What buyers should specify
Tea and infusion buyers should attach microbial limits, pesticide residue expectations, heavy metal limits, aflatoxin requirements, color grade, and intended regulatory market.
Spec fields to include
Attach buyer-defined fields early so suppliers can compare current lots without assuming price, stock, documents, or route readiness.
- moisture range
- color grade
- purity/admixture tolerance
- pesticide residue expectation
- microbiology limits
- intended use
Buyer spec table
Use these fields as RFQ prompts. Typical target/range values are buyer-defined and must be confirmed against current lot documents.
| Field | Typical target/range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | Buyer must define target; supplier confirms lot value | Dryness affects shelf life, weight, and container risk. |
| Purity/admixture | Buyer must define tolerance | Comparable RFQs need the same foreign-matter limit. |
| Color/grade | Whole, cut, sifted, tea-cut, or extraction grade | Use case changes acceptable color and cut. |
| Residue/microbiology | Buyer or destination limit | Food and beverage buyers often need lab evidence. |
Common grades
- whole dried calyces
- cut and sifted
- organic or conventional lots
RFQ document checklist
Ask for only the documents the buyer or destination requires, then wait for supplier-confirmed lot evidence.
- COA
- phytosanitary certificate
- certificate of origin
- microbiology and pesticide residue reports
Packaging and shipment notes
20-25 kg lined kraft bags or cartons, palletized for dry container loading. Quote accuracy improves when buyers include destination port, Incoterm, target timeline, and any mandatory certificates.
Destination questions
Origin Direct can only route a useful RFQ when the buyer defines the route and compliance context.
- destination port
- FOB or CIF comparison
- container or first-lot size
- COA, phytosanitary, pesticide, and microbiology requirements
For a document-first checklist, review Hibiscus RFQ documents.
Buyer-fit note
Hibiscus demand is strongest when the RFQ includes intended use: tea, beverage, extract, and food manufacturing. Origin Direct uses this information to route qualified requests without promising fixed MOQ, price, or availability before supplier confirmation. Commercial terms remain supplier-confirmed before outbound follow-up.
RFQ routing and privacy
Origin Direct is an independent sourcing/RFQ desk. Buyer details stay private while requirements are reviewed, and anonymized supplier routing happens only for quote preparation after the buyer gives partner-sharing permission.
How the sourcing desk works