavy fines.

Since tea strainers are relatively lightweight but can be bulky, Sea Freight (LCL - Less than Container Load) is most economical for orders over 2 CBM. For smaller trial orders, Air Freight or International Express is faster, but you should request vacuum-packed or nested packaging from the supplier to reduce the volumetric weight and save on shipping fees.