From inquiry to delivery

The sequence below is the operating baseline. Product, route, Incoterm, regulator review, and buyer requirements can add steps; those changes are recorded in the quote or shipment file.

Inquiry and specification

We record the product, intended use, grade or construction, quantity, frequency, destination, timing, and preferred Incoterm.

Responsibility
Buyer supplies the requirement; Exponential Labs converts it into the sourcing brief.

Documents
Inquiry record and draft specification.

Producer sourcing and sample approval

We identify an available producer or lot and arrange the agreed sample. The approval states what the sample represents.

Responsibility
Exponential Labs coordinates; the buyer evaluates and approves.

Documents
Supplier record, sample record, and approved specification.

Quality control and lot confirmation at origin

The available lot or production is checked against the approved basis before commercial release and packing.

Responsibility
Producer prepares the goods; Exponential Labs records the confirmation and any agreed inspection.

Documents
Lot confirmation, inspection record where agreed, and final packing basis.

Export documentation and clearance

Commercial and origin records are aligned with the Ecuador export declaration and product-specific certificates.

Responsibility
The legal exporter files through ECUAPASS; Exponential Labs coordinates the file.

Documents
Invoice, packing list, export declaration, certificate of origin, phytosanitary and ICO certificates when applicable.

Freight booking and Importer Security Filing

Carrier instructions are issued from the confirmed packing data. Ocean security information is sent before the loading deadline.

Responsibility
Forwarder or carrier books; the importer or its authorized filer submits ISF; Exponential Labs supplies origin data.

Documents
Booking, shipping instructions, ISF confirmation, and draft transport document.

US entry

Food agency data, customs classification, value, origin, bond, and shipment records are presented for release and entry summary.

Responsibility
The importer and appointed licensed customs broker file; Exponential Labs supplies and reconciles shipment records.

Documents
FDA Prior Notice confirmation, customs entry, CBP Form 7501, and duty and fee record.

Delivery to the agreed destination

After release, the shipment moves to the warehouse or port named in the contract and the closing packet is completed.

Responsibility
The delivery party follows the Incoterm and transport order; the buyer receives and checks the cargo.

Documents
Delivery record and final shipment document packet.

What can delay a shipment

FDA examination or sampling

A food shipment can be held for examination or sampling. We keep the entry party and buyer informed, preserve the document trail, and coordinate the requested records; we do not promise a release date controlled by the agency.

Incomplete supplier registration

A missing or inconsistent facility record can stop Prior Notice or entry preparation. We check the named facility and required data before booking and hold the shipment if a necessary record cannot be confirmed.

Phytosanitary re-inspection

Agrocalidad or the destination authority may require an additional inspection. We coordinate access to the lot, update the schedule, and obtain the resulting certificate or disposition before proceeding.

Port congestion or carrier change

A rolled booking, terminal constraint, or connection change can alter departure or arrival. We relay the carrier update, revise document dates where required, and quote delivery timing from the live booking rather than a standing promise.