Origin-verified sourcing
Direct relationships with Tea Board-registered estates and bought-leaf factories across Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiris, and Dooars.
Tea commodity
Chai Pati (Tea Leaves) bulk supplier from Assam, Darjeeling & Nilgiris — CTC & Orthodox grades for blending & export
VegTradeHub supplies export-grade chai pati (tea leaves) in CTC and orthodox grades sourced from India's premier tea-growing regions — Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiris, and Dooars. We serve tea blenders, packet tea brands, beverage manufacturers, and wholesale distributors across 25+ countries with consistent quality, reliable cold-chain logistics, and complete export documentation.
Product overview
Chai Pati (Tea Leaves) - Product profile
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Common name | Chai Pati, Tea Leaves, Camellia sinensis |
| Botanical name | Camellia sinensis var. sinensis / var. assamica |
| Category | Tea commodity |
| Origin | India (Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiris, Dooars, Kangra) |
| Available forms | CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl), Orthodox whole leaf, Broken leaf, Fannings, Dust |
| Growing region | Assam valleys, Darjeeling hills, Nilgiri mountains, Dooars plains, Kangra valley |
| Harvest season | First flush (Mar-Apr), Second flush (May-Jun), Monsoon flush (Jul-Sep), Autumn flush (Oct-Nov) |
About Chai Pati from India's premier tea estates
India is the world's second-largest tea producer, and chai pati — the processed leaf that fuels the global tea trade — comes from diverse terroirs across the subcontinent. VegTradeHub sources directly from certified estates and bought-leaf factories in Assam's Brahmaputra valley, Darjeeling's Himalayan foothills, the Nilgiri blue mountains, and the Dooars plains. Each region imparts distinct character: Assam delivers bold, malty CTC liquors ideal for strong breakfast blends; Darjeeling offers delicate, muscatel-flavored orthodox leaf prized by connoisseurs; Nilgiri provides fragrant, brisk year-round production suited for iced tea and blends.
Our supply chain spans estate-fresh primary production through auction and private-sale channels, with quality control at every stage — withering, rolling, oxidation, firing, sorting, and grading. Whether you need BP1/PD/CTC dust for high-volume tea bags, OP/OPA whole leaf for premium loose-leaf packs, or custom blends combining multiple origins, we deliver consistent cup quality, batch traceability, and phytosanitary compliance for seamless import clearance.
Why choose VegTradeHub
Why choose our Chai Pati (Tea Leaves)
Grade integrity guaranteed
CTC and orthodox grades sorted to strict ISO 3720 / Tea Board specifications — no grade mixing, consistent particle size.
Flush-specific availability
First flush, second flush, monsoon, and autumn flush teas sourced in season — cup profile matched to your blend requirements.
Blender-ready consistency
Moisture, water extract, total ash, and polyphenol parameters controlled within tight tolerances for repeatable blend performance.
Export-grade phytosanitary compliance
FSSAI, Tea Board, and destination-country MRL compliance; pesticide residue testing per EU/Japan/US standards on request.
Cold-chain & moisture-barrier logistics
Vacuum-sealed, nitrogen-flushed, or foil-lined packaging options; reefer container management for flavor preservation.
Private-label & blend development support
Collaborative blend formulation, pilot batches, sensory panel feedback, and custom packaging for brand owners.
Transparent pricing & documentation
FOB/CIF/CFR quotes with full cost breakdown; complete export documentation including Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary, and COA.
Origin advantage
India's tea regions - The Chai Pati advantage
Assam - Bold, malty, high-yield CTC
The Brahmaputra valley's low-elevation, high-rainfall terroir produces Camellia sinensis var. assamica leaf with high polyphenol content. This yields the strong, bright, malty CTC liquors that form the backbone of English breakfast, Irish breakfast, and chai blends worldwide. We source from organized estates and quality bought-leaf factories in Upper Assam (Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar) and Lower Assam (Goalpara, Bongaigaon), ensuring consistent BP1, PF1, PD, and Dust grades year-round.
Darjeeling - The champagne of teas
High-elevation (600-2,000m) gardens in the Himalayan foothills produce Camellia sinensis var. sinensis leaf with unique terroir-driven flavor — floral, muscatel, stone-fruit notes. First flush (spring) delivers light, aromatic liquor; second flush (summer) offers fuller body and pronounced muscatel. We work with Tea Board-certified Darjeeling gardens for orthodox whole-leaf grades (SFTGFOP1, FTGFOP, TGFOP) and broken grades for premium blends.
Nilgiris - Fragrant, brisk, year-round
The Blue Mountains of Tamil Nadu/Kerala border produce tea at 1,000-2,500m elevation with a distinct floral-fruity character and brisk astringency. Nilgiri tea excels in iced tea applications, flavored blends, and as a high-quality filler in packet tea. Unlike seasonal Darjeeling, Nilgiri offers consistent year-round production. We source orthodox and CTC grades from the Nilgiri-Wynaad region, including certified organic estates.
Dooars & Terai - Balanced, versatile CTC
The Dooars plains at the Himalayan foothills (Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar) and neighboring Terai produce reliable CTC grades with good color, strength, and briskness — ideal for standard tea bag blends and masala chai bases. These regions offer cost-effective volume supply with consistent cup quality, supported by modern bought-leaf factories with ISO/HACCP certification.
Technical data
Product specifications - CTC & Orthodox grades
| Parameter | CTC Grades (Assam/Dooars) | Orthodox Grades (Darjeeling/Nilgiri) | Quality Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary grades | BP1, BOP, BPS, PF1, PD, Dust | SFTGFOP1, FTGFOP, TGFOP, GFOP, FOP, BOP, FBOP, GOF | ISO 3720 / Tea Board of India |
| Moisture content | 2.5 - 3.5% | 2.5 - 3.5% | ISO 1573 |
| Water extract (solubles) | 32 - 45% | 30 - 42% | ISO 9768 |
| Total ash | 4.0 - 6.5% | 4.0 - 6.0% | ISO 1575 |
| Water-soluble ash | > 45% of total ash | > 50% of total ash | ISO 1576 |
| Acid-insoluble ash | < 1.0% | < 0.8% | ISO 1577 |
| Crude fiber | < 16.5% | < 15.0% | ISO 15598 |
| Polyphenols (TPC) | 20 - 30% | 18 - 28% | Folin-Ciocalteu |
| Caffeine | 2.5 - 4.0% | 2.0 - 3.5% | ISO 10727 |
| Pesticide residues | Per FSSAI / EU MRL / Japan MRL / US EPA tolerances | Per FSSAI / EU MRL / Japan MRL / US EPA tolerances | GC-MS/LC-MS multi-residue screen |
| Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) | Within FSSAI / Codex limits | Within FSSAI / Codex limits | ICP-MS |
| Microbiological (TPC, yeast, mold, coliforms, Salmonella, E. coli) | Per FSSAI / ICMSF guidelines | Per FSSAI / ICMSF guidelines | ISO 4833 / ISO 21527 / ISO 16649 |
| Foreign matter | Absent | Absent | ISO 15599 |
| Packaging | 20/25/30 kg multi-wall paper sacks with PE liner; 50 kg jute bags; 250-500 kg foil-lined bulk bags; custom retail packs | ||
| Country of origin | India | ||
| Port of loading | Kolkata (sea), Guwahati/Bagdogra (air), Cochin (sea - Nilgiri) | ||
Quality assurance
Quality features - Export grade Chai Pati
- Origin-verified - Tea Board of India certified gardens and bought-leaf factories with traceable lot numbers
- Grade integrity - Strict adherence to ISO 3720 and Tea Board grade standards; no grade mixing
- Flush-specific sourcing - first flush, second flush, monsoon, and autumn flush teas procured in season
- Controlled moisture - Maintained at 2.5-3.5% for optimal shelf life and flavor retention
- Professionally graded - Mechanical and manual sorting to precise particle size distribution
- Hygienically processed - HACCP/ISO 22000 certified factories, food-grade contact surfaces
- Consistent cup profile - liquor color, strength, briskness, and aroma standardized per grade
- Residue monitored - Multi-residue pesticide screening per destination market requirements
- Suitable for long-distance transport - moisture-barrier packaging, container desiccants, reefer options
- Multiple quality checkpoints - factory outturn, pre-shipment inspection, third-party lab verification on request
- Traceability maintained - estate/factory lot codes linked to shipping documents and certificates
- Custom blend development - pilot batches, sensory evaluation, and specification lock-in for brand owners
Packaging
Packaging options for export & domestic markets
Standard export packaging
- 20-30 kg multi-wall paper sacks with PE liner - Industry standard for CTC grades; moisture barrier, stackable, cost-effective for container loads.
- 50 kg jute bags (hessian) - Traditional packaging for orthodox whole leaf; breathable, estate-branded options available.
- 250-500 kg foil-lined bulk bags (FIBC) - For high-volume blenders; nitrogen-flush capable, forklift handling, reduced per-kg packaging cost.
- Vacuum-sealed foil packs (1-5 kg) - Premium orthodox and specialty grades; maximum flavor preservation, retail-ready.
Packaging features
- Food-grade materials compliant with EU 1935/2004, FDA 21 CFR, and FSSAI standards
- Moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) < 1 g/m²/day for foil laminates
- Oxygen barrier options for extended shelf life (nitrogen flush compatible)
- Stacking strength tested for 20+ ft container heights
- Custom printing: buyer brand, batch code, QR traceability, handling symbols, multilingual labels
Customization & private label
VegTradeHub offers full private-label packaging services for tea brands, blenders, and retail chains:
- Custom sachet, pillow pack, and pyramid tea bag formats (outsourced partner facilities)
- Loose-leaf retail tins, cartons, and stand-up pouches (50g - 1kg)
- Multi-language labeling (English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, Hindi)
- Retail-ready packaging (RRP) / shelf-ready packaging (SRP) for supermarket distribution
- Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for premium orthodox and flavored teas
- Eco-friendly options: compostable films, recycled-content cartons, plastic-free tea bags
Palletization & container loading
- Standard EUR-pallet (1200x800 mm) or ISO pallet (1200x1000 mm)
- 20 kg sacks: 50 bags/pallet (1 MT); 20 pallets/20' container = 20 MT
- 50 kg jute bags: 20 bags/pallet (1 MT); 20 pallets/20' container = 20 MT
- 500 kg bulk bags: 4 bags/pallet (2 MT); 10 pallets/20' container = 20 MT
- Corner boards, stretch wrap, pallet labels with GS1-128 barcodes
- Reefer container loading with temperature/humidity loggers on request
Storage & handling
Storage recommendations
Optimal storage conditions
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Cool, dry conditions: 10-20°C (50-68°F); avoid temperature fluctuations |
| Relative humidity | < 60% RH; tea is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture/odors readily |
| Light exposure | Store in opaque packaging / dark warehouse; UV degrades chlorophyll and polyphenols |
| Odor isolation | Separate from spices, chemicals, fuels, and strong-smelling commodities |
| Pest management | IPM program; tea is susceptible to cigarette beetle, tea moth, and psocids |
| Shelf life (proper storage) | CTC: 18-24 months; Orthodox whole leaf: 24-36 months; Flavored teas: 12-18 months |
Handling best practices
- Receive in clean, dry, odor-free vehicles/containers
- Verify moisture content on arrival - reject if > 4.0% for CTC, > 3.5% for orthodox
- Stack on pallets with airflow gaps; do not stack directly on floor or against walls
- First-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation essential — tea degrades over time
- Monitor warehouse temperature/humidity daily; log data for quality records
- Segregate by grade, origin, and flush; avoid cross-contamination of aromas
- Do not store near spices, coffee, or chemicals — tea absorbs foreign odors irreversibly
- Inspect regularly for insect activity; pheromone traps recommended
Transit protocols
- Sea freight (dry container): Standard for CTC grades; use container desiccants (clay/silica gel), vapor barrier liners. Transit 20-35 days.
- Sea freight (reefer): Recommended for premium orthodox, Darjeeling, and flavored teas. Setpoint 10-15°C, RH < 60%. Continuous power monitoring.
- Air freight: Used for first flush Darjeeling, specialty orthodox, and urgent orders. Active temp-controlled ULDs. Transit 24-48 hrs door-to-door.
- Land border (SAARC): Refrigerated trucks or insulated containers to Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan via land customs stations.
Shelf life
Expected shelf life under recommended conditions
CTC Grades (BP1, PF1, PD, Dust)
18-24 months in multi-wall paper sacks with PE liner at < 20°C, < 60% RH. Retains liquor color, strength, and briskness for tea bag and blending applications.
Orthodox Whole Leaf (FOP, GFOP, TGFOP)
24-36 months in foil-lined or vacuum-sealed packaging. Flavor profile matures favorably in first 6-12 months; minimal degradation with moisture/oxygen barrier.
Flavored & Specialty Teas
12-18 months — added flavors (bergamot, jasmine, spices) are volatile. Nitrogen-flushed foil packaging essential for maximum retention.
Shelf-life notes
- Moisture content is the single most critical parameter — every 1% above 3.5% significantly accelerates staling
- Oxygen exposure causes oxidative degradation of polyphenols and loss of briskness
- Light (especially UV) degrades chlorophyll, creating flat, hay-like notes
- Flavor absorption is irreversible — once tea absorbs foreign odors, it cannot be restored
- Regular cup testing (organoleptic evaluation) recommended at 6-month intervals for long-term stock
Applications
Market applications & end uses
Tea blending & packet tea brands
CTC grades (BP1, PF1, PD) form the base for breakfast blends, builder's tea, and mass-market packet tea. Orthodox grades add complexity, aroma, and premium positioning. Consistent grade specifications enable automated blending lines.
Masala chai & spiced tea blends
Strong, malty Assam CTC (BP1/PD) stands up to milk, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. High polyphenol content ensures color and body retention after boiling. Preferred base for Indian domestic and export chai blends.
Ready-to-drink (RTD) & iced tea manufacturing
Nilgiri and Dooars CTC/orthodox grades provide brisk, clear liquor that doesn't cloud on cooling — essential for bottled iced tea. Low-cream-down varieties selected for RTD processors.
Specialty loose-leaf & single-origin retail
Darjeeling first/second flush, Nilgiri frost tea, Assam golden tips, and single-estate orthodox grades for specialty tea shops, online retailers, and subscription boxes. Story-driven origin marketing supported by estate traceability.
Food service & HORECA
Bulk CTC and orthodox grades for hotels, restaurants, cafes, airlines, and catering. Custom pack sizes (500g, 1kg, 2kg) with brand-neutral or private labeling. Consistent brew parameters for commercial equipment.
Flavored tea & herbal blend bases
Neutral CTC and orthodox filler teas for jasmine, earl grey, fruit, and herbal blends. Base tea must not overpower added flavors — we supply low-polyphenol, high-absorption grades optimized for scenting lines.
Export logistics
Export information & documentation
Shipping modes
- Sea freight (dry container): Kolkata/Haldia, Cochin, Chennai to global ports. 20' GP holds ~18-20 MT (sacks) or ~20 MT (bulk bags). Transit 18-35 days. Standard for CTC grades.
- Sea freight (reefer container): 20' RF / 40' RF at 10-15°C, RH < 60%. For premium orthodox, Darjeeling, flavored teas. Kolkata, Cochin, Tuticorin ports. Transit 18-35 days.
- Air freight: Bagdogra (Darjeeling), Guwahati (Assam), Coimbatore (Nilgiris), Kolkata to Middle East, Europe, USA, Japan, Australia. 24-48 hrs. For first flush, specialty grades, urgent orders.
- Land border: Petrapole/Benapole (Bangladesh), Raxaul/Birgunj (Nepal), Phuentsholing (Bhutan) via refrigerated/insulated trucks.
Standard export documentation
- Commercial invoice (HS code 0902.40 - black tea, fermented; 0902.30 - black tea, partly fermented; 0902.10 - green tea)
- Packing list (pallet-level detail, gross/net weights, package count, lot numbers)
- Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce / DGFT - preferential tariff under SAFTA, APTA, GSP)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (issued by Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Govt. of India)
- Fumigation / treatment certificate (MB/AlP/heat treatment as per destination requirement)
- Certificate of Analysis (moisture, water extract, ash, pesticide residues, microbiology)
- Tea Board of India Export License / RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate)
- FSSAI Central License declaration
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Insurance certificate (CIF terms)
- Organic / Rainforest Alliance / Fair Trade certificates (where applicable)
Compliance & certifications
- Tea Board of India registration & export license
- FSSAI Central License (Food Safety)
- APEDA RCMC for agricultural exports
- ISO 22000 / HACCP certified factory base (select facilities)
- Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, UTZ, Organic (NPOP/USDA-NOP/EU) certified estates available
- Residue monitoring per FSSAI / Codex Alimentarius / EU Regulation 396/2005 / Japan Positive List / US EPA tolerances
Global reach
Markets we serve
Middle East & GCC
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq. High per-capita tea consumption; strong demand for CTC dust/PD for karak chai and orthodox for premium blends.
South Asia
Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan, Afghanistan. Land/sea connectivity; bulk CTC for blending, orthodox for premium segments. SAFTA preferential access.
CIS & Russia
Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine. Traditional tea-drinking markets; strong demand for CTC and orthodox grades via Baltic/Black Sea ports or rail.
Europe
UK, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Ireland, France. Blending houses, packet tea brands, specialty retailers. EU MRL compliance, organic certification, and sustainability documentation critical.
North America
USA, Canada. Growing specialty tea segment (Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Assam orthodox); RTD and iced tea manufacturers. FDA prior notice, FSMA compliance, USDA organic where applicable.
Africa & Indian Ocean
Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles. CTC for local blending/packing; re-export hubs. Competitive freight from Indian ports.
Partner with us
Why choose VegTradeHub for Chai Pati
Direct estate & factory access
Long-term relationships with Tea Board-registered gardens and bought-leaf factories across all major Indian tea regions.
Blend development expertise
In-house tea taster panel supports custom blend formulation, pilot batches, and sensory profiling for brand owners.
Grade integrity guaranteed
Strict adherence to ISO 3720 / Tea Board grade standards — no grade substitution, consistent particle size distribution.
Flexible volume & packaging
From 5 MT trial orders to 500+ MT annual contracts. Packaging from 500g retail packs to 500 kg bulk bags, all customizable.
Reliable shipment scheduling
Pre-booked container space, priority air cargo slots, and flush-season forward contracts to secure best grades.
Complete documentation
Phytosanitary, COA, Certificate of Origin, fumigation, organic/fair trade certs — delivered ahead of vessel departure.
Destination expertise
25+ countries served; knowledge of import regulations, MRL requirements, labeling laws, and port procedures.
Transparent cost structure
FOB/CIF/CFR breakdowns with no hidden margins; price risk management via forward contracts and auction tracking.
Dedicated account management
Single point of contact per buyer; multilingual support (English, Hindi, Arabic, Russian); responsive across time zones.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order quantity for chai pati?
Trial orders from 5 MT (one 20' container partial load). Full container programs start at 18-20 MT with better pricing, dedicated grade allocation, and priority shipping.
Can you supply specific flush teas (first flush Darjeeling, etc.)?
Yes — we offer flush-specific programs. First flush Darjeeling (Mar-Apr) and second flush (May-Jun) require forward booking (Jan-Feb) for best garden selection. Nilgiri frost tea (Jan-Feb) and Assam peak CTC (May-Jul) also seasonal.
Do you provide custom blending and private label services?
Yes. We support blend formulation with pilot batches (10-50 kg), sensory evaluation reports, specification lock-in, and full private-label packaging — sachets, loose-leaf tins, pouches, pyramid bags via partner facilities.
What certifications do your tea estates and factories hold?
Our supply base includes estates/factories with: Tea Board registration, FSSAI, ISO 22000/HACCP, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, UTZ, Organic (NPOP/USDA-NOP/EU), Trustea (Indian sustainability code). Specific certs per lot on request.
How do you ensure pesticide residue compliance for EU/Japan/US markets?
Pre-harvest interval monitoring, multi-residue GC-MS/LC-MS screening (400+ compounds) at NABL-accredited labs, compliance with EU Reg 396/2005, Japan Positive List, US EPA tolerances, and FSSAI MRLs. COA provided per shipment.
What packaging options preserve tea freshness best for long sea voyages?
For premium orthodox: vacuum-sealed foil-lined bags (1-5 kg) inside master cartons, nitrogen-flushed. For CTC bulk: multi-wall paper sacks with PE liner + container desiccants + vapor barrier liner. Reefer containers (10-15°C) recommended for high-value grades.
Can you supply mixed containers with different tea grades/origins?
Yes — we regularly ship mixed 20'/40' containers combining Assam CTC, Darjeeling orthodox, Nilgiri, and Dooars grades. Palletized by grade/lot with individual documentation. Optimizes freight cost for blenders needing multiple origins.
What is the typical lead time from order confirmation to shipment?
Spot stock (warehouse): 7-10 days for documentation and loading. Fresh factory outturn: 15-25 days depending on grade, flush, and factory schedule. Forward contracts: shipment per agreed calendar.
How are quality claims handled?
Claims must be reported within 7 days of arrival with: photos of packaging/lot codes, cup evaluation notes, lab reports (if quality parameter dispute), and temperature/humidity logger data. We investigate within 5 business days and resolve (replacement, credit, or joint survey) within 15 business days.