Importing herbal extracts from India: the documents checklist
By PuraVida Natural · 25 September 2026
A typical shipment of herbal extracts from India travels with a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of analysis, certificate of origin and a safety data sheet, plus Halal or other certificates if you need them. Your own country's import rules decide what else is required, so confirm with your customs broker before ordering.
Documents from the supplier
Ask your Indian supplier to provide:
- Commercial invoice: product, quantity, value, shipping terms and the exporter's registration numbers.
- Packing list: number of packages, weights and batch numbers.
- Certificate of analysis (COA) for the batch shipped.
- Certificate of origin, when your customs or a trade agreement needs it.
- Specification sheet and safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS).
- Halal certificate or other product certificates, if your customer requires them.
What the importing side handles
Import rules differ by country and by how the product will be used (food supplement, cosmetic, pharmaceutical ingredient). Examples of things to check on your side: registration of the importer or facility, prior notification of food shipments, permitted-ingredient lists, and labelling rules.
Your customs broker or regulatory adviser can confirm these. It is better to ask before placing the order than at the port.
Choosing shipping terms
Quotes should state the shipping term (for example FOB or CIF), the port, and who arranges insurance. Agree these in writing with the price, packing and validity of the quote.
Before you order
- Tell the supplier your destination country and end use.
- Ask for a sample and its COA first.
- Confirm packing size and how the goods will be labelled.
- Ask for the lead time and the payment terms in writing.