Introduction

Customs delays are one of the most frustrating roadblocks in international food trade. Whether you’re importing wood-pressed oils, Indian pickles, or A2 ghee, a holdup at customs can increase costs, damage goods, and strain buyer relationships. At Manjulam Impex, we believe in proactive planning and clear documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance. Here’s a guide for buyers and B2B importers to minimize customs delays and recover quickly if they occur.

Know the Documentation Requirements

Understanding import rules of the destination country is key.

  • Ensure FSSAI, COA (Certificate of Analysis), HS codes, and Certificate of Origin are properly prepared.

  • Missing or incorrect documents are top causes of delays.

  • Manjulam includes all standard export documents by default.

  • Double-check any additional country-specific paperwork.

Labeling & Packaging Must Be Country-Compliant

Incorrect or non-compliant packaging is a frequent trigger for inspections.

  • Use food-safe, leak-proof packaging.

  • Labels must include ingredients, origin, weight, expiry, and nutrition as per buyer country law.

  • Halal or organic certification, if applicable, must be clearly marked.

  • At Manjulam, we offer customized packaging and labeling solutions.

Smart Contracting with Repeat Buyers

Having strong supplier agreements prevents misunderstandings.

  • Define timelines, Incoterms (like FOB, CIF), and dispute resolution.

  • Automate your sourcing using smart contracting tools.

  • Repeat buyers can enjoy smoother re-orders with known compliance history.

  • Manjulam supports long-term contracts for repeat clients.

Build Buffer Time & Track Your Shipment

Plan for customs checks in your timeline.

  • Always build in 3–5 days of buffer around estimated arrival.

  • Use shipments with tracking to monitor progress.

  • Share tracking details with buyers so expectations are aligned.

What To Do If Delay Happens

Delays aren’t always avoidable, but response time matters.

  • Contact customs via your clearing agent to understand the issue.

  • Provide missing or corrected documents quickly.

  • Stay transparent with your buyers – it builds trust.

  • Manjulam offers full post-shipment support, including agent coordination.

Conclusion

Whether you’re importing ghee for Horeca, mustard oil, or traditional Indian foods, a customs delay can hurt business. With smart documentation, smart contracting, and the right export partner like Manjulam Impex, you can minimize risks and keep your supply chain moving.