For importers finalising an order
Natural Stone Import Checklist
Run through this before you confirm an order. Most import problems are visible on this list before the container is sealed.
Specification confirmed in writing
Product, colour, size band, finish and tolerance should all appear in the quotation or proforma invoice — not only in chat messages.
Sample approved from the shipping batch
Approve a sample that represents the material being packed, and keep a retained sample at your end for comparison on arrival.
Packing and labelling agreed
Bag weight, pallet configuration, wrapping, marking and any language requirements for your market should be fixed before production.
Destination requirements verified
Check with your customs broker which documents, declarations and packaging treatments apply to your country. Requirements differ widely and change; the broker at the destination is the reliable source.
- — Commercial invoice and packing list
- — Bill of lading
- — Certificate of origin
- — ISPM-15 compliant timber where wood is used
- — Any country-specific declarations your broker requires
Logistics settled
Confirm port, Incoterm, insurance responsibility and who arranges inland transport after clearance.
Payment terms confirmed
Agree the payment structure, currency and any milestone triggers in writing before production begins, so there is no ambiguity if a schedule slips on either side.
Post-arrival inspection plan
Decide in advance how you will inspect the container on arrival and within what window you would raise any concern. Having this agreed beforehand makes any issue far easier to resolve than negotiating a process after the fact.
A final pre-shipment checklist
Run through this list immediately before the order is confirmed for production.
- — Specification matches the approved sample exactly, including tolerance
- — Packing, labelling and pallet configuration are agreed in writing
- — All required destination documents have been confirmed with your broker
- — Payment terms and milestones are agreed and understood by both sides
- — A retained sample is filed for comparison against the arrived container
Timeline from confirmed order to arrival
Once an order is confirmed, the general sequence is production and sorting, packing, loading and documentation, sea transit, and customs clearance at the destination port. Each stage has a different lead time depending on product, quantity and route, and transit time itself depends on the shipping line and destination. Ask your supplier to confirm an estimated timeline at order confirmation stage so it can be checked against your own project or resale schedule.
Related questions
- Should payment terms be agreed before production starts?
- Yes, confirm currency, structure and any milestones in writing before production begins.
- Is a post-arrival inspection plan necessary?
- It is a sensible precaution — agreeing the process and timeframe in advance makes resolving any issue much simpler.
Products covered in this guide
More guides in our export resources library (10 guides), or browse country export pages.