Bulk flour

Buyer's guide

Common grades and specifications

• Wheat flour by protein level: bread (high), all-purpose (medium), cake/pastry (low)
• National type systems by ash content (e.g. EU Type 405, 550, 650; Italian 00/0)
• Key specs: protein %, moisture (often ≤14%), ash %, wet gluten, falling number, particle size
• Fortified (iron, folic acid) or unfortified, per destination rules
• Other cereal flours: maize, rice, rye

Typical packaging

Paper or woven polypropylene bags (commonly 25 kg or 50 kg), 1 t bulk bags, or bulk tanker for domestic delivery. Containers are usually loaded with bagged flour.

Typical minimum order

Exporters commonly quote per 20 ft or 40 ft container; one container is a typical starting order.

HS code (4-digit headings)

Guidance only. The exact 6- to 10-digit code depends on the product and the importing country's tariff. Confirm with your customs broker.

Incoterms tips

For containerised goods, FCA, CPT or CIP are usually a better fit than FOB/CIF, because the seller hands over at a terminal or warehouse rather than over the ship's rail. Use DAP or DDP only if the seller can really handle delivery (and, for DDP, import clearance) in your country.

Quality documents to request

• Certificate of analysis (COA) per lot
• Product specification sheet
• Source statement for additives and processing aids (plant, synthetic or mineral)
• Health / sanitary certificate and certificate of origin
• Fumigation or pest-control statement if required by the importing country

Sourcing notes

Plain flour is plant-based. Ask about improvers and enzymes, which should be from plant, synthetic or mineral sources.

Price benchmark