How to buy from ATC Group: your first container in 5 steps

1. Send your enquiry

A complete request gets an offer faster. Tell us:

Use the quote form, e-mail contact@atcgroup.pl or WhatsApp (+48 501 351 121). Our trading desk replies within 24 business hours.

We check every request against the rules of the destination country. For example, we do not offer frozen poultry for Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal or Cameroon, and we never offer pork for markets that require halal.

• the product and the cut or species (for example horse mackerel, mackerel, chicken leg quarters, pork front feet, beef tripe, skimmed milk powder);
• the size or grade, the packing and the carton weight;
• the quantity, in number of containers;
• the destination port and your preferred Incoterm (CIF, CFR or FOB);
• the loading window you want;
• any special requirement: halal (poultry and beef), label language, pre-shipment inspection.

2. Receive a firm offer

The written offer states the origin, specification, price, loading date and validity. It is valid for a few days only, because plant prices and freight change from week to week. We do not publish a price list: each offer depends on the product, the volume, the Incoterm and the port. The detailed specification of the product comes with the offer; the PDF technical sheet is also on each product page.

3. Sign the contract or proforma invoice

The contract is formed by our written order confirmation or our proforma invoice. It fixes:

Check the confirmation as soon as you receive it and report any difference in writing. For a first order, we may ask for your company documents (KYC check). Pay only to the account of the company named in the contract.

Incoterms: CIF by default (we pay freight and insurance to your port). CFR: we pay the freight, you insure the goods. FOB: you book freight and insurance from the European port.

• the product, size, packing and quantity in tonnes and cartons;
• the Incoterm and port, for example "CIF Abidjan, Incoterms 2020";
• the loading window and loading port;
• the list of documents to be supplied;
• the inspection, if you ask for one;
• the payment terms: irrevocable letter of credit at sight or bank transfer (TT), according to the terms agreed in each contract.

4. Loading and documents

We load 10 to 21 days after receipt of the bank transfer, depending on the product, the plant and the carrier's equipment. The reefer is set at -18 °C or colder. We photograph the cartons, the loading and the seal; the seal number is on the bill of lading. On request, we place a temperature recorder and have the goods inspected by SGS or Bureau Veritas. We send copies of the documents at loading, so your broker can prepare clearance before the vessel arrives.

5. Arrival and clearance

The importer obtains the import permit or authorisation in its country and clears the goods with its customs broker. Start as soon as the contract is signed: in several countries, the authorisation must exist before shipment or arrival. We confirm the country's requirements with you before each loading. Prepare clearance before arrival: the carrier's free time at the port is short, and demurrage starts after it. Our country pages list the authorities and documents for each market.

Minimum order and load per container

• Minimum: one full container. A reefer can combine several compatible frozen products.
• Meat, poultry, fish: 40ft reefer at -18 °C, about 26 t net (25 to 27.5 t depending on product and packing).
• Fries: 40ft reefer at -18 °C, about 24 to 25 t net.
• Milk powder (25 kg bags): dry container. 40ft: 24 to 25 t; 20ft: 16 to 18 t; minimum one 20ft.
• The exact net weight is confirmed in each offer.

Samples

We do not send samples. Before you order, you receive the detailed specification of the product offered, and each product page has a downloadable PDF technical sheet. Our Shipments page shows real photos of cartons and loadings.

Pre-shipment inspection

• On request : inspection by SGS or Bureau Veritas before loading. It can cover quality, quantity, container condition, temperature, packing and labels, with photos and container and seal numbers. The inspection body, place and terms are set in the contract.
• Cameroon : SGS pre-shipment inspection is mandatory. We arrange it for every container at loading and send you the report with the shipping documents. There is nothing for you to organise at this stage.

Documents supplied with each container

Carton labels: product name, net weight, production and expiry dates, lot number and the plant's veterinary approval number. Language requirements are confirmed in the offer.

Real examples (client details masked): Shipments page.

Claims

Any claim for a visible defect must reach us in writing within 48 hours after discharge. It is documented with photos, temperature records and the inspection report. On arrival:

1. Check the seal and the container before taking delivery. If the seal number differs from the bill of lading, have it noted on the transport documents.
2. Download the temperature record from the reefer unit and the recorder.
3. Photograph the cartons, labels and product; weigh a few cartons.
4. Do not sell or move the goods concerned before the survey. Under CIF, call the claims agent named on the insurance certificate.
5. Notify us in writing at once, with the lot numbers, and notify the carrier for transport damage.

Lead times

Loading and arrival dates are estimates: vessel schedules, port congestion and controls at destination can change them.

For each step in detail, read our step-by-step guide to your first container.

Frequently asked questions