Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Company Information
1. Who is Vivan Maritime Global Services Limited?
Vivan Maritime Global Services Limited is a UK-based international trading company specialising in the import and export of premium spices and agricultural commodities. Rooted in the spice-growing regions of southern India, particularly Kerala, the company works directly with farmers and processors to source high-quality spices and supply them to global markets with transparency, reliability, and compliance.
2. Where is Vivan Maritime Global Services Limited based?
The company operates under the jurisdiction of England and Wales, with administrative and commercial operations managed from the United Kingdom. Our sourcing network spans key agricultural regions in India and other spice-producing countries.
3. What makes Vivan Maritime Global Services different from other spice exporters?
Our strength lies in direct farm-level sourcing, deep product knowledge, strict quality controls, and international trade expertise. By reducing intermediaries, we ensure better quality, traceability, competitive pricing, and ethical sourcing practices.
Products & Sourcing
4. What types of spices do you supply?
We supply a wide range of whole, ground, and processed spices, including but not limited to:
- Black pepper
- Cardamom
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Nutmeg and mace
Product availability may vary based on seasonality and origin.
5. Where are your spices sourced from?
Our primary sourcing region is Kerala, India, globally recognised for producing some of the finest spices in the world. We also work with approved growers and suppliers in other regions, subject to strict quality and compliance standards.
6. Do you work directly with farmers?
Yes. Wherever possible, we work directly with farmers, cooperatives, and primary processors. This ensures fair trade practices, product traceability, and consistent quality.
7. Are your spices organically grown?
We supply both conventional and organic spices, depending on customer requirements. Organic products are available upon request and subject to certification and availability.
Quality & Compliance
8. How do you ensure product quality?
Quality assurance is embedded at every stage, including:
- Farm-level inspection
- Pre-shipment quality checks
- Moisture and contamination control
- Packaging and handling compliance
- Documentation verification
All products are supplied in accordance with international food safety standards and importing country regulations.
9. Are your products compliant with UK and EU food safety regulations?
Yes. All shipments are prepared in compliance with UK food safety regulations, applicable EU standards, and destination-country import requirements.
10. Do you provide certificates and documentation?
Yes. Depending on the shipment, we can provide:
- Certificate of Origin
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Quality and Inspection Reports
- Packing List and Commercial Invoice
- Other documents as required by customs or buyers
Orders & Minimum Quantities
11. Do you supply retail customers?
No. Vivan Maritime Global Services Limited operates strictly on a B2B basis, supplying wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and institutional buyers.
12. Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Yes. Minimum order quantities vary depending on the product, grade, packaging, and destination. Please contact us directly for specific MOQ requirements.
13. Can you handle bulk and container shipments?
Yes. We specialise in bulk, palletised, and containerised shipments, including full container loads (FCL) and, where applicable, less-than-container loads (LCL).
Pricing & Payments
14. How are prices determined?
Pricing is based on:
- Product type and grade
- Quantity ordered
- Packaging specifications
- Market conditions
- Shipping terms (Incoterms®)
All quotations are provided on a case-by-case basis.
15. What payment methods do you accept?
Accepted payment methods typically include:
- Bank transfer (T/T)
- Letters of Credit (subject to agreement)
Payment terms are agreed contractually prior to order confirmation.
Shipping & Delivery
16. Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We supply customers across Europe, the United Kingdom, and international markets, subject to regulatory and logistical feasibility.
17. Which Incoterms® do you use?
Shipments are executed under Incoterms® 2020, including FOB, CIF, CFR, and others, depending on contractual agreement.
18. How long does delivery take?
Delivery timelines depend on:
- Product availability
- Processing and documentation
- Shipping method and destination
Estimated timelines are provided at the quotation stage.
19. Who is responsible for customs clearance?
Customs responsibilities depend on the agreed Incoterms®. These obligations are clearly defined in the sales contract.
Returns & Claims
20. Do you accept returns?
Due to the nature of food-grade and perishable goods, returns are generally not accepted. Exceptions may apply in cases of proven non-conformity or contractual breach.
21. How do I raise a quality or damage claim?
Claims must be submitted in writing within the contractually specified timeframe, supported by photographic evidence, inspection reports, and relevant documentation.
Data Protection & Privacy
22. How is my personal data handled?
All personal data is processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Full details are available in our Privacy Policy.
23. Do you use cookies on your website?
Yes. We use cookies to enhance website functionality and performance. Non-essential cookies are used only with user consent. See our Cookie Policy for full details.
Contact & Enquiries
24. How can I contact Vivan Maritime Global Services Limited?
You can reach us via the Contact Us page on our website. Business enquiries are handled by our commercial team and responded to within normal business hours.
25. Can I become a supplier or partner?
Yes. We welcome enquiries from farmers, processors, logistics providers, and commercial partners who align with our quality, compliance, and ethical sourcing standards.