1. Which hibiscus, ginger, garlic, or shea butter grades and specifications do you currently offer?

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

  • Grades: Premium whole calyces, cleaned grade, and export-quality whole leaves
  • Color: Deep red
  • Moisture content: ≤ 12%
  • Foreign matter: ≤ 2%
  • Packaging: 25kg or 50kg PP woven bags (custom packaging available upon request)

Ginger

  • Forms: Fresh ginger and dried ginger slices or powder
  • Quality: Cleaned, properly cured, and free from visible defects
  • Packaging: Ventilated cartons or mesh bags for fresh ginger; food-grade bags for dried products

Garlic

  • Forms: Fresh garlic bulbs and dried garlic (flakes or powder)
  • Quality: Firm, well-cured bulbs with consistent sizing; dried garlic processed under hygienic conditions
  • Packaging: Mesh bags, cartons, or food-grade packaging as required

Shea Butter

  • Grades: Raw (unrefined) and refined shea butter
  • Color: Cream to ivory
  • Texture: Smooth, uniform consistency
  • Suitable for: Cosmetic, personal care, and industrial applications
  • Packaging: Food- and cosmetic-grade containers or drums

All products are supported by quality control procedures, laboratory testing, and regulatory documentation, including phytosanitary certification and export compliance requirements. Samples are available upon request for buyer testing and approval.

2. What are your minimum order quantities (MOQ) and available packaging options?

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ):

  • Dried products (hibiscus, dried ginger, dried garlic): Typically supplied in bulk commercial quantities, with orders commonly structured around 20-foot or 40-foot container loads.
  • Fresh products (fresh ginger and fresh garlic): MOQ depends on seasonal availability and shipment method and is discussed during the quotation stage.
  • Shea butter: MOQ varies by grade (raw or refined) and packaging format.

Packaging Options:

  • Dried products: 25kg or 50kg polypropylene (PP) woven bags; customized or private-label packaging available upon request.
  • Fresh ginger and garlic: Ventilated cartons, mesh bags, or export-grade cartons suitable for transit and inspection.
  • Shea butter: Food- or cosmetic-grade containers, pails, or drums, depending on buyer specifications.

Final MOQs, packaging configurations, and labeling details are confirmed during order discussions to ensure compliance with buyer requirements, destination regulations, and logistics considerations.

3. Can you provide samples for quality testing and evaluation?

Yes. Global Trade Connect (GTC) provides product samples to qualified buyers for quality testing and evaluation prior to order confirmation. Samples are prepared from export-ready stock and packaged to reflect the quality, cleanliness, and specifications of the final shipment.

Sample requests may include dried hibiscus, fresh or dried ginger, fresh or dried garlic, and shea butter, depending on availability. Upon request, samples can be accompanied by product specification details and relevant laboratory test results or certificates to support buyer review.

Sample quantities, packaging, and shipping arrangements are coordinated with the buyer to meet testing requirements and destination regulations. This process allows buyers to evaluate product quality with confidence before proceeding to commercial orders.

4. What certifications, laboratory tests, and export documentation accompany your products?

Certifications & Regulatory Compliance

  • Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the relevant agricultural authority
  • Compliance with NAFDAC and NAQS export requirements (where applicable)
  • Export documentation aligned with international food and cosmetic standards

Laboratory Testing

  • Moisture content analysis
  • Microbiological testing (including Total Plate Count, E. coli, and Salmonella)
  • Aflatoxin and contaminant testing (where applicable)
  • Product-specific quality parameters as requested by buyers
  • Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued by approved laboratories

Export Documentation

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Phytosanitary Certificate
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
  • Any additional documents required by the destination country or buyer

All testing and documentation are arranged to ensure product safety, traceability, and smooth customs clearance, allowing buyers to source with confidence and meet regulatory requirements in their respective markets.

5. What are your pricing terms, Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.), and payment conditions?

Incoterms:

  • We offer standard FOB (Free on Board) pricing from Nigerian ports (Lagos – Apapa/Tin Can Island) for container shipments.
  • CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) and other Incoterms can be arranged upon request to accommodate buyer preferences and logistics requirements.

Payment Conditions:

  • Payment terms are discussed during quotation and order confirmation.
  • Standard practice is advance payment or letter of credit (L/C) for first-time buyers.
  • Flexible arrangements can be considered for repeat buyers with established trade relationships.

All pricing, terms, and payment conditions are confirmed in the proforma invoice prior to shipment, ensuring transparency and mutual agreement between GTC and the buyer.

6. What are your lead times from order confirmation to shipment?

Lead Times:

  • Dried products (hibiscus, dried ginger, dried garlic): Typically 3–5 weeks from order confirmation to shipment, depending on order volume, product grade, and container availability.
  • Fresh products (fresh ginger, fresh garlic): Typically 1–3 weeks, based on seasonal availability, harvest schedules, and air/sea shipment arrangements.
  • Shea butter: Typically 3–4 weeks, depending on order size and packaging specifications.

Lead times include processing, quality control, laboratory testing, packaging, and port clearance to ensure that products meet international standards and arrive in optimal condition.

GTC works closely with buyers to schedule shipments efficiently, and timelines can be adjusted for urgent orders or repeat buyers with established logistics arrangements.