International Trade Policy

1. Introduction

Apex India Exports is an India-based merchant export enterprise engaged in the sourcing, procurement, quality coordination and international supply of Indian spices, agricultural commodities and agro-based products to buyers across international markets.

Our objective is to connect reliable Indian sources with overseas importers, distributors, wholesalers, food manufacturers and other qualified commercial buyers through transparent, responsible and professionally managed international trade.

This International Trade Policy establishes the general commercial, quality, sourcing, regulatory, documentation, logistics, payment and risk-management principles followed by Apex India Exports. It applies to international business activities undertaken by Apex India Exports unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing for a particular transaction.

2. Company Information

Apex India Exports — Merchant Exporter
Proprietor: Jegadeesan Jeyarajan
#134A, Prakash Khanna Illam, Thulasiram Street Last, Ganapathy Nagar, Villapuram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India – 625012.
IEC: AFVPN8873J  |  GSTIN: 33AFVPN8873J1ZI  |  FSSAI Central Licence: 12426997000232
Email: support@apexindiaexports.com | jegadeesan@apexindiaexports.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 94880 27646

3. Business Model

Apex India Exports operates primarily as a merchant exporter. Products may be sourced from suitable farmers and agricultural sources, farmer groups and aggregators, processors, manufacturers, packers, established Indian suppliers, and other qualified supply-chain partners. Depending on the product and transaction, Apex India Exports may undertake supplier identification and due diligence, product sourcing, price negotiation, sample procurement, buyer sample approval, quality coordination, laboratory testing, processing/packing coordination, export documentation, customs coordination, freight and logistics coordination, shipment monitoring, post-shipment documentation, and buyer communication and commercial support.

4. Product Portfolio

Apex India Exports currently focuses on the following Indian spices and agro products:

Whole & Processed Spices

Turmeric, Red Chilli, Coriander, Cumin, Black Pepper, Mustard, Fennel, Fenugreek, Cardamom, Clove, Cinnamon, Ginger, Garlic, Curry Leaves, and other spices required by buyers.

Dehydrated Agro Products

Dehydrated Onion and other agro products required by buyers.

Product varieties, grades, specifications, origin and processing forms may vary depending upon buyer requirements and availability. Additional Indian-origin agricultural products may be considered subject to commercial feasibility, regulatory eligibility and mutually agreed specifications.

5. Global Market Coverage

Apex India Exports intends to serve qualified commercial buyers in the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and other international markets where the relevant product is legally exportable and commercially viable. Export availability is subject to Indian export regulations, destination-country import regulations, product-specific restrictions, sanctions and trade restrictions, import permits, food-safety requirements, buyer requirements, and availability of required certificates. Listing a country or region does not constitute a guarantee that every product is permitted for import into that jurisdiction.

6. Indian Origin

Unless specifically agreed otherwise, products supplied by Apex India Exports shall be of Indian origin. Where commercially relevant and supported by appropriate documentation, product origin may be identified by state, district, growing region, processing location, supplier, or batch/lot. Origin information shall not be represented beyond what can reasonably be supported by available documentation.

7. Responsible Sourcing

Apex India Exports seeks to develop reliable and responsible supply relationships throughout the Indian agricultural supply chain. Supplier selection may consider product quality, production/processing capacity, regulatory compliance, food-safety practices, traceability, testing capability, packaging standards, delivery capability, commercial reliability, previous business performance, and documentation capability. Supplier approval does not constitute a permanent guarantee of every future production batch.

8. Supplier Due Diligence

Before entering into significant commercial relationships, Apex India Exports may conduct appropriate supplier due diligence. Such due diligence may include review of business registration, GST details, FSSAI licence (where applicable), product-specific registrations, manufacturing/processing details, certificates, laboratory reports, product specifications, production capacity, previous supply history, references, and bank/payment details. Additional verification may be undertaken based on transaction value and risk.

9. Quality Policy

Apex India Exports is committed to supplying products according to specifications mutually agreed with the buyer. Product specifications may include (where applicable): variety, grade, size, moisture, foreign matter, admixture, broken percentage, colour, aroma, curcumin/curcuminoid content, volatile oil, pesticide residues, aflatoxins/mycotoxins, heavy metals, microbiological parameters, Salmonella, and other destination-specific food-safety requirements. The applicable specifications shall be documented before order confirmation wherever reasonably practicable.

10. Product Specification Agreement

The commercial specification may include: product, origin, variety, grade, size, moisture, foreign matter, admixture, pesticide requirements, microbiological requirements, packaging, labelling, quantity, inspection scope, and certificates required. Any special buyer requirement must be communicated before final order confirmation.

11. Sample Policy

Where requested, Apex India Exports may arrange representative samples subject to availability. Buyers are encouraged to evaluate and approve samples before placing substantial commercial orders, particularly where customised specifications are involved. Sample approval does not eliminate the requirement to comply with the final written commercial specification. For customised orders, written buyer approval may be obtained before procurement or shipment.

12. Laboratory Testing

Where testing is required, Apex India Exports may coordinate testing through suitable laboratories, including NABL-accredited laboratories in India, where appropriate and available. Testing may cover moisture, pesticide residues, aflatoxins, microbiological parameters, heavy metals, adulteration, curcumin, volatile oil, and other product-specific parameters. Testing requirements shall be determined based on the product, buyer specification, destination-country regulations, applicable Indian requirements, and the commercial contract. A laboratory report relates to the sample tested and shall not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee that every unit of a shipment has identical characteristics.

13. Food Safety

Apex India Exports recognises food safety as a fundamental requirement in the international trade of spices and agro products. Reasonable measures may be taken to coordinate supplier verification, product specifications, sampling, laboratory testing, batch/lot information, packaging verification, documentation, and traceability. Destination-specific requirements shall be considered wherever communicated in sufficient time by the buyer.

14. Regulatory Compliance

Exports shall be conducted subject to applicable Indian laws and regulations. Depending on the product and transaction, relevant authorities and regulatory frameworks may include the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), customs authorities, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Spices Board India, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Plant Quarantine authorities, and other competent Indian authorities. The exact registration, certificate or approval required will depend on the product and destination.

15. Destination-Country Compliance

The overseas buyer/importer is responsible for determining and communicating the applicable import requirements in the destination country. These may include import permits, food registrations, product approvals, maximum residue limits, pesticide requirements, labelling requirements, packaging requirements, phytosanitary requirements, health certificates, organic certification, Halal/Kosher requirements, special treatment requirements, import duties and taxes, and local customs requirements. Apex India Exports shall make reasonable efforts to support the buyer with available export documentation where such requirements are agreed before shipment. The importer remains responsible for complying with laws applicable to importation, distribution and sale within its jurisdiction unless otherwise expressly agreed.

16. Organic Products

A product shall only be represented as certified organic where appropriate and valid certification exists for the relevant product, operator and transaction. Natural, traditional or chemical-free cultivation shall not automatically be represented as certified organic. Where organic certification is required, the applicable certification and documentation shall be agreed before order confirmation.

17. Packaging

Packaging shall be agreed based on product characteristics, buyer requirements, destination, transportation method, shelf-life requirements, food-safety requirements, and applicable regulations. Packaging may include PP bags, food-grade laminated bags, kraft bags, jute bags, vacuum packaging, cartons, bulk packaging, or other mutually approved packaging. Final packaging specifications shall be confirmed before shipment.

18. Labelling

Where applicable, product labels may include: product name, grade/variety, net weight, gross weight, batch/lot number, country of origin, packing/production date, best-before/expiry information, storage instructions, exporter details, importer/buyer details, and other mandatory declarations. Final labelling shall be based on destination-country requirements and the agreed commercial specification.

19. Pricing Policy

Export prices may change according to prevailing market conditions. Factors affecting export prices may include commodity market prices, product grade, quality, quantity, season, supplier price, processing cost, packaging, testing, inland transportation, port charges, freight, insurance, exchange-rate movements, destination, Incoterm, and regulatory costs. Quotations shall have a specified validity period. A quotation does not constitute a confirmed sale until accepted and confirmed in writing by Apex India Exports.

20. Incoterms

Apex India Exports may offer international transactions under EXW (Ex Works), FCA (Free Carrier), FOB (Free On Board), CFR (Cost and Freight), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), or other mutually agreed Incoterms, subject to commercial feasibility. The applicable Incoterm shall be expressly stated in the Proforma Invoice, Sales Contract or other transaction document. Responsibilities for freight, insurance, customs procedures, costs and transfer of risk shall be determined by the applicable Incoterm.

21. Export Ports

Depending on product, destination, vessel availability, freight rates and operational considerations, shipments may be arranged through suitable Indian ports, including V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin), Chennai Port, Cochin Port, Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra Port, and other suitable Indian ports. The final port of loading shall be determined according to the agreed commercial and logistics arrangement.

22. Payment Terms

Payment terms shall be mutually agreed before order confirmation. Depending on transaction circumstances, possible structures may include:

22.1 Advance Payment

Full or partial payment before procurement, processing, production or shipment.

22.2 Part Advance + Balance

An agreed percentage before procurement/production and balance against agreed shipping documents or before release of goods/documents.

22.3 Irrevocable Letter of Credit

Irrevocable Letter of Credit subject to mutually agreed terms, acceptable issuing/advising banks and applicable banking requirements.

22.4 Documents Against Payment / Other Bank-Based Arrangements

Such arrangements may be considered where commercially acceptable and subject to transaction-specific risk assessment.

22.5 Credit Terms

Credit terms, where offered, shall require separate written approval by Apex India Exports. No shipment shall be made on credit merely on the basis of an informal buyer request.

23. Payment Security

Apex India Exports reserves the right to conduct commercial due diligence before accepting substantial orders or extending any credit arrangement. Assessment may include buyer company verification, registration details, importer information, website/business verification, trade references, banking information, transaction history, compliance screening, and credit assessment. Additional documents may be requested depending on transaction value and risk.

24. Buyer KYC

Overseas buyers may be requested to provide appropriate information for commercial and compliance purposes, including: company registration certificate, import licence (where applicable), tax/VAT registration, registered address, website, contact details, authorised representative details, beneficial ownership information where appropriate, bank details, and trade references where necessary. Apex India Exports may decline transactions where satisfactory verification cannot be completed.

25. Order Confirmation

A commercial order shall become binding on Apex India Exports only after written confirmation. The order confirmation may include: buyer details, product, quantity, specification, price, currency, Incoterm, port of loading, destination, packaging, payment terms, shipment period, documentation requirements, inspection requirements, and special contractual conditions. Any amendment must be confirmed in writing.

26. Export Documentation

Depending on the product, destination and transaction, export documentation may include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Shipping Bill, Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Health Certificate, Laboratory/Analysis Certificate, Fumigation Certificate (where applicable), Insurance Certificate (where applicable), Inspection Certificate (where applicable), and other legally or contractually required documents. Only documents applicable to the specific shipment shall be issued or provided.

27. Customs & HS Classification

Products shall be classified under the applicable Harmonized System (HS) classification based on the product's nature, condition, processing and presentation. The applicable Indian HS classification shall be determined for the relevant export transaction. The overseas importer should independently confirm the corresponding tariff classification and import treatment in the destination country.

28. Inspection

Where agreed, Apex India Exports may coordinate inspection by independent inspection agencies, buyer-appointed inspectors, accredited laboratories, or other mutually agreed inspection organisations. Inspection requirements, scope, timing and costs shall be agreed before shipment.

29. Shipping & Logistics

Apex India Exports may coordinate logistics through suitable freight forwarders, shipping lines, transporters, customs brokers and other service providers. Shipment coordination may include container booking, inland transportation, port handling, customs coordination, shipping instructions, export documentation, Bill of Lading/Sea Waybill, and shipment tracking. Estimated shipment dates are subject to product availability, vessel schedules, customs procedures, port conditions and other operational factors.

30. Risk Transfer

Risk shall transfer between the parties in accordance with the Incoterm stated in the applicable commercial agreement. Apex India Exports shall not assume risks that have contractually transferred to the buyer under the agreed Incoterm.

31. Claims Policy

Any claim relating to quantity, quality, packaging, visible damage or documentation should be communicated promptly after receipt of the shipment. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Sales Contract, claims should be notified within 7 calendar days from delivery/receipt of the goods. The buyer should provide appropriate supporting evidence, which may include: invoice number, container number, batch/lot number, photographs, videos, inspection report, laboratory report, quantity affected, detailed description of the issue, and other relevant evidence. Failure to notify a claim within the applicable period may affect the ability to establish responsibility, particularly for visible damage, shortage or packaging-related issues. Nothing in this clause shall override a different claim period expressly agreed in the applicable Sales Contract.

32. Concealed Defects

Where a genuine concealed defect could not reasonably have been identified during normal receipt inspection, the buyer should notify Apex India Exports promptly after discovery and provide supporting evidence. Such claims shall be reviewed according to contractual specifications, product characteristics, applicable law, laboratory/inspection evidence, storage conditions, handling conditions, transport conditions, and other relevant circumstances.

33. Transit Damage & Shortage

Claims involving transportation loss or damage shall be assessed according to the applicable Incoterm, transport document, insurance coverage, inspection evidence, carrier responsibility, and contractual terms. Buyers are encouraged to inspect cargo upon receipt and record visible damage or shortage immediately with the carrier and/or relevant authorities where appropriate.

34. Force Majeure

Apex India Exports shall not be liable for delay or failure to perform caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, floods, cyclones, fire, epidemics or pandemics, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government restrictions, export restrictions, port closures, shipping disruptions, strikes, customs delays, regulatory changes, major supply-chain disruptions, and other events beyond reasonable control. The affected party shall provide reasonable notice where practicable.

35. Ethical Business Conduct

Apex India Exports is committed to ethical international trade. The company does not support bribery, corruption, fraudulent documentation, false declarations, illegal commissions, money laundering, sanctions evasion, product misrepresentation, unauthorised use of certificates, or other unlawful commercial practices. Business partners are expected to comply with applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption and trade-compliance laws.

36. Sanctions & Restricted Trade

Apex India Exports reserves the right to decline, suspend or terminate a transaction where there are reasonable concerns relating to international sanctions, export controls, restricted parties, prohibited destinations, illegal end-use, fraud, money laundering, or trade restrictions. Additional compliance information may be requested before accepting or completing a transaction.

37. Bank Account Security

For payment-security purposes, buyers should independently verify any change in Apex India Exports' bank account details. A bank-account change communicated only through an unexpected email, message or third party should not be relied upon without verification through an established official communication channel. Apex India Exports will not be responsible for payments made to unauthorised accounts as a result of failure to independently verify changed payment instructions.

38. Confidentiality

Commercial information exchanged between Apex India Exports and its buyers, suppliers and business partners shall be treated as confidential, subject to applicable law, regulatory requirements, banking requirements, customs requirements, logistics requirements, professional obligations, and contractual requirements.

39. Data Handling

Buyer and supplier information may be processed for legitimate business purposes including order processing, contract administration, documentation, banking, logistics, regulatory compliance, accounting, customer service, and legal obligations. Information may be shared with appropriate service providers where reasonably necessary to complete a transaction or comply with applicable law.

40. Website Product Information

Product information displayed on the Apex India Exports website is provided for general commercial information. Product availability, price, grade, specification, origin, packaging, photographs, crop information, and certifications may change according to market conditions, supplier availability, seasonality and regulatory requirements. The final contractual specification shall be the specification contained in the applicable quotation, Proforma Invoice, Purchase Order or Sales Contract.

41. No Guarantee of Continuous Availability

Website listing of a product does not constitute a guarantee that the product is continuously available for export. Availability may depend upon crop season, market conditions, supplier availability, processing capacity, export regulations, buyer specifications, and destination-country restrictions. Buyers should obtain a current quotation and availability confirmation before placing an order.

42. Buyer Responsibility

The buyer/importer is responsible for: providing accurate company information; communicating applicable import requirements; obtaining required import permits; confirming destination-country regulatory requirements; confirming labelling requirements; confirming import duties and taxes; providing accurate shipping information; providing required documents within agreed timelines; and ensuring lawful end-use and distribution.

43. Contractual Priority

This International Trade Policy represents Apex India Exports' general international trade framework. Where there is any conflict between this policy and a transaction-specific Sales Contract, Proforma Invoice, Purchase Order, Letter of Credit, or written amendment, the transaction-specific contractual document shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

44. Governing Law

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the contractual relationship between Apex India Exports and the buyer shall be governed by the applicable laws of India. For international transactions, the parties may agree separately on governing law, seat of arbitration and dispute-resolution procedures in the applicable Sales Contract.

45. International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

Apex India Exports prefers to resolve commercial disputes through good-faith negotiation. Where a dispute cannot be resolved amicably within a reasonable period, the dispute may be referred to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration clause contained in the applicable Sales Contract. Unless otherwise agreed in writing: the seat of arbitration shall be in Tamil Nadu, India; the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with applicable Indian arbitration law; the language of arbitration shall ordinarily be English; and the resulting award shall be subject to applicable law and enforcement procedures. For significant international transactions, a detailed arbitration clause should be incorporated directly into the Sales Contract.

46. Jurisdiction

Subject to any valid arbitration agreement contained in the applicable Sales Contract, courts having appropriate jurisdiction in Tamil Nadu, India shall have jurisdiction over matters that are not subject to arbitration. Transaction-specific contracts may provide more detailed jurisdiction and dispute-resolution provisions.

47. Policy Amendment

Apex India Exports reserves the right to amend this International Trade Policy from time to time to reflect changes in Indian laws, export regulations, destination-country regulations, international trade practices, food-safety requirements, company procedures, and product portfolio. The latest version published on the official website shall represent the current general policy framework.

48. Contact — International Trade

Apex India Exports — Merchant Exporters of Indian Spices & Agro Products
Proprietor: Jegadeesan Jeyarajan
#134A, Prakash Khanna Illam, Thulasiram Street Last, Ganapathy Nagar, Villapuram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India – 625012.
IEC: AFVPN8873J  |  GSTIN: 33AFVPN8873J1ZI  |  FSSAI Central Licence: 12426997000232
Email: support@apexindiaexports.com | jegadeesan@apexindiaexports.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 94880 27646