Questions Stone Buyers Often Ask

Natural stone export: answers to common questions

Buyers often ask the same questions when they start importing natural stone from India. This page gathers short answers about products, samples, prices, packing, shipping and documents, so you can plan with confidence. If your question is not here, send us a message and we will reply within 24 hours.

Products and stones

We export granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, slate, quartzite, basalt and onyx. Products include blocks, slabs, tiles, kitchen and vanity countertops, paving, cobbles, pebbles, wall cladding, stone veneer and custom cut-to-size stone. Not every product exists in every stone, so we confirm availability when you ask.

Prices and minimum orders

Price depends on stone, size, thickness, finish, quantity, packing and freight terms. Most orders ship by container, but we can talk about a smaller or mixed first order. To get a price, send the stone, product, size, thickness, finish, quantity and your port.

Samples and photos

We can send photos, videos and small samples by courier. Natural stone varies by lot, so we encourage you to approve a sample and photos of the actual lot before you order a container.

Packing and shipping

Slabs go in bundles on treated timber frames, tiles in cartons or crates, blocks on timber supports, and cobbles on pallets. We ship from Mundra and Kandla and give you loading photos. A 20ft container usually carries roughly 25 to 28 tonnes, subject to local rules.

Documents and customs

We prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and other documents. Natural stone falls mainly under HS headings 2515, 2516, 6801, 6802 and 6803, and your broker will confirm codes and duties for your country.

Contact and support

You can reach us on WhatsApp, phone or email, or through the quote form. Our office is in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and our team replies within 24 hours.

Planning your container and shipment

A good load plan saves money. A standard 20ft container can usually carry roughly 25 to 28 tonnes, but the exact limit depends on the shipping line and on road and port rules in your country. Natural stone is heavy, so weight, not space, usually decides how much fits in a container. We calculate the load by weight and by size, so you do not pay for space you cannot use. Mixed containers are possible: you can combine different stones, sizes or products, which helps wholesale buyers keep stock varied.

We ship from the ports of Mundra and Kandla in Gujarat to ports around the world, and we share photos of the loading so you can see how your stone is secured. Sea freight time depends on the route and the shipping line, and we give you an expected time with each quote.

Export documents and customs for natural stone

Clear paperwork keeps your container moving. For every shipment we prepare the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, and where your country needs it, a certificate of origin and other documents. Packing wood is treated for export, and we can supply the treatment details if your port requires them. Natural stone is generally classified under HS headings 2515, 2516, 6801, 6802 and 6803, depending on the stone and the product; your broker will confirm.

Customs rules and duty rates differ by country, so please confirm the exact classification and duty with your customs broker or the official tariff of your country. If you tell us your port and clearing agent, we will send documents in the format they prefer, and we are happy to answer their questions directly.

Quality control, inspection and claims

Before packing natural stone, our team checks size, thickness, surface, colour and edges. We separate pieces that do not meet the agreed standard, and we explain what is natural variation and what is a defect. You are welcome to arrange third-party inspection before loading, and we cooperate fully with inspectors.

If a problem is found when the container arrives, tell us quickly and send photos of the packing, the damaged pieces and the container condition. We look at each case fairly and work with you on a solution. Good packing, honest photos and clear agreements keep claims rare.

Working with architects, builders and fabricators

Professional buyers need more than a price. Architects want samples and clear specifications. Builders want the right quantity on the right date. Fabricators want slabs that cut well and match across a project. We support all of them with real photos, written specifications, labelled packing and honest delivery dates. Professional buyers value written specifications, labelled packing and honest delivery dates.

For larger projects we can produce in batches, keep reference samples, and share progress photos. If you send a bill of quantities or drawings, we check the details and tell you early if something needs a decision, such as the size of a piece or the thickness of an edge.

Natural variation: what to expect

Natural stone is a natural material, so no two pieces are exactly the same. Colour, grain, veins and small marks vary from slab to slab and from lot to lot. This variation is part of the beauty of the stone, and a good design plans for it. To reduce differences on a project, buy all material from the same lot, keep slabs in bundle order and lay pieces out before fixing them.

We tell you honestly what to expect from each stone, and we send photos of the real lot. If your project needs very tight colour matching, tell us early, and we will select accordingly.

Care and maintenance

Natural stone is easy to look after with soft cloths and mild cleaners. As with any natural stone, use soft cloths, mild cleaners made for stone and clean up spills quickly. Avoid strong acids and harsh abrasive pads. For floors, use mats at entrances to catch grit, and protect the surface under heavy furniture.

We give simple care instructions you can share with your own customers. Good care keeps the stone looking fresh for decades, which is why natural stone is considered a long-term investment in a building.

Start with a trial order and grow from there

If you are new to importing natural stone from India, we suggest a simple plan. First, tell us what sells in your market. Second, review photos and approve samples. Third, place a trial container with a mix of colours or sizes. Fourth, after you receive the stone and see how your customers react, plan repeat orders and volume contracts.

Many of our long-term customers began with one mixed container. We keep your preferred selection and packing details on file, so repeat orders are faster, and we keep you updated if a colour or size changes.