Question 1

What is the minimum order quantity?

Accepted Answer

The standard minimum is one full 20ft reefer container, which holds approximately 18–24 tonnes depending on the product and packing format. For buyers placing their first order or trialling a new product, we can sometimes arrange half-container or shared-container options reach out to discuss your specific situation.

Question 2

How does the ordering process work?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a quote request: tell us the product, destination port, required volume, and target delivery window. We'll come back with a detailed quote including pricing, packing spec, and lead time. Once agreed, we issue a proforma invoice. After payment confirmation or LC receipt, we coordinate production, packing, and shipment.

Question 3

How quickly can I receive a quote?

Accepted Answer

Most quotes are returned within 24–48 hours. For complex multi-product enquiries or unusual destination markets, allow up to 72 hours. If you need a faster response for a time-sensitive program, flag it in your message and we'll prioritise.

Question 4

What incoterms do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We typically work on FOB (Alexandria, Port Said, or Damietta) and CIF to your destination port. DAP arrangements can be discussed for buyers who prefer a door-to-port or door-to-warehouse service. The incoterm is confirmed in the proforma invoice.

Question 5

What payment terms do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We work with telegraphic transfer (T/T) against proforma invoice, and irrevocable letters of credit (LC) for larger orders. Payment terms are agreed on a per-order basis and documented in the proforma. For established buyers, we're open to discussing deferred payment arrangements.

Question 6

How do you verify supplier quality before recommending them?

Accepted Answer

Every supplier in our network goes through a qualification process that covers food safety certification status, pack house infrastructure, field inspection records, and previous export track record. We don't list suppliers we haven't visited or verified directly.

Question 7

Which certifications do your suppliers hold?

Accepted Answer

Certification coverage varies by supplier and product. Across our network we work with GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, ISO 9001, GRASP, and SMETA certified producers. If you have a specific certification requirement, tell us upfront and we'll match you with a qualified supplier.

Question 8

Can I inspect produce before shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support third-party pre-shipment inspection through internationally accredited inspection bodies. Inspection costs are typically covered by the buyer and arranged before loading. We also provide internal packing supervision reports for every shipment.

Question 9

How is produce graded and packed?

Accepted Answer

Grading and packing follow buyer specifications confirmed in the proforma: count/size calibration, defect tolerance, carton weight, ventilation format, and labelling requirements. We do not apply a one-size standard your specs define what goes in the box.

Question 10

Can you source a product that isn't listed on your website?

Accepted Answer

Quite possibly. Our website lists our core catalog but Egypt produces a wide variety of crops we haven't listed. Send us the product details and we'll check availability in our supplier network. We've sourced fresh herbs, specialty fruits, and niche vegetables on request.

Question 11

What documentation comes with every shipment?

Accepted Answer

Standard documentation includes: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, and bill of lading. Depending on destination and product: fumigation certificate, EUR.1 movement certificate (for EU preferential duty), halal certificate, and lab analysis reports can be added.

Question 12

Do you handle customs clearance at the destination?

Accepted Answer

We handle everything up to the destination port (CIF) or door (DAP). Customs clearance and import duties at the destination are the buyer's responsibility, though we can introduce you to clearing agents in key markets if needed.

Question 13

How do you maintain cold chain during transit?

Accepted Answer

Products are pre-cooled at the packhouse before loading into a reefer container. Container temperature is set to the correct product-specific range and monitored with data loggers. We provide temperature reports for every reefer shipment. For air freight shipments, we use thermal packaging and coordinate with freight forwarders who specialise in perishables.

Question 14

What is the typical transit time to EU ports?

Accepted Answer

Alexandria to Rotterdam: approximately 12–15 days by sea. Alexandria to Hamburg: 13–16 days. Port Said to Felixstowe (UK): 14–17 days. Actual transit varies by vessel schedule and routing. For time-sensitive products like green beans or strawberries, air freight (24–48 hours) is an option.

Question 15

What is the transit time to GCC ports?

Accepted Answer

Alexandria to Jeddah: 5–7 days. Alexandria to Dubai (Jebel Ali): 8–10 days. Alexandria to Dammam: 7–9 days. GCC routes are generally faster than European ones, which suits higher-value perishables with shorter shelf life.

Question 16

Are your products EU MRL compliant?

Accepted Answer

We source from producers who follow EU MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) protocols. For buyers supplying EU retail and food service programs, we recommend confirming MRL compliance through pre-shipment lab testing we can arrange sampling and analysis through accredited Egyptian laboratories. Test reports are included in the documentation pack on request.

Question 17

Do you support GLOBALG.A.P.-certified sourcing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We maintain relationships with GLOBALG.A.P.-certified farms for most major crop categories. Certification scope and version can be confirmed before order placement. GGN numbers are available for inclusion on buyer labels where required.

Question 18

Can I get lab test reports before shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pre-shipment sampling and pesticide residue analysis can be arranged through Egyptian or European accredited labs. Results are typically available within 3–5 working days from sample collection. Cost is confirmed per order.

Question 19

What happens if product arrives with quality issues?

Accepted Answer

You must notify us within 48 hours of delivery with photographic evidence, temperature logger data from the container, and the delivery receipt. We assess each case individually. Depending on the cause whether it's a pre-shipment issue, a cold chain failure, or a carrier problem we work through the appropriate resolution with you.

Question 20

How do I submit a formal claim?

Accepted Answer

Email info@egyptafresh.com within 48 hours of delivery with: (1) clear photos of the affected product, (2) temperature logger data, (3) delivery receipt with timestamps, and (4) a written description of the issue. All documents must be submitted together. Incomplete submissions cannot be assessed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & MOQ

Products & Quality

Logistics & Documentation

Compliance & Testing

Claims & After-Delivery