Quick answer: Before signing any TCCA or SDIC purchase order, ask your supplier these 12 critical questions covering quality certification (ISO 9001, GMP, SGS), third-party batch testing, UN-certified packaging, IMDG documentation, OEM capability, sample availability, payment terms, delivery lead time, after-sales technical support, export experience, warehouse storage standards, and complaint resolution policy. Suppliers unable to answer all 12 confidently are high-risk.
Buying chemical raw materials from overseas is a high-stakes transaction. A single shipment of off-spec, mislabeled, or improperly packaged TCCA can cost you thousands in customs detention, lost customers, and regulatory fines. This checklist — refined over 20 years of B2B chemical export — gives you the exact questions to separate trustworthy manufacturers from speculative traders.
Section 1: Quality and Specifications (Questions 1–4)
Question 1: What is your guaranteed minimum available chlorine content?
Why it matters: Some traders advertise “TCCA 90%” but deliver 88%. Demand a guarantee with penalty clause in the contract.
Acceptable answer: “Guaranteed ≥90.0% by iodometric titration per ISO 4538 method, with SGS verification.”
Question 2: Can you provide a third-party SGS or BV inspection report for each batch?
Why it matters: In-house test results can be manipulated. Independent third-party testing is the gold standard.
Acceptable answer: “Yes, SGS inspection on every export shipment. Report sent before container loading.”
Question 3: What is your moisture content specification?
Why it matters: Excess moisture causes caking, weight loss, and reduced effective chlorine over the shelf life.
Acceptable answer: “Max 0.5% for TCCA, max 1% for SDIC 60%, max 3% for SDIC 56%.”
Question 4: How is shelf life calculated and guaranteed?
Why it matters: Some suppliers count shelf life from production date; others from shipping date. A 4-month sea voyage eats into your selling window.
Acceptable answer: “24 months from production date under proper storage. We guarantee delivery with at least 22 months remaining.”
Section 2: Compliance and Documentation (Questions 5–7)
Question 5: What hazardous materials certifications do you provide for ocean shipping?
Why it matters: Missing or incorrect IMDG paperwork means your container gets refused at port loading.
Acceptable answer: “Complete IMDG Dangerous Goods Declaration, UN-certified packaging marks, MSDS in 5 languages, and Container Packing Certificate.”
Question 6: Do you hold ISO 9001 quality and Veterinary GMP certificates?
Why it matters: ISO 9001 confirms general quality management; GMP is mandatory for veterinary/aquaculture applications.
Acceptable answer: “Yes, both certifications current. Copies provided upon request and re-audited annually.”
Question 7: Can you customize MSDS and labels for my specific country’s regulations?
Why it matters: EU REACH, US EPA, GCC, and ASEAN each have different requirements. A generic MSDS may not clear customs.
Acceptable answer: “Yes, country-specific MSDS available for EU, US, Brazil, India, GCC, and ASEAN at no extra charge.”
Section 3: Logistics and Production (Questions 8–10)
Question 8: What is your monthly production capacity and current backlog?
Why it matters: A factory producing 100 tons/month with a 6-month backlog cannot deliver your urgent 50-ton order in 30 days.
Acceptable answer: “Annual capacity 15,000 tons. Current lead time is 15–25 days for standard orders.”
Question 9: What packaging options are available and what are the MOQs?
Why it matters: Custom packaging often has MOQs higher than expected. Get clarity early.
Acceptable answer: “Standard 25 kg/50 kg drums available at any MOQ. Custom-printed drums or jumbo bags require 2-ton MOQ. OEM consumer packaging needs 5-ton MOQ.”
Question 10: What are your standard payment terms and accepted currencies?
Why it matters: 100% T/T upfront is risky for buyer; LC at sight is safest. Some suppliers accept Western Union, which is a red flag.
Acceptable answer: “30% T/T deposit, 70% against B/L copy; or 100% LC at sight; USD/EUR/CNY accepted; no Western Union or crypto.”
Section 4: After-Sales Support (Questions 11–12)
Question 11: How quickly can your technical team respond to dosing/application questions?
Why it matters: When your end customer has a water clarity problem at midnight, you need a real person — not a 48-hour email reply.
Acceptable answer: “WhatsApp/email response within 12 hours globally; emergency hotline for VIP customers.”
Question 12: If a batch fails quality, what is your replacement and credit policy?
Why it matters: A trustworthy supplier stands behind their product. Vague answers here predict future disputes.
Acceptable answer: “Free replacement of failing batch within 60 days of receipt, plus credit toward future order for any business loss documented.”
Red Flags to Watch For
- No factory address or refuses video call of the production floor
- Cannot show recent SGS report for any specific batch
- Pricing significantly below market (likely substandard product or scam)
- Pushes for full prepayment to a personal bank account
- No company email — uses only Gmail/Yahoo addresses
- Cannot provide references from past international buyers
Sample Vetting Workflow
- Send this 12-question checklist via email; require written responses within 5 business days
- Score each response: 2 points (excellent), 1 (acceptable), 0 (unacceptable). Threshold: 18/24 minimum
- Request a 500g free sample for in-house testing OR independent lab analysis
- Place a small trial order (1 ton) before committing to a full container
- Document everything in a vendor scorecard for the first 12 months of business
Why Choose Shilan Chemical?
We answer all 12 questions in our standard supplier introduction PDF, available on request. Shilan Chemical has been exporting TCCA and SDIC since 2006, currently serving 300+ distributors in 50+ countries with 15,000 tons annual capacity. Download our supplier qualification packet with one click.