Seven steps to import salt
- 01
Define the specification and the destination’s iodization requirement
Write down the product form (coarse, fine or powder), the size (grade K1 to K3 or Mesh 16 to 26), the pack format, and whether salt for your market must be iodized and at what level. Iodization rules differ by country; see iodine content. In Malaysia, salt for consumption must be iodized; see the Malaysia page.
- 02
Send a request for quotation
Include volume per shipment and per month, destination port, preferred Incoterm, required documents and whether you need private label packs. A complete RFQ gets a quotation without several rounds of questions. Use the export RFQ form.
- 03
Review a sample and its COA
Ask for a sample of the exact SKU with its certificate of analysis. Compare the COA with your specification and, for food use, with your national standard. If needed, have the sample tested by your own or an independent laboratory.
- 04
Agree Incoterm, payment terms and documents
Fix FOB, CFR or CIF, the payment method, quantity tolerance and the full document list in the contract or proforma invoice. Ask your customs broker which certificate of origin form gives you preferential duty, for example Form D under ATIGA.
- 05
Approve production, packaging and labelling
Confirm the sack or jumbo bag format. For retail or private label packs, also confirm the label text and the language your country requires. Approve the print proof before production.
- 06
Loading and shipping documents
The seller loads the containers, the carrier issues the bill of lading, and the document set (commercial invoice, packing list, COA, Halal certificate, certificate of origin) is sent according to the payment terms.
- 07
Customs clearance at destination
The importer lodges the import declaration under the correct HS code, presents the documents and pays duties and taxes. The buyer is responsible for checking local import permits and food product registration before the goods arrive.
Who arranges what under FOB, CFR and CIF
| Item | FOB | CFR | CIF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export customs clearance in Indonesia | Seller | Seller | Seller |
| Main sea freight | Buyer | Seller | Seller |
| Cargo insurance | Buyer | Buyer (optional) | Seller (minimum cover) |
| Risk passes to buyer | On board, port of loading | On board, port of loading | On board, port of loading |
| Import clearance, duties and taxes | Buyer | Buyer | Buyer |
Summary based on the Incoterms 2020 rules. The contract wording takes precedence; agree insurance cover and any extra costs in writing.
Documents to settle before you sign
The certificate of analysis (COA) shows the test results of the batch shipped. Make sure its parameters and units match the contract, for example NaCl as a percentage on a dry basis and iodine expressed as KIO3 or as iodine. The Halal certificate matters when your customers or retailers require it; for our products the issuing body and number are [awaiting data].
The certificate of origin decides whether you can use a trade agreement’s preferential duty. The form differs by agreement: Form D for ATIGA within ASEAN, and a separate form for bilateral agreements such as the Indonesia–UAE CEPA. The commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading must agree with each other on weight, number of packages and description of goods, because even small differences can hold cargo at the port.
Common pitfalls
Iodization units do not match. SNI 3556:2016 sets a minimum of 30 mg/kg KIO3 for iodized consumption salt in Indonesia (source), which is about 17.8 mg iodine per kg. Other countries may state their requirement as iodine rather than KIO3. Write the level and its unit into the contract.
National HS codes differ. The first six digits are the same worldwide, but 8- to 10-digit tariff lines differ by country. See HS code 2501.
Container payload calculated without the forwarder. Payload per container depends on the pack format and on road weight limits at origin and destination. Estimate your needs with the calculator, then confirm the payload with your forwarder.
Labels printed before destination rules are checked. Label language, mandatory content and layout are set by the destination country. Reprinting packs costs time and money.
Goods arrive before the permit is ready. If the import permit or food registration has not been issued when the vessel arrives, containers are held and storage charges accrue. Start the permit process at the contract stage.