Buying rice, pink salt or dates from Pakistan for the first time? This guide explains how quotations work, what FOB, CFR and CIF mean, which payment terms are safest for both sides, and which documents you should expect with every shipment.
How prices are quoted
Bulk food products are usually priced per metric ton (MT) for a full container, based on the product, grade, packing and quantity. Prices change with each crop and with freight rates, so every quotation has a validity date. Retail and private label packs are priced per carton or per pack.
FOB, CFR and CIF explained
Incoterms are international rules that say who pays for what, and where the risk passes from the seller to the buyer. These three are the most common for shipments from Pakistan:
| Term | Seller pays for | Risk passes to the buyer |
|---|---|---|
| FOB Karachi (Free on Board) | The goods, export clearance and loading on the ship at Karachi Port or Port Qasim | When the goods are on board the ship in Pakistan |
| CFR (Cost and Freight) | Everything in FOB, plus sea freight to your port | When the goods are on board the ship in Pakistan |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) | Everything in CFR, plus basic cargo insurance | When the goods are on board the ship in Pakistan |
With FOB, you book the ship through your own freight forwarder. With CFR and CIF, we book the freight to your port. In all three cases, you handle import clearance and duties in your own country.
Payment terms
For safety on both sides, we accept payment through banks only. The usual options are:
- Advance payment (bank transfer): simple and quick, often used for trial orders or as a deposit.
- Payment against shipping documents: the bank releases the bill of lading and other documents to you when you pay, so you pay only after the goods have shipped.
- Letter of credit (LC) at sight: your bank promises to pay when we present the documents the LC asks for. Best for larger orders and new trading relationships.
Never send payment to a personal account. A genuine exporter gives you company bank details that match the company name on the invoice.
From enquiry to delivery
- Enquiry: you send the product, grade, packing, quantity and destination port.
- Quotation: we reply within one working day with the price, Incoterm and validity.
- Samples: sent on request, so you can check the quality before you order.
- Contract: we agree the specification, price, packing, shipment date and payment terms in writing.
- Payment or LC: as agreed in the contract.
- Sourcing, packing and quality checks: usually 2 to 4 weeks. Third-party inspection, for example by SGS, can be arranged.
- Loading: containers are loaded at Karachi Port or Port Qasim. Loading photos can be shared on request.
- Documents: you receive the bill of lading and the other documents through the bank or as agreed, and collect the goods at your port.
Shipping documents
| Document | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Shows the goods, quantity, price and terms; used for customs |
| Packing list | Number of bags or cartons, weights and marks |
| Bill of lading | Issued by the shipping line; needed to collect the container |
| Certificate of origin | Shows the goods are from Pakistan; can lower duties under trade agreements |
| Phytosanitary certificate | Plant health certificate for rice and dates |
| Fumigation certificate | Shows the goods were treated against insects |
| Halal certificate | From the packer, for dates and salt where needed |
| Lab analysis or inspection certificate | Confirms quality and weight (on request) |
Containers
Rice and bulk salt travel in standard 20 ft containers, usually 25 to 27 metric tons each. Soft dates travel in reefer (cold) containers. Lamps, cooking blocks and retail packs fill by space rather than weight, so we prepare a loading plan for each order, and mixed containers are possible.
Tips for a smooth first order
- Start with a trial order to test the quality and the service.
- Check your country’s import rules, permits and duties for each HS code before you order.
- Put every specification in the contract, including packing and labels.
- Ask for samples and approve them in writing.
- Pay through banks only, and check that the account belongs to the company you are buying from.
About Changspire Global
Changspire Global (SMC-Private) Limited is a Pakistani export company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and the Federal Board of Revenue. We source rice, Himalayan pink salt and dates from established mills and packers across Pakistan and ship from Karachi. Request a quote or read how we work.
