Navigating essential oil exports from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and fertile soil. Among its many exports, essential oils stand out for their purity and therapeutic properties. From aromatic rosemary oil to versatile tea tree oil, there are many types of essential oils from Sri Lanka that have found their way into homes and businesses across the globe.

In this blog, we’ll explore the intricate journey of these oils from distillation to delivery, and the best practices for ensuring these delicate products reach their destination safely.

An overview of Sri Lanka’s essential oils industry

Sri Lanka's essential oils industry is a thriving sector, deeply rooted in the country's agricultural traditions. The island's unique climate and soil conditions provide the perfect environment for cultivating plants like rosemary, citronella, eucalyptus, and tea tree, which are widely grown in order to be transformed into high-quality essential oils.

These oils are used in a variety of purposes, from aromatherapy to skincare and even on hair, essential oils are highly sought-after for their benefits and versatility.

How essential oils are produced

The extraction of essential oils is an art and science that has evolved over centuries. In Sri Lanka, both traditional and modern techniques are employed to ensure the highest quality of oils, preserving their therapeutic properties and unique aromas.

Traditional techniques

Traditional methods, such as steam extraction of essential oils, have been used for generations. This method involves passing steam through plant materials, causing the essential oils to evaporate and then condense into a pure form. The steam distillation extraction process is time-consuming and labour-intensive but is renowned for producing oils of exceptional purity.

Modern techniques

Modern techniques, like cold pressing and solvent extraction, are also widely used. Cold pressing is primarily used for citrus essential oils, where the oil is mechanically pressed out of the fruit's peel. This method is efficient and retains the oil's vibrant, fresh scent. Solvent extraction, on the other hand, uses solvents to dissolve the essential oil from the plant material, which is then evaporated, leaving the pure oil behind.

Key documentation for exporting essential oils out of Sri Lanka

<p>Preparing essential oils for international shipping out of Sri Lanka? Here are the export shipping documents you need to ensure <a href="https://www.customs.gov.lk/business/exporting-goods/">compliance with Sri Lanka customs</a> and international regulations for smooth clearance. </p>
<p>Commercial invoice</p>
<ul>
<li>Provides a detailed account of the goods being shipped, including buyer and seller details, item descriptions, costs, quantities, and HS codes.</li>
<li>Essential for customs declarations, helping expedite the clearance process and minimise delays.</li>
</ul>
<p>Bill of lading</p>
<ul>
<li>A legal document issued by the carrier to acknowledge receipt of the cargo for shipment.</li>
<li>Outlines the type, quantity, and destination of the goods, serving as a shipment receipt and title of ownership.</li>
</ul>
<p>Export license</p>
<ul>
<li>Authorises the export of goods from Sri Lanka, ensuring compliance with the country’s export regulations.</li>
<li>Obtained by submitting a written request and relevant export documents to Sri Lanka Customs.</li>
</ul>
<p>Customs export declaration</p>
<ul>
<li>Provides detailed information about the nature and value of the goods for customs clearance.</li>
<li>Ensures the shipment complies with all export regulations and duties.</li>
</ul>
<p>Certificate of origin</p>
<ul>
<li>Certifies that the essential oils are produced in Sri Lanka.</li>
<li>Required by importing countries for tariff and trade purposes, often obtained from the local chamber of commerce.</li>
</ul>
<p>Packing list</p>
<ul>
<li>Details the contents of each package, including the type and quantity of essential oils.</li>
<li>Helps customs officials, carriers, and warehouse staff understand the shipment’s packing details for proper handling.</li>
</ul>
<p>Insurance certificate</p>
<ul>
<li>Provides coverage for the goods in case of loss or damage during transit.</li>
<li>Reduces financial risks and includes details about the insurance coverage and terms.</li>
</ul>
<p>Inspection certificate</p>
<ul>
<li>Verifies that the goods meet specified quality and quantity criteria.</li>
<li>Issued by an independent inspection agency, ensuring the shipment matches the buyer’s requirements.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Best practices for packaging and shipping essential oils</h2>
<p>Ensuring that essential oils stay safe during international shipping and arrive at their destination in perfect condition requires meticulous packaging and handling. Here are some best practices to consider:</p>
<p>Packing essential oils in appropriate containers</p>
<p>Glass bottles are the preferred packaging for essential oils, favoured for their inert properties, which prevent any reaction with the oils, ensuring that their properties are preserved. </p>
<p>However, these containers are fragile and require special care during shipping to avoid breakage. It's important to select high-quality glass bottles specifically designed for essential oil export to maintain the oils' purity and effectiveness throughout their journey.</p>
<p>How to ship glass bottles</p>
<p>To protect your fragile package of essential oils, use a sturdy packaging box, and individually wrap each glass bottle in foam or bubble wrap. Include dividers to prevent movement, and ensure the packaging is tight but not overly compacted. At the same time, consider insulated or climate-controlled shipping to maintain the oils' integrity during transit. These steps will <a href="https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-lk/logistics-advice/import-export-advice/5-packaging-tips-for-international-shipping">keep your delicate goods secure during international shipping</a>.</p>
<h2>Partner with DHL Express for efficient essential oil export</h2>
<p>DHL Express Sri Lanka offers specialised handling and shipping expertise that is vital for exporting essential oils. We understand the delicate nature of essential oils and provide customised shipping solutions to ensure their safe arrival. These include handling procedures for fragile packages, as well as cold chain capabilities to <a href="https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-lk/e-commerce-advice/e-commerce-sector-guides/logistics-management-shipping-packaging-solutions-perishable-goods">maintain the integrity and quality of perishable goods</a> like essential oils.</p>
<p>Plus, with our global DHL logistics network and extensive experience in international shipping, DHL Express guarantees reliable and timely delivery to any destination. </p>
<h2>Ensuring global success for Sri Lanka’s essential oils</h2>
<p>Exporting essential oils from Sri Lanka involves a complex supply chain that requires careful planning and attention to detail, all to ensure that the product reaches overseas customers in its optimal form. </p>
<p>From understanding the distillation and production methods to ensuring proper documentation and packaging, each step is crucial to maintaining the quality and integrity of the oils. By partnering with <a href="https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-lk">DHL Express Sri Lanka</a>, exporters can benefit from specialised handling and reliable logistics solutions, ensuring their essential oil products reach global markets safely and efficiently.</p>
<p>Whether you're shipping rosemary oil for hair, tea tree oil for skincare, or any other type of essential oil, DHL Express is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of international shipping. Open a <a href="https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-lk/ship-now">DHL Express business account</a> today and start exporting your essential oil products to eager customers around the world.</p>

Preparing essential oils for international shipping out of Sri Lanka? Here are the export shipping documents you need to ensure compliance with Sri Lanka customs and international regulations for smooth clearance.

Commercial invoice

Provides a detailed account of the goods being shipped, including buyer and seller details, item descriptions, costs, quantities, and HS codes.
Essential for customs declarations, helping expedite the clearance process and minimise delays.

Bill of lading

A legal document issued by the carrier to acknowledge receipt of the cargo for shipment.
Outlines the type, quantity, and destination of the goods, serving as a shipment receipt and title of ownership.

Export license

Authorises the export of goods from Sri Lanka, ensuring compliance with the country’s export regulations.
Obtained by submitting a written request and relevant export documents to Sri Lanka Customs.

Customs export declaration

Provides detailed information about the nature and value of the goods for customs clearance.
Ensures the shipment complies with all export regulations and duties.

Certificate of origin

Certifies that the essential oils are produced in Sri Lanka.
Required by importing countries for tariff and trade purposes, often obtained from the local chamber of commerce.

Packing list

Details the contents of each package, including the type and quantity of essential oils.
Helps customs officials, carriers, and warehouse staff understand the shipment’s packing details for proper handling.

Insurance certificate

Provides coverage for the goods in case of loss or damage during transit.
Reduces financial risks and includes details about the insurance coverage and terms.

Inspection certificate

Verifies that the goods meet specified quality and quantity criteria.
Issued by an independent inspection agency, ensuring the shipment matches the buyer’s requirements.

Best practices for packaging and shipping essential oils

Ensuring that essential oils stay safe during international shipping and arrive at their destination in perfect condition requires meticulous packaging and handling. Here are some best practices to consider:

Packing essential oils in appropriate containers

Glass bottles are the preferred packaging for essential oils, favoured for their inert properties, which prevent any reaction with the oils, ensuring that their properties are preserved.

However, these containers are fragile and require special care during shipping to avoid breakage. It's important to select high-quality glass bottles specifically designed for essential oil export to maintain the oils' purity and effectiveness throughout their journey.

How to ship glass bottles

To protect your fragile package of essential oils, use a sturdy packaging box, and individually wrap each glass bottle in foam or bubble wrap. Include dividers to prevent movement, and ensure the packaging is tight but not overly compacted. At the same time, consider insulated or climate-controlled shipping to maintain the oils' integrity during transit. These steps will keep your delicate goods secure during international shipping.

Partner with DHL Express for efficient essential oil export

DHL Express Sri Lanka offers specialised handling and shipping expertise that is vital for exporting essential oils. We understand the delicate nature of essential oils and provide customised shipping solutions to ensure their safe arrival. These include handling procedures for fragile packages, as well as cold chain capabilities to maintain the integrity and quality of perishable goods like essential oils.

Plus, with our global DHL logistics network and extensive experience in international shipping, DHL Express guarantees reliable and timely delivery to any destination.

Ensuring global success for Sri Lanka’s essential oils

Exporting essential oils from Sri Lanka involves a complex supply chain that requires careful planning and attention to detail, all to ensure that the product reaches overseas customers in its optimal form.

From understanding the distillation and production methods to ensuring proper documentation and packaging, each step is crucial to maintaining the quality and integrity of the oils. By partnering with DHL Express Sri Lanka, exporters can benefit from specialised handling and reliable logistics solutions, ensuring their essential oil products reach global markets safely and efficiently.

Whether you're shipping rosemary oil for hair, tea tree oil for skincare, or any other type of essential oil, DHL Express is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of international shipping. Open a DHL Express business account today and start exporting your essential oil products to eager customers around the world.

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