FAQs: Importing Natural Stone from India, Answered by an 18-Year Exporter

  • After 18 years and shipments to more than 40 countries, the same questions come up again and again from new buyers — some by email, some on the first call, some only after something’s gone wrong with a previous supplier. Rather than answer them one at a time, here’s the complete reference: every question we get asked regularly about importing natural stone from India, answered directly. If your question isn’t covered here, our team is happy to answer it directly — just reach out.

    Ordering and Minimum Quantities

    Most exporters, including Nirvan Exports, require a minimum order of 20 metric tonnes, roughly one 20ft container, though smaller orders are usually possible by combining multiple stone types in one container. Samples or photos of the actual reserved lot can typically be arranged before you commit to a full order. HS codes are needed for customs clearance and vary by stone: marble is 2515.12, granite 2516.11, sandstone 2506.10, limestone 2521.00, slate 6803.00, and quartzite 2506.20.

    Shipping and Logistics

    Rajasthan-based exporters typically ship from Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) or Kandla Port, both of which serve regular container routes worldwide. Processing takes 15-25 working days from order confirmation, then transit varies by destination — 10-14 days to the UAE, 18-24 days to the UK and Europe, 21-30 days to the USA and Canada, and 16-22 days to Australia. On pricing, FOB covers the stone and port loading only, with the buyer arranging freight, while CIF includes ocean freight and insurance to your destination port in one quoted price.

    Documentation and Customs

    A natural stone shipment should arrive with a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading, and the packaging should carry ISPM15 compliance certification. The most common cause of customs delays is a mismatch between the packing list and the physical shipment, or missing ISPM15 certification on wooden packaging — both are worth verifying before your container is sealed.

    Quality and Customization

    Most varieties are available in standard gangsaw and cutter sizes, with custom cutting available on request for larger orders. Because natural stone varies by block, it’s worth asking for photos of your specific reserved lot rather than relying solely on a general sample, particularly for high-veining marble and quartzite varieties where appearance can vary noticeably between lots.

    Get a Quote

    Have a question that’s not covered here? Get in touch directly and we’ll answer it before you place an order. Free quote within 24 hours.

FAQ's

frequently asked questions

Q What natural stones does Nirvan Exports supply?
A Nirvan Exports supplies five categories of natural stone: marble, granite, sandstone, slate, and limestone. Our marble range includes over 20 varieties such as Makrana White, Rainforest Green, Katni Beige, Fantasy Brown, and Spider Green. Our granite range includes Black Galaxy, Absolute Black, Colonial White, and 15+ additional varieties. We also supply Rajasthan sandstone in Buff, Pink, Teak, and Kandla Grey; natural slate tiles and slate veneer sheets; and limestone including Kota Stone, Fossil, Yellow, and Beige varieties.
A Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) for export is typically 20 metric tonnes per stone type, which equates to approximately one 20-foot container. However, we can accommodate smaller trial orders for new buyers — please contact us to discuss your specific requirements. For large projects requiring multiple containers or regular supply contracts, we offer priority processing and volume pricing.
A Nirvan Exports exports natural stone to over 40 countries worldwide. Our primary markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, and countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. We are experienced in the import regulations, documentation requirements, and logistics of all our major export markets.
A Lead time from order confirmation to shipment is typically 15 to 25 working days, depending on the stone type, finish, and order volume. Once shipped from Nhava Sheva port (Mumbai), standard transit times are 18 to 25 days to European ports, 21 to 30 days to USA and Canada, and 12 to 18 days to the UAE and Middle East. We provide tracking information for all shipments.
A Yes. All Nirvan Exports orders can be customised to your project specifications. We supply stone in standard slab sizes (typically 240 x 120 cm), standard tile formats (60 x 60 cm, 60 x 30 cm, 30 x 30 cm), or fully bespoke dimensions cut to your requirements. Available finishes include polished, honed, brushed, sandblasted, flamed, leather, and natural split. Please provide your specifications when requesting a quote.
A Yes. We strongly encourage new buyers to request samples before placing a bulk order. Sample pieces (typically 10 x 10 cm or 20 x 20 cm) are available for most stone varieties in our range. Sample charges and shipping costs apply, which are refundable against your first order. To request samples, contact us with the stone variety, finish, and your delivery address.
A All Nirvan Exports shipments use export-grade wooden crates with foam padding, waterproof wrapping, and heavy-duty strapping. Marble slabs are packed back-to-back with foam separators to prevent surface damage in transit. Slate veneer sheets and fragile stone products receive individual protective wrapping. Our packaging complies with international maritime freight standards and is designed to withstand multi-port transshipment.
A Nirvan Exports is a natural stone supplier and exporter — not a stone manufacturer. Natural stone is quarried from the earth, not manufactured. We own and operate quarry partnerships in Udaipur, Rajasthan and work with established quarry owners across India’s major stone regions. We handle the full supply chain from quarry sourcing through to stone processing, quality control, packaging, and international export.
A Nirvan Exports provides a full set of export documentation with every shipment, including: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (where required), and quality inspection report. We are experienced with documentation requirements for all our major export markets including the USA, UK, EU countries, Australia, and the Middle East.
A To receive a quotation, contact Nirvan Exports with the following details: stone type and variety, quantity required (in metric tonnes or square metres), finish required, slab or tile format and size, and your delivery port or country. We respond to all enquiries within 48 hours with a detailed price quotation and, where relevant, availability of samples.
What is the minimum order quantity for natural stone from India?

Most exporters, including Nirvan Exports, require a minimum of 20 metric tonnes, roughly one 20ft container. Smaller orders are usually possible by combining multiple stone types in one container.

Yes, most suppliers can arrange sample pieces or photos of the actual lot reserved for your order before you commit to the full minimum order quantity.

HS codes vary by stone type and are needed for customs clearance: marble is 2515.12, granite 2516.11, sandstone 2506.10, limestone 2521.00, slate 6803.00, and quartzite 2506.20.

Rajasthan-based exporters typically ship from Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) or Kandla Port, both of which serve regular container routes worldwide.

Processing takes 15-25 working days from order confirmation, then transit varies by destination — 10-14 days to the UAE, 18-24 days to the UK and Europe, 21-30 days to the USA and Canada, and 16-22 days to Australia.

FOB covers the stone and port loading only, with the buyer arranging freight. CIF includes ocean freight and insurance to your destination port in one quoted price.

A commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading. Packaging should also carry ISPM15 compliance certification.

The most common cause is a mismatch between the packing list and the physical shipment, or missing ISPM15 certification on wooden packaging.

Yes, most varieties are available in standard gangsaw and cutter sizes, with custom cutting available on request for larger orders.