For importers, how a supplier packs and loads tapioca starch affects landed cost, handling, and product condition on arrival. This guide covers the practical points to confirm before you place an order.
Packaging formats
Native tapioca starch is typically exported in two formats:
- 30 kg bags — usually polypropylene/paper with a liner; palletised or floor-loaded. Easier for manual handling and smaller batch use.
- Jumbo bags (FIBC) — 500 kg or 850 kg bulk bags. More efficient for high-volume buyers with forklift handling and bulk dispensing.
Choosing between them comes down to your handling equipment, storage, and how the starch enters your process.
What drives container quantity
The amount of starch in a container depends on several factors, so confirm them per shipment rather than assuming a fixed figure:
- Bag format — 30 kg bags vs 500/850 kg FIBC load differently.
- Container type — typically a 20 ft container for dense, heavy cargo like starch (weight-limited before it is volume-limited).
- Destination weight regulations — road and port weight limits at the destination often cap the loaded weight.
- Palletised vs floor-loaded — affects how many bags fit.
A good supplier advises the optimal loading plan for your route with every quotation, so the container is filled to the destination’s legal weight without over-loading.
What to confirm with your supplier
- Bag format and liner — moisture protection matters for starch.
- Loading plan — bags per container for your destination, palletised or floor-loaded.
- Marking and documentation — bag marking, packing list, and the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
- Incoterms and port of loading — confirmed per order; share your destination for accurate routing. (See sourcing from Thailand.)
Protecting product condition
Starch is hygroscopic, so moisture control in transit matters. Confirm liner/packaging integrity and avoid prolonged exposure to humidity during loading. Product packed under an FSSC 22000 system is handled under controlled hygiene conditions through to loading.
TQ Industry Starch packs native tapioca starch in 30 kg bags and 500/850 kg FIBC, and advises the optimal loading plan for your destination. Share your destination and volume for a quotation with a loading plan.