Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers for international buyers — from tea selection and ordering to payment, shipping, and building a long-term supply partnership.

Tea Selection & Knowledge

What types and categories of Chinese tea do you offer for wholesale export?

We export all six major categories of Chinese tea: Green Tea (Longjing, Biluochun, Gunpowder), White Tea (Silver Needle, White Peony), Oolong (Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao), Black Tea (Keemun, Lapsang Souchong, Dianhong), Pu-erh (raw and ripe), and Jasmine / scented teas. Lots are grouped by grade and style — from competition-grade single-origin harvests to everyday grades for specialty retail and high-end foodservice.

How do you grade and classify your tea products? What does each grade level mean?

We use a transparent grading system aligned with Chinese national standards (GB/T) and adapted for international buyers. Grades range from Premium / Special Grade (hand-picked, single-bud or bud-and-one-leaf, limited yield) to Grade 1–3 (progressively larger leaves). Each grade's flavor profile, leaf appearance, and harvest notes are documented on our product sheets so you can match lots to your customers.

How should imported loose-leaf tea be stored at the destination warehouse to preserve freshness and quality?

For optimal freshness, loose-leaf tea should be stored in a cool (below 25°C / 77°F), dry (below 60% humidity), dark, and odor-free environment. Green teas are the most sensitive and benefit from refrigerated storage (0-5°C). White tea does not need refrigeration — keep it sealed, dry and dark. Pu-erh needs ventilation and must not be sealed airtight or refrigerated. We ship in food-grade multi-layer aluminum foil bags with desiccant packets, packed in export cartons. For the per-category detail, see our guide to storing tea after delivery.

Ordering Process & Lead Times

What is the typical process from initial inquiry to first shipment?

Our standard onboarding follows five steps: (1) Initial consultation — share your requirements via our contact form; (2) Sample dispatch — we send curated samples within 3–5 business days; (3) Sample approval and order confirmation — finalize lots, quantities, and shipping; (4) Quality inspection and export packing — typically 7 to 15 business days for in-stock lots; (5) Shipment and tracking — full documentation and real-time tracking provided. Most first orders ship within 3–4 weeks from confirmation.

How long does the sample evaluation process take, and is there a cost?

We typically dispatch sample sets within 3–5 business days of your request. Standard curated sample sets (3–5 teas) are complimentary for qualified B2B inquiries — you only cover the express shipping cost.

What is the typical lead time for loose-leaf tea orders?

In-stock lots typically ship within 7–10 business days after payment confirmation. Seasonal or made-to-order harvests take longer; we confirm the timeline when you place the order. First orders usually leave within 3–4 weeks of confirmation, including sampling. Tea is packed in food-grade multi-layer aluminum foil bags and export cartons. We send a production timeline at confirmation and updates at each milestone.

Payment, Pricing & Trade Terms

What payment methods and terms do you accept for international B2B orders?

We accept T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) bank wire as our standard method, with flexible deposit arrangements based on order size and relationship stage. For established partners, we offer favorable terms including payment against copy of B/L. We also support Letters of Credit (L/C) for large-volume orders. PayPal and Western Union are available for sample orders. All invoices are issued in USD.

What Incoterms do you work with, and which do you recommend for first-time buyers?

We support FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), CFR, and EXW. For first-time buyers, we recommend FOB China port — you control the freight forwarder and insurance, gaining full visibility over shipping costs. For buyers who prefer an all-inclusive, hassle-free price, CIF to your nearest port is ideal. Our logistics team will help you choose the best option based on your order size and destination. What each term obliges each side to do is in our Incoterms guide.

How is your wholesale pricing structured?

We quote by grade and lot. Quotation sheets show transparent FOB pricing per kilogram. There are no hidden fees.

Shipping, Insurance & Customs

Do you provide cargo insurance for international shipments? What does it cover?

Yes. For CIF orders, marine cargo insurance is included in the quoted price, covering standard risks such as damage, loss, and contamination during transit. For FOB orders, we strongly recommend that buyers arrange their own All-Risk cargo insurance through their freight forwarder. We provide all necessary documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, and cargo photos) to support insurance claims if needed.

Can you help with destination-country customs clearance if our shipment encounters issues?

While customs clearance at the destination port is the buyer’s responsibility under standard Incoterms, our export team provides full remote support. We can supply supplementary documents, clarification letters, and lab reports on demand to help resolve customs queries. For key markets (USA, EU, UK, Australia), we maintain a network of recommended customs brokers and can make introductions to streamline the process.

How do you handle shipments to countries with unique import regulations, such as those in the Middle East, ASEAN, or Africa?

We have active export experience to 50+ countries. For each destination we prepare the export documents your broker typically needs — commercial invoice, packing list, and lab reports where relevant. Markets that require extra import checks, including pre-shipment inspection, receive a compliance checklist before the tea leaves. Tell us the destination and we will confirm what we can supply.

Long-term Partnership & Support

Can we visit your tea gardens, processing facilities, or office in China?

Yes. We welcome visits to partner tea gardens, processing workshops, and our office. We help with itinerary planning, local transportation, hotel recommendations, and interpreter services. Many long-term partners began with an in-person visit. Contact us to schedule a trip.

Do you offer exclusive distribution rights or territory protection for long-term partners?

Yes. We grant exclusive distribution for specific tea categories within defined territories to partners with an established track record — consistent reordering, genuine investment in the category, and a clear position in their market. These agreements include priority access to limited-harvest lots and a dedicated account contact. Terms are agreed case by case.

What ongoing support do you provide after the first order to help grow our tea business?

Our partnership extends well beyond the first shipment. Ongoing support includes: seasonal harvest previews and curated sample sets; product photography and English marketing copy for your retail channels; harvest and market notes; a dedicated account manager with response time under 12 hours; and priority packing during peak seasons. We treat every buyer as a long-term partner, not a one-time transaction.

More Answers

Questions About Quality & Compliance?

Our homepage FAQ covers supplier verification, food safety compliance, organic certification, packaging specifications, and return policies.

View Compliance & Quality FAQ

Still Have Questions?

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