Logistics Information
Shipping Methods and Transit Times
We ship matcha powder worldwide using three logistics modes: express courier, air freight, and ocean freight. The right choice depends on your order volume, urgency, and destination. Matcha is a lightweight, high-value powder, so most wholesale orders under 500 kg ship by air. Larger bulk orders above 500 kg typically move by sea to reduce cost per kilogram.
Express Courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS)
Express courier suits sample shipments and urgent trial orders under 50 kg. Door-to-door delivery to the US or EU takes 2–5 business days. Typical rates run USD 7–15 per kg for parcels between 5 and 20 kg, though minimum charges of USD 35–55 apply to small packages under 2 kg . For a 10 kg sample shipment from Shenzhen to New York, expect around USD 125 via DHL .
Air Freight
Air freight is our recommended method for bulk matcha orders between 50 kg and 500 kg. Standard airport-to-airport transit from major Chinese airports to US gateways takes 3–5 days, with door-to-door delivery around 5–8 days . Rates on China–US lanes average USD 4–8 per kg for general cargo, with China–EU lanes around USD 3.60 per kg . Air freight offers the best balance of speed and cost for matcha, which is light but perishable in quality if transit times stretch too long.
Ocean Freight (LCL / FCL)
Ocean freight makes sense for orders above 500 kg or for buyers prioritizing cost over speed. LCL (less than container load) shipments from China to the US West Coast take 25–40 days total, including consolidation and customs clearance . FCL shipments to US West Coast ports take 15–25 days port-to-port, while US East Coast ports add 10–15 days via the Panama Canal . Current LCL rates run USD 35–110 per cubic meter, making sea freight significantly cheaper per kg than air for large volumes .
Incoterms We Support
We quote prices under three Incoterms 2020 rules. Each defines who arranges and pays for freight, insurance, and customs clearance.
FOB (Free On Board)
Under FOB, we deliver the goods on board the vessel at the named Chinese port. You arrange and pay for ocean freight, insurance, and import clearance from that point onward . FOB works best if you have your own freight forwarder or a established logistics partner in China.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
Under CIF, we pay the cost of freight and insurance to your named destination port. Risk passes to you once the goods are loaded on the vessel, but we cover the transport cost to destination . CIF simplifies your logistics if you prefer us to handle shipping to your nearest port.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
Under DDP, we handle everything: export clearance, freight, import clearance, and duties. The goods arrive at your door with no additional customs work required on your side . DDP is the most convenient option for first-time importers or buyers without a customs broker. We quote DDP pricing on request for most major markets.
Packaging for Export
Matcha powder requires protection from light, heat, and moisture during transit. Our standard export packaging includes:
| Order Size | Inner Packaging | Outer Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Sample (10–100g) | Foil pouch, nitrogen-flushed | Padded envelope or small carton |
| Trial order (1–20 kg) | 1kg foil bag with zip lock | Double-wall carton with desiccant |
| Bulk order (25 kg+) | 25kg kraft bag with food-grade liner, or 25kg fiber drum | Palletized and stretch-wrapped |
For private label orders, we pack directly into your branded tins, pouches, or stick packs before export. All packaging materials meet FDA and EU food-contact standards. [internal link anchor text: private label matcha]
Customs Documentation
Every shipment includes the following documents for customs clearance:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading (ocean) or Air Waybill (air)
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Certificate of Origin
- Organic certificate (for organic matcha orders)
- Phytosanitary certificate (if required by destination country)
We prepare all export documents within 2 business days of shipment. For destinations requiring additional certifications, such as health certificates for supplement-grade matcha, we arrange testing and documentation at cost. [internal link anchor text: organic matcha certifications]
Lead Times
Order processing and dispatch timelines vary by product type:
| Order Type | Production / Preparation | Dispatch |
|---|---|---|
| Stock grade matcha (under 100 kg) | 1–3 business days | Within 5 business days |
| Stock grade matcha (100–500 kg) | 3–5 business days | Within 7 business days |
| Private label (custom packaging) | 10–15 business days after artwork approval | Within 20 business days |
| Custom formulation (OEM blend) | 15–20 business days after formula approval | Within 25 business days |
Transit time begins after dispatch. Express and air shipments clear customs and deliver within the windows listed above. Ocean freight schedules depend on carrier space availability, which tightens during peak season (July–October and pre-Chinese New Year). Book early if your delivery deadline falls in these periods.
Tracking and Communication
We provide tracking numbers for all shipments within 24 hours of dispatch. For ocean freight, we share the container number and vessel schedule so you can monitor progress. Our logistics team responds to shipment inquiries within one business day. If a customs hold occurs, we assist with documentation to resolve it as quickly as possible.
Get In Touch
Contact us to discuss the best shipping method for your order, request a freight quote, or confirm Incoterms and delivery timelines. [internal link anchor text: request a quote]的需求添加内容