The demand for high-quality Indian tea in the United States is growing rapidly. From craft iced teas and kombuchas to specialty lattes and functional beverage blends, American brands are seeking authentic, flavorful ingredients. For a US-based company, sourcing black tea powder to USA directly from India is a strategic move, but it can also seem complex, with valid concerns about quality, logistics, and regulatory compliance.
We believe in complete transparency. Our success as an Indian tea exporter is built on a meticulous, end-to-end process designed to deliver a superior product safely and efficiently. This article provides a step-by-step look into exactly how we manage the journey of our bulk black tea powder from our facility in India to your warehouse in the USA.
Step 1: Sourcing and Quality Assurance at the Origin
The process begins long before the powder is packed. It starts in the renowned tea gardens of India. We source our leaves from esteemed estates in regions like Assam and Nilgiri, selecting them based on their flavor profile, colour, and suitability for producing a high-quality powder.
Once the tea is processed, our in-house quality assurance team conducts rigorous sensory and physical tests. We analyze the powder for:
Flavor Profile: Ensuring it has the desired briskness and character.
Colour: Verifying the rich, dark liquor it produces.
Solubility: Testing its performance in both hot and cold liquids.
Only the black tea powder that meets our premium standards is approved for the next stage.
Step 2: Adherence to FDA Regulations and US Standards
This is the most critical step in our process for US-bound shipments. We understand that compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is non-negotiable.
FDA Registered Facility: Our processing and packaging facilities are registered with the FDA, adhering to their stringent food safety and manufacturing practices.
FSVP Compliance: We are fully compliant with the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). This means we have a comprehensive, documented system in place to verify that our products meet all relevant U.S. safety standards and are not adulterated or misbranded.
Safety Testing: We conduct third-party laboratory testing for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological hazards to ensure the product is safe for the American market.
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Step 3: Comprehensive Documentation and the Certificate of Analysis (COA)
We provide clear, comprehensive documentation with every shipment. The most important of these is the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). This document is your scientific proof of quality and contains vital information for your own quality control and import records, including:
Product Specifications (e.g., CTC Grade, Mesh Size)
Microbiological Safety Data (confirming it is free from harmful bacteria)
Moisture Content (ensuring shelf stability)
Confirmation of Purity
This commitment to documentation ensures a smooth and transparent process for all parties.
Step 4: Expert Packaging for a Transatlantic Journey
A product’s quality is only as good as its packaging. To protect our bulk black tea powder on its long journey from India to the USA, we use industry-leading, export-grade materials. Our standard is a multi-wall paper or HDPE bag with a heat-sealed, food-grade inner poly-liner.
This robust packaging system is designed to:
Prevent Moisture Contamination: The inner liner acts as a crucial barrier against humidity.
Protect from Light and Air: Preserving the tea’s delicate flavour and aroma compounds.
Withstand Handling: Ensuring the product arrives intact and free from contamination.
Step 5: Seamless Logistics and Shipping to Your Port
The final step is the physical transportation. Our expertise in logistics and shipping ensures a smooth and predictable delivery. We partner with experienced freight forwarders who specialize in the India-to-USA trade lane.
We handle all necessary export documentation, including the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List, to facilitate an efficient customs process. Throughout the journey, we provide clear communication and tracking, so you always know the status of your shipment.
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By meticulously managing these five steps, we eliminate the risks and complexities of international sourcing. Our process is designed to deliver not just a product, but also peace of mind. When you partner with us for your black tea powder to USA requirements, you are investing in a compliant, reliable, and transparent supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is FSVP and why is it important for me as a US importer?
FSVP stands for the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, an FDA regulation. It requires importers to verify that their foreign suppliers are producing food that meets U.S. safety standards. Working with an FSVP-compliant supplier like us simplifies your legal and regulatory obligations.
2. What are the typical lead times for a shipment to the USA?
Lead times can vary. A typical sea freight shipment from India to the US West Coast (e.g., Port of Long Beach) takes approximately 4-6 weeks, while shipments to the East Coast (e.g., Port of New York) can take 6-8 weeks, including port handling.
3. Do you handle the US customs clearance process?
While we provide all the necessary export documentation from our end, the US importer is typically responsible for customs clearance in the USA, usually through their designated customs broker. We work closely with our clients to ensure their broker has all required documents.
4. Can you supply USDA Organic certified black tea powder?
Yes, we can source and supply black tea powder that is certified to USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards. Please specify this requirement when you inquire.
5. What Incoterms do you typically work with for US shipments?
We are flexible and can work with various Incoterms, but common options include FOB (Free on Board) from a port in India, or CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) to a designated US port.
6. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for an export shipment?
Our MOQ for export shipments is typically determined by pallet or container size to be logistically and economically viable. Please contact us with your specific volume requirements for a detailed quote.
7. Which type of black tea powder is best for the US market?
This depends on the application. For iced teas, a Cold Water Soluble (CWS) Nilgiri black tea powder is ideal. For strong milk teas and lattes, a robust Assam CTC black tea powder is the preferred choice.
8. How do you ensure the tea stays fresh during the long transit time?
Our export-grade packaging with its heat-sealed inner poly-liner is the key. It creates a hermetic environment that protects the tea from moisture and oxygen, preserving its freshness and aroma throughout the journey.
About us
We bridge the gap between local producers and global markets, ensuring seamless trade facilitation with exceptional quality and reliability. We provide quick delivery services with customized packaging with all approval of International Certificates (Spices board India, MSME, IEC, fssai, FIEO, APEDA, EU certification, FDA and Many More)
Contact us
Shop No. 3, Ganesh Prestige Sr. No. 2/15, Near Laxmi Jewellers, Dhanakawadi, Pune – 411043, Maharashtra INDIA.
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+91 9545205050
+91 9822422584
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