FAQ
Frequently asked questions
These cover the most common questions we get from new customers — MOQ, lead times, REACH, CoA, payment terms, technical grade-selection. For anything not answered here, email us directly.
Ordering
What's your MOQ?+
FCL (one 20' container, 18–20 t) is our standard MOQ. We can also ship LCL containers from 500 kg upward, useful for new-customer pilot runs or for jurisdictions where TiO2 import paperwork is heavy. Sample shipments (5–25 kg) are usually free for technical evaluation against your reference grade.
What payment terms do you offer?+
30% TT in advance + 70% TT against B/L copy is our standard. We accept LC at sight for orders ≥ USD 50,000. For repeat customers with established credit, we can offer DA 30–60 days. We do not ship before payment terms are firmly agreed and PI is countersigned.
How long is the lead time?+
Most universal grades (SEMITI 996, 902, 298, A100) we hold safety stock for — 5–7 day production-to-shipment from China. Specialty grades (SEMITI 880, NANO-30, SL70) typically have 2–3 week lead time. Add port-to-port ocean transit: 10–14 days to most Asian ports, 18–25 days to India / Middle East, 25–35 days to Europe, 35–45 days to Latin America.
Which Incoterms do you support?+
FOB Shanghai, Qingdao, Ningbo (default). CIF to any major port worldwide. DDP available for EU, UK, North America, Australia — we handle inland trucking and customs clearance at destination. EXW available but rare — most overseas buyers prefer FOB or higher.
Quality & documentation
Do you provide CoA with every shipment?+
Yes. Batch-specific CoA covering TiO2 content, crystal form, color (CIE L*, a*, b*), tinting strength, oil absorption, pH, particle size, and process trace data accompanies every container. PDF emailed at ship date, hard copy in the document pouch.
Is your material REACH-registered?+
Yes. Titanium dioxide is REACH-registered as an existing substance (EC 236-675-5). We provide REACH compliance letter on inquiry. Note that the EU's 2022 classification of TiO2 as Carc. 2 (inhalation) only applies to powder forms with ≥1% respirable particles — our standard agglomerated powder grades fall under the national-level exemptions in most member states. Discuss with your local distributor.
Can I get FDA food-contact documentation?+
Yes for the grades validated for food contact (SEMITI 996, A100, certain plastic masterbatch grades). We provide FDA 21 CFR 178.3297 compliance letter and migration testing reports on inquiry. Direct food contact applications (e.g., food packaging at high TiO2 loading) require sample qualification — we can ship a dedicated food-grade variant.
What's the difference between 'typical specification' and 'CoA'?+
Typical specifications listed on this site represent the range we contractually commit to deliver — they're the upper/lower bounds of normal batch variation. The CoA is a snapshot of the actual batch you receive, with measured values that will sit within the typical range. For tight quality control, request a pre-shipment CoA before approving the batch.
Technical
What's the difference between chloride and sulfate process?+
Chloride process (used for SEMITI 996, 706, 902, etc.) routes TiCl4 through vapor-phase oxidation to produce TiO2 with narrow particle size distribution, brighter undertone (lower b*), and minimal metallic impurities. Sulfate process (used for SEMITI 298, A100, A200) digests ilmenite ore in sulfuric acid — cheaper to operate, slightly broader PSD, more impurities. For premium coatings and brilliant white plastics, choose chloride. For paper, fiber, rubber, and cost-sensitive applications, sulfate is the smarter choice.
Rutile or anatase — which do I need?+
Default to rutile (SEMITI 996 and the chloride series) for most coatings, plastics, and outdoor applications — higher refractive index gives better hiding, and rutile is photochemically stable enough for outdoor service. Choose anatase (SEMITI A100, A101, A200) for paper, ink, fiber delustering, rubber, and ceramic glaze — softer crystal, brighter undertone, and 25% cheaper. Never use anatase in exterior coatings (chalking risk).
What's the right grade for waterborne paint?+
SEMITI 706W is the optimized choice — hydrophilic surface treatment, minimum TiO2 demand. SEMITI 902 works for most waterborne emulsions too and is more widely stocked. For high-end premium waterborne (low-VOC, scrub-resistant), 706W earns its premium. For mid-tier, 902 is fine.
Can I substitute SEMITI 996 for Ti-Pure R-902 1:1?+
In most architectural and industrial coatings, yes — same loading, same dispersion procedure, same letdown. We've validated 1:1 drop-in substitution in 20+ customer trials for waterborne acrylic, solventborne alkyd, and air-dry industrial. Always run a 100 kg trial batch first; very tight color-matched systems (automotive top-coat, decor paper) may need fine-tuning of colorant package.
Compliance & shipping
Is TiO2 a dangerous good for ocean shipping?+
No. TiO2 is not classified as dangerous under IMDG. It ships as standard general cargo — typical 25 kg paper bag or 500–1000 kg FIBC. No special permits or fees for ocean transport. For air freight, same applies — general cargo classification.
Are there any export restrictions from China?+
TiO2 is not export-controlled. We hold standard MOFCOM export license. No quota, no special permit required. The only paperwork is the usual: commercial invoice, packing list, B/L, CoA, COO (Certificate of Origin) — all provided as standard.
Do you handle EU import customs?+
On DDP terms, yes — we handle customs clearance and duties at destination. EU TiO2 import duty is 5.5% (HS 3206.11.00), VAT applied at destination country rate. On FOB or CIF, you handle EU side import. We provide all required documentation (invoice, packing list, CoA, REACH letter, COO) for your broker.
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