Fresh Shallots Quality Standards for Buyers – Specifications, Grading & Defect Tolerance

Indonesian Fresh Shallots Quality Specifications | Bulb Size | Firmness | Mold & Rot Inspection | Defect Tolerance | Sample Approval

Are you looking for reliable information about fresh shallots quality specifications before importing or purchasing Indonesian shallots in bulk?

For international importers, fresh produce distributors, food processing companies, and quality control teams, product quality must be evaluated using clear, measurable, and mutually agreed purchasing standards.

Indonesia Export Center (IEC) helps international buyers connect with Indonesian fresh shallot suppliers and coordinate quality requirements covering bulb size, firmness, cleanliness, physical defects, sorting, commercial grades, and shipment inspection.

Our sourcing focus includes whole, clean fresh shallots, including premium-grade inquiries for bulbs measuring 28 mm and above, subject to supplier availability and agreed grading tolerance.

This guide explains the main quality parameters international buyers should evaluate when purchasing fresh shallots from Indonesia.

Quality Parameters Covered:

• Whole bulb integrity
• Firmness and physical condition
• Bulb size and size uniformity
• Natural skin color and appearance
• Cleanliness and foreign material
• Visible mold and decay
• Sprouting and mechanical damage
• Grade classification
• Defect tolerance
• Quality inspection and sampling
• Pre-shipment sample approval
• Lot identification and traceability

Need a Product Specification or Quality-Based Quotation?

Website: https://indonesiaexportcenter.com/

WhatsApp: +62 813-3302-277

Direct WhatsApp: https://wa.me/628133302277

1. Understanding Fresh Shallots Quality Specifications

Fresh shallots are agricultural products whose commercial quality can vary due to cultivation conditions, harvest maturity, post-harvest handling, storage, sorting, and transportation.

For international buyers, a clear quality specification helps establish common expectations between suppliers, exporters, importers, warehouse teams, and inspection companies.

A well-defined fresh shallot specification should describe:

1. Product identity and origin
2. Required commercial grade
3. Minimum and maximum bulb size
4. Acceptable physical condition
5. Firmness requirements
6. Cleanliness and bulb integrity
7. Limits for visible defects
8. Sprouting and decay requirements
9. Inspection and sampling procedures
10. Shipment acceptance criteria

Without agreed specifications, buyers and suppliers may interpret terms such as “premium,” “export grade,” or “high quality” differently.

Indonesia Export Center encourages buyers to use documented specifications rather than relying solely on general product descriptions.

2. Fresh Shallots Product Quality Specifications

The following table provides a proposed purchasing specification for export-oriented Indonesian fresh shallots.

Quality Parameter	Proposed Buyer Requirement
Product	Fresh Shallots
Botanical Group	Allium cepa Aggregatum Group
Origin	Indonesia
Product Form	Whole fresh bulbs
Commercial Grade	Export Grade / Super Premium / Buyer-Specified
Premium Size Option	Minimum 28 mm diameter
Bulb Integrity	Intact, commercially sound bulbs
Firmness	Firm and not excessively soft
Skin Color	Characteristic of the agreed variety
Cleanliness	Practically free from visible soil and foreign matter
Leaf Condition	Green leaves removed when specified
Stem Condition	Trimmed to agreed requirements
Visible Mold	No visible mold in the proposed premium acceptance specification
Rot / Decay	Decayed bulbs targeted for rejection during sorting
Sprouting	Within agreed grade and defect limits
Mechanical Damage	Within agreed tolerance
Pest Damage	Subject to specified acceptance and phytosanitary requirements
Size Uniformity	According to agreed size tolerance
Defect Tolerance	Defined in purchasing contract
Packaging	5 kg / 10 kg / 20 kg or custom, subject to confirmation
Inspection	Visual inspection, measurement and agreed sampling
Sample Approval	Before commercial shipment, when agreed

Important: This table is a proposed procurement framework, not a laboratory-certified Certificate of Analysis or a verified quality report for any particular supplier lot.

Actual specifications and quality acceptance requirements must be confirmed before ordering.

3. Shallot Quality Standards – International References

International agricultural trade uses recognized product standards to help establish common grading and quality terminology.

Three useful references for fresh shallot procurement are:

UNECE Standard FFV-56 – Shallots

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe publishes the UNECE FFV-56 standard concerning the commercial quality control and marketing of fresh shallots.

It covers matters such as:

• Minimum product quality requirements
• Commercial classes
• Size requirements
• Quality tolerances
• Product presentation
• Marking and identification

The standard is intended for fresh shallots supplied to consumers and excludes shallots specifically intended for industrial processing.

ASEAN Standard for Shallot – ASEAN Stan 14:2009

The ASEAN standard provides a regional reference for fresh shallot quality.

Its provisions address:

• Minimum requirements
• Quality classification
• Sizing
• Quality and size tolerances
• Uniformity
• Packaging and marking

This reference may be useful for regional agricultural trade discussions, subject to applicable national requirements.

Codex Standard CXS 348-2022

The Codex standard for onions and shallots provides internationally recognized product quality guidance, including classification, sizing, and tolerance provisions.

Important Note for International Buyers

These references are useful for drafting procurement specifications.

However, a buyer should not assume that a supplier’s use of the terms “export grade” or “super premium” automatically demonstrates compliance with a particular international standard.

Applicable legal requirements, the selected standard, commercial class, and agreed inspection criteria should be identified in the purchase contract.

4. Shallot Bulb Firmness – An Important Quality Indicator

Bulb firmness is an important indicator of the physical condition of fresh shallots.

A commercially sound shallot bulb should generally feel firm when handled appropriately.

Excessively soft or deteriorated bulbs may indicate problems related to storage, decay, or product handling.

Recommended Firmness Evaluation

Quality inspectors may evaluate:

• General firmness
• Abnormal softening
• Collapsed or severely damaged tissue
• Excessive moisture-related deterioration
• Other visible signs of declining quality

Why Firmness Matters

For wholesalers, firmness contributes to receiving quality and market presentation.

For food processors, firmness may also influence raw material suitability.

For importers, abnormal softness can be a warning that a product requires closer inspection.

A firmness test should be conducted using a defined procedure and representative sample.

Important: Firmness alone cannot establish shelf life, microbiological safety, or the absence of internal defects.

5. Mold and Rot Inspection for Fresh Shallots

Visible mold and rot are critical considerations in commercial quality inspection.

For premium export sourcing, IEC encourages sorting procedures intended to remove visibly affected bulbs.

Visible Mold

Inspection should identify any observable fungal growth on bulb surfaces or associated plant material.

Bulbs showing visible mold should be evaluated and rejected according to the agreed specification.

Rot and Decay

Signs of deterioration may include:

• Soft or collapsed bulb tissue
• Visible rotting
• Abnormal wet or decomposing areas
• Serious discoloration associated with decay
• Unusual deterioration-related odors

Affected bulbs should be segregated during sorting to prevent unacceptable products from being packed as premium-grade material.

Defect Control

International quality standards may allow specific tolerances for certain classes and defects.

Therefore, a buyer-requested target of zero visible rotten bulbs should be clearly distinguished from a formal standard’s permitted tolerance.

No shipment should be represented as completely free from all microbial contamination solely because its bulbs pass visual inspection.

6. Shallot Bulb Size and Grade Specifications

Bulb diameter is a measurable parameter used in shallot grading.

For commercial procurement, buyers may specify minimum bulb diameter or a defined size range.

Premium 28 mm Up Shallots

Indonesia Export Center facilitates inquiries involving premium fresh shallots with a minimum diameter of 28 mm.

The specification should define:

• Measurement method
• Minimum permitted diameter
• Any maximum diameter requirement
• Permitted proportion of undersized bulbs
• Applicable grading class
• Lot inspection procedure

How Shallot Diameter Is Measured

Bulb diameter is generally evaluated across the widest cross-section of the bulb, consistent with the applicable standard or contract measurement method.

Suitable measuring devices may include calibrated vernier calipers or grading equipment.

Size Uniformity

Size uniformity can help maintain consistent wholesale presentation.

However, agricultural produce naturally varies in shape and dimensions.

The acceptable size distribution and grading tolerance must be agreed before shipment.

Super Premium vs Export Grade

“Super Premium” is frequently used as a commercial quality description.

It should not automatically be treated as an official grade established by every international shallot standard.

Buyers should define measurable characteristics instead of relying solely on grade names.

7. Shallots Defect Tolerance – What Buyers Need to Know

Shallots defect tolerance refers to the permitted proportion of products that do not fully meet one or more agreed quality requirements.

Tolerances help buyers and suppliers establish measurable acceptance criteria for naturally variable agricultural products.

Common Defect Categories

Critical Defects

Examples may include serious rot, major contamination, and conditions that make the product unfit or unacceptable under the agreed specification.

Major Defects

These may include substantial mechanical damage, significant softening, or defects that materially affect commercial suitability.

Minor Defects

These may include limited cosmetic imperfections that do not substantially affect the product’s commercial condition, where permitted by the selected quality standard.

Proposed Defect Classification Framework

Defect	Suggested QC Classification	Acceptance Basis
Visible Rot	Critical	Buyer contract and applicable standard
Visible Mold	Critical or Major, depending on criteria	Buyer contract and applicable standard
Severe Physical Damage	Major	Agreed tolerance
Excessively Soft Bulbs	Major	Agreed acceptance rule
Undersized Bulbs	Size Nonconformity	Agreed size tolerance
Excessive Sprouting	Quality Nonconformity	Selected grade criteria
Excessive Soil	Cleanliness Nonconformity	Agreed tolerance
Minor Cosmetic Defects	Minor	Selected grade criteria
Incomplete Stem Trimming	Presentation Nonconformity	Buyer specification

This classification is an illustrative purchasing framework, not an official defect classification reproduced from a particular international standard.

How to Define Defect Tolerance

Before procurement, the parties should establish:

1. Which defects are unacceptable
2. Which defects are permitted within limits
3. Whether tolerance is calculated by bulb count or weight
4. Whether tolerances apply per package or per lot
5. Sampling and inspection procedures
6. Acceptance and rejection rules
7. Corrective-action or re-sorting arrangements

Example Contract Language

“Fresh shallots shall comply with the agreed grade, bulb size, cleanliness, firmness, and defect tolerance requirements. Inspection and acceptance shall be based on the approved specification, agreed sampling plan, and documented lot inspection results.”

Actual numerical tolerance limits must be specified in the contract and should not be invented or assumed from marketing descriptions.

8. Visual Inspection Checklist for Fresh Shallots

Visual inspection is one of the primary quality control activities for whole fresh shallots.

A practical pre-shipment checklist may include:

Product Identity

Confirm that the sampled product corresponds to the variety or commercial type specified in the purchase agreement.

Bulb Integrity

Inspect whether bulbs are whole and free from unacceptable physical damage.

Surface Cleanliness

Check for excessive adhering soil, debris, and foreign materials.

Skin Appearance

Evaluate whether bulb appearance is consistent with the agreed product type.

Firmness

Identify bulbs exhibiting excessive softening or deterioration.

Mold and Rot

Inspect for visible mold, decay, and other obvious signs of product deterioration.

Sprouting

Check the presence and extent of visible shoot growth against the agreed grade requirements.

Bulb Size

Measure representative bulbs to confirm size classification.

Sorting Consistency

Evaluate whether different packages show reasonably consistent quality and size distribution.

Packaging

Confirm packaging condition, net weight, labeling, and lot identification.

Inspection records should identify the relevant lot, date, sampling procedure, findings, and applicable acceptance criteria.

9. Sample Approval Before Bulk Shipment

Sample approval is an important part of reducing procurement disputes.

Before confirming a commercial order, international buyers may request representative product samples or approved product reference materials.

Step 1 – Define Product Specifications

The buyer provides detailed written requirements covering size, grade, appearance, firmness, cleanliness, and allowable defects.

Step 2 – Obtain Supplier Samples

The supplier provides representative samples where practical.

Samples should be traceable to the relevant source or production lot whenever possible.

Step 3 – Conduct Sample Evaluation

The buyer evaluates the submitted sample against the purchasing specification.

Step 4 – Record Sample Approval

The buyer and supplier confirm the approved characteristics and document any limitations or observations.

Step 5 – Establish Shipment Acceptance Criteria

The approved sample and written specification may be used together as references for subsequent lot inspection.

Step 6 – Perform Pre-Shipment Verification

The actual shipment lot should be inspected independently of the initial sample approval where required.

An approved sample does not guarantee that every bulb in a subsequent shipment will have identical characteristics. Lot-specific quality verification remains necessary.

10. Lot-Based Quality Control and Sampling Procedures

Bulk fresh shallot shipments may contain substantial numbers of bulbs packed into multiple bags or cartons.

Inspecting every individual bulb may not be operationally practical.

Buyers and suppliers should therefore agree on an appropriate lot-based inspection and sampling method.

Lot Identification

Each lot should have sufficient identification to distinguish it from other product lots.

Where relevant, records may include:

• Supplier or packing facility
• Product origin
• Packing date
• Lot number
• Product grade
• Size category
• Package count
• Total net weight

Representative Sampling

Samples should be selected using a method designed to represent the lot being evaluated.

The sampling plan should define the number of packages and quantity of shallots examined, along with the criteria used to accept or reject the lot.

Inspection Documentation

A quality inspection report may contain:

• Inspection date
• Lot identity
• Sample size
• Bulb measurement results
• Visible defect counts
• Relevant photographs
• Packaging findings
• Overall assessment
• Inspector identification

Independent Inspection

Third-party inspection can be considered when appropriate.

Inspection scope, agency, timing, cost, and reporting format must be agreed between the contracting parties.

11. Quality Control for Food Processing Buyers

Food processors may require additional quality parameters beyond appearance and general fresh market grading.

Depending on the intended processing application, buyers may evaluate:

• Bulb size consistency
• Firmness
• Dry matter content
• Peelability
• Processing yield
• Raw material cleanliness
• Pest damage
• Pesticide residue compliance
• Microbiological suitability
• Storage stability

Fried Shallot Manufacturers

Fried shallot production may require specific raw material characteristics affecting peeling, slicing, moisture management, and finished-product yield.

Seasoning and Spice Manufacturers

Seasoning processors may prioritize supplier traceability, flavor profile, incoming material quality, and production consistency.

Food Ingredient Processing

Other food manufacturers may require defined laboratory analyses or production-specific parameters.

UNECE and ASEAN fresh-market shallot standards exclude products specifically intended for industrial processing. Processing buyers should establish application-specific specifications where necessary.

12. Quality Requirements for International Fresh Produce Importers

Quality requirements may vary according to the destination market, distribution channel, and applicable regulations.

International buyers should consider both commercial quality and regulatory compliance.

Commercial Quality

Covers characteristics such as bulb size, grade, firmness, visible defects, cleanliness, and packaging.

Phytosanitary Compliance

Covers plant health requirements and applicable pest-related import conditions.

Food Safety Compliance

May include pesticide maximum residue limits, contaminants, microbiological requirements, and other destination-specific rules.

Packaging and Labeling

May include product identity, country of origin, net weight, lot identification, and other legally required particulars.

Traceability

Importers may require documentation linking shipments to suppliers, packing operations, and identifiable production lots.

Commercial appearance alone does not demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Buyers should verify import eligibility and applicable requirements before ordering.

13. How IEC Facilitates Quality-Based Fresh Shallots Sourcing

Indonesia Export Center supports international buyers through supplier sourcing and commercial coordination.

Step 1 – Submit Quality Requirements

Provide the required grade, bulb diameter, defect tolerance, packaging, quantity, and destination.

Step 2 – Supplier Matching

IEC communicates your specifications to potential Indonesian suppliers.

Step 3 – Product Availability Review

Suppliers confirm whether suitable products are available.

Step 4 – Documentation and Sample Discussion

Buyers may request available product photographs, specifications, samples, or inspection arrangements.

Step 5 – Commercial Quotation

Suppliers provide quotations based on the requested quality and commercial terms.

Step 6 – Inspection Agreement

The parties confirm the quality acceptance criteria and applicable inspection method.

Step 7 – Order and Shipment Coordination

The contracting exporter prepares the product and shipment according to the agreed arrangements.

Indonesia Export Center primarily acts as a sourcing intermediary and trade facilitator. Product conformity and contractual responsibilities depend on the designated supplying and contracting parties.

14. Frequently Asked Questions About Shallot Quality Standards

What are the main fresh shallots quality specifications?

Important specifications include bulb integrity, firmness, cleanliness, size, commercial grade, visible defects, sprouting, rot, mold, and packaging.

What international quality standards apply to shallots?

Relevant references include UNECE FFV-56, ASEAN Stan 14:2009, and Codex CXS 348-2022. Legal applicability and commercial adoption depend on the destination and purchase agreement.

What is the standard size of export-grade shallots?

There is no single universally applicable export-grade bulb diameter. IEC facilitates premium sourcing inquiries for shallots measuring 28 mm and above, subject to supplier availability.

What is shallots defect tolerance?

Defect tolerance is the permitted proportion of products that do not fully comply with specified quality or size requirements.

Are rotten shallots acceptable in premium shipments?

Visible decay is a serious quality concern. Acceptance must follow the selected standard and contract. Buyers may agree on stricter requirements than the applicable standard’s maximum tolerances.

Are moldy shallots acceptable for export?

Visible mold should be addressed during quality inspection and sorting. Any applicable tolerance must be assessed against the selected standard, contract, and destination requirements.

How is shallot bulb firmness evaluated?

Firmness may be assessed through an agreed physical inspection method. Buyers should define unacceptable softness and deterioration.

Can I request 28 mm minimum bulb size?

Yes. IEC facilitates inquiries for minimum 28 mm bulbs, subject to availability and agreed size tolerances.

What does Super Premium shallot grade mean?

Super Premium is a commercial description. Its specific criteria should be defined in writing rather than assumed to correspond to an official international grade.

Can buyers approve samples before ordering?

Yes. Buyers may request supplier samples or representative product references where feasible. Sample approval should be linked to written specifications.

Can I request an independent quality inspection?

Yes. Independent inspection may be negotiated, subject to availability, inspection scope, and agreed fees.

Does Indonesia Export Center issue certified laboratory results?

IEC facilitates sourcing and documentation discussions. Laboratory reports, when required, must be obtained from the appropriate supplier or qualified testing laboratory.

15. Request Fresh Shallots Quality Specifications & Supplier Quotation

Looking for Export-Quality Fresh Shallots from Indonesia?

Indonesia Export Center welcomes inquiries from international buyers requiring clearly defined quality specifications.

Whether you need premium 28 mm bulbs, whole clean leafless shallots, wholesale raw materials, or processing-grade products, we can help communicate your purchasing requirements to potential Indonesian suppliers.

Send Your Quality Requirements

Please provide:

1. Company name
2. Destination country
3. Required product grade
4. Minimum bulb diameter
5. Acceptable defect tolerances
6. Firmness and cleanliness requirements
7. Specific mold, rot, and sprouting restrictions
8. Required purchase quantity
9. Packaging preferences
10. Sampling and inspection requirements
11. Target shipment date
12. Preferred Incoterms® rule

Contact Indonesia Export Center

Website: https://indonesiaexportcenter.com/

WhatsApp: +62 813-3302-277

Direct WhatsApp: https://wa.me/628133302277

Sample WhatsApp Inquiry

Hello Indonesia Export Center,

We are interested in sourcing fresh shallots from Indonesia based on our quality specifications.

Company Name: [Company Name] Destination Country: [Country] Quantity: [MT] Required Grade: [Grade] Minimum Bulb Diameter: [mm] Product Form: [Whole / Clean / No Leaf] Defect Tolerance: [Requirements] Mold and Rot Requirements: [Requirements] Packaging: [5kg / 10kg / 20kg / Other] Sample Approval: [Required / Not Required] Third-Party Inspection: [Required / Not Required] Preferred Incoterms: [FOB / CFR / CIF / Other] Target Shipment: [Date]

Please advise supplier availability, product specifications, sample approval options, inspection arrangements, MOQ, and current quotation.

Thank you.

Indonesia Export Center – Connecting Global Buyers with Indonesian Suppliers

Fresh Shallots | Export Quality Specifications | Agricultural Commodity Sourcing | International B2B Trade Facilitation

Website: https://indonesiaexportcenter.com/

WhatsApp: +62 813-3302-277