Buyer Governance

Importer Onboarding Checklist

Use this checklist before first order placement to reduce avoidable delays, scope drift and documentation disputes in cross-border sourcing.

Pre-Order Control Checklist

Supplier identity and registration verification (IEC, APEDA, FSSAI as applicable).
Product and grade specification lock before commercial finalization.
Packaging and labelling confirmation for destination market requirements.
Incoterm clarity (FOB/CFR/CIF), freight basis and delivery responsibility map.
Documentation list alignment before dispatch (invoice, packing list, COO, and applicable certificates).
Pre-shipment communication protocol: who confirms lot, timeline and dispatch evidence.

Pair this with the Buyer Proof Center and export risk-control framework for stage-wise execution.

Ticking an item is not enough. For each one, this is the evidence that shows it is actually done.

Supplier identity and registrations: You can look up each registration number yourself and match the name and address to the exporter's invoice. A scan sent by email is not independent proof. See our verified credentials page for how this can be checked.
Specification lock: The product form, grade and measurable limits are written in the quotation or order confirmation, and a sample has been approved against them.
Packaging and labelling: The pack size, bag type and label content are agreed in writing, and your broker has confirmed that the label meets the destination rules.
Incoterm and responsibility: The quote states the Incoterm and a named port, and says who pays freight, insurance and destination charges.
Documentation alignment: You have a list of documents with a named person responsible for each one, and your broker has said the list is enough for clearance.
Pre-shipment communication: You know who will confirm the lot, when you will receive dispatch evidence and who to contact if the date moves.

Registrations that cannot be checked: If a supplier will not give numbers you can verify, or the details do not match, stop until this is resolved.
Prices far below every other quote: A price well under the market usually means a lower grade, a different Incoterm or costs added later. Ask what is different.
Pressure to pay before a specification is agreed: A genuine supplier can wait for the specification and documents to be settled before payment.
Vague answers about testing and documents: If a question about test reports or certificates gets a general reply, ask again in writing.

Share your destination and product requirement — we will structure the quote around this sequence.