Export terms
What you need to know before your first container: how we pack, how we ship, and the papers that come with it.
These terms are a guide. Every shipment is confirmed in a pro forma invoice, our written offer with the final price, before you pay.
How an order runs
Your order
Tell us the variety, packaging, quantity and port. We reply quickly.
Samples and pro forma
Samples by courier if you wish, then a pro forma invoice with the price, delivery term and loading date.
Payment
A deposit by bank transfer or a letter of credit, as agreed in the pro forma.
Packing and inspection
We sort, pack and check your dates at our station in Biskra, and send you photos before the container is closed.
Loading and sailing
The refrigerated container goes by truck to Algiers or Skikda. You get the booking and tracking details.
Documents and release
The original documents go by courier or through your bank, so your customs agent can clear the goods on arrival.
Incoterms we offer
Incoterms are standard trade rules: they say who pays for transport and when the goods become yours to manage. Choose the one that suits you (Incoterms 2020).
- EXW
- Delivery pointOur packing station, BiskraYou collect the dates at our station. Your forwarder handles export paperwork and freight.
- FOB
- Delivery pointPort of Algiers or SkikdaWe clear the goods for export and load them on the ship you choose.
- CFR
- Delivery pointYour port of arrivalWe book and pay the sea freight. Once the container is on board, the risk is yours.
- CIF
- Delivery pointYour port of arrivalLike CFR, plus cargo insurance that we arrange for you.
Packaging and container loads
Our standard formats are below. Other weights, liners and boxes with your brand on request.
| Format | Carton | Per pallet | 20 ft refrigerated | 40 ft refrigerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On the branch | 5 kg | 128 cartons640 kg | 10 pallets6.4 t | 20 pallets12.8 t |
| 5 kg carton | 5 kg | 160 cartons800 kg | 10 pallets8 t | 20 pallets16 t |
| 1 kg box | 12 × 1 kg | 70 cartons840 kg | 10 pallets8.4 t | 20 pallets16.8 t |
| 500 g box | 20 × 500 g | 80 cartons800 kg | 10 pallets8 t | 20 pallets16 t |
| Bulk | 10 kg | 90 cartons900 kg | 10 pallets9 t | 20 pallets18 t |
Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm), film-wrapped with corner protectors. Different formats can share one container.
Lead times
- Pro forma invoice
- Fast, once we have your full request
- Samples
- 5 to 7 days by courier
- Packing after payment
- 7 to 14 days in season
- Sailings
- Weekly from Algiers
In peak season, October to December, book two to three weeks ahead.
Documents with every shipment
Phytosanitary certificate
The plant-health certificate, issued by the Algerian plant-protection service after inspection.
Certificate of origin
Issued by the Chamber of Commerce, confirming the dates are Algerian.
Packing list
Cartons, net and gross weights, batch numbers and pallet layout.
Commercial invoice
Final value, delivery term and payment terms, matching the pro forma.
Bill of lading
The shipping line’s transport document, issued once the container is on board.
Other certificates on request, depending on your market.
Quality and grading
Every date is sorted by hand and checked before packing. The grade on the carton is the grade inside.
- Size
- Graded by the number of dates per kilo. Extra and first class for export.
- Moisture
- Checked on every batch. Deglet Nour is packed soft, never sticky.
- Colour
- An even, clear amber. Darker fruit is set aside and sold separately.
- Defects
- Split, unripe or damaged dates are removed at the sorting tables.
Size and grade are agreed with you before packing.
Cold chain
Dates keep their texture and colour when they stay cold, from our station to your warehouse.
- Cold storage
- 0 to 4 °C after packing
- In the container
- 0 to 4 °C, with airflow set for each shipment
Payment terms
- Letter of credit (L/C)
- Your bank pays us once the shipping documents are presented. Irrevocable, at sight, confirmed by a first-class bank.
- Bank transfer (T/T)
- 30% deposit with the order, 70% against a copy of the bill of lading.
Terms for regular buyers are agreed case by case.
Markets served
Regular sailings to these ports. Other destinations on request.
- Marseille3 days
- Rotterdam9 days
- Hamburg11 days
- Dubai18 days
- Mumbai21 days
- Shanghai32 days
- Kuala Lumpur26 days
Questions importers ask
What is the minimum order?
One pallet to test a market, one 20 ft refrigerated container for regular supply. Several formats can share a container.
Can you pack under our brand?
Yes, on 1 kg and 500 g boxes, from one 20 ft container. You approve the artwork before printing.
How long do the dates keep?
Deglet Nour keeps about twelve months at 0 to 4 °C, and longer frozen. Dry varieties keep at room temperature.
Which currency do you invoice in?
Euros or US dollars, as you prefer.
Can I visit the packing station?
Yes, ideally during the harvest, October to December. We meet you at Biskra airport.
Let’s plan your first shipment together.
Tell us the variety, packaging and port you have in mind. We help with every step and bring the dates to your port.