📦 Shipping & Delivery

1 🌎 Shipping Overview & How to Order

NutraBiotech is a vertically integrated manufacturer and supplier of high-purity research chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, NAD+ precursors (including our flagship NRH), nootropics, natural products, and anti-hairloss compounds. We ship directly from our manufacturing facilities to laboratories, research institutions, universities, and pharmaceutical companies in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Our logistics network is built on partnerships with the world's most reliable carriers — DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS, and TNT. For larger consignments, we offer air freight, sea freight, and rail freight solutions, each optimized for different order sizes, weight classes, and delivery urgency requirements.

What We Ship

• Research Chemicals — Trans ISRIB, ISRIB A-17, NRH, NAD+, NMN, NR, and other small-molecule research compounds
• Pharmaceutical Intermediates — API-grade precursors and reference standards
• Nootropics — Cognitive enhancement research compounds
• Natural Products — Plant extracts, botanical reference materials
• Anti-Hairloss Compounds — RU58841, CB-03-01, and related research materials
• Custom Synthesis Products — Made-to-order compounds per client specifications

2 🚚 Shipping Methods at a Glance

NutraBiotech offers four primary shipping methods, each tailored to different order profiles. The table below provides a quick reference; detailed information for each method follows in subsequent sections.

3 📦 Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS, TNT)

Express courier is the fastest and most convenient shipping method for most research orders. We partner with the world's five leading express carriers to provide door-to-door delivery with full end-to-end tracking.

Weight Guidelines

Express courier is recommended for packages meeting the following weight criteria:

• Standard Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT): Suitable for packages under 100 kg total weight. Multiple packages can be shipped as a consolidated shipment.
• EMS (Express Mail Service): Best suited for packages under 5 kg. An economical option for small-quantity sample orders. Utilizes the destination country's national postal network for final delivery.
• Postal Service: Available for packages under 1 kg. The most economical express option for very small sample orders (e.g., 1–2 vials).

Carrier Selection

The optimal carrier for your order is selected based on:

• Destination country — Each carrier has different strengths in different regions
• Package weight and dimensions — Some carriers offer better rates for specific weight tiers
• Regulatory compatibility — Certain carriers have more experience handling research chemical shipments to specific jurisdictions
• Delivery speed requirements — Some carriers offer premium express (1–3 day) options for urgent orders
• Customer preference — If you have an existing account or preferred carrier, we can accommodate

Express Carrier Profile

4 ✈️ Air Freight

Air freight is the optimal balance of speed and cost for medium-to-large volume orders. When your order exceeds the practical limits of express courier but doesn't require the full container capacity of sea freight, air freight offers an excellent middle-ground solution.

Weight & Volume Guidelines

• Recommended weight range: 25 kg to 1,000+ kg
• Minimum chargeable weight: Typically 45 kg (varies by route and carrier)
• Maximum per-piece weight: Depends on aircraft type and route; we will advise on optimal packaging
• Dimensional weight: Calculated as (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 6,000. You are charged on the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight

Air Freight Options

• Airport-to-Airport: Most economical. We deliver to the origin airport; you arrange collection at the destination airport. Ideal for buyers with their own customs broker.
• Door-to-Door (via Forwarder): End-to-end service including pickup, air transport, customs clearance, and final delivery. More convenient but slightly higher cost.
• Consolidated Air Freight: Your shipment shares cargo space with other shipments. More economical but may have slightly longer transit times due to consolidation/deconsolidation.
• Direct Air Freight: Dedicated cargo space on a specific flight. Fastest air freight option with guaranteed departure dates.

Transit Time

• Airport-to-Airport: 5–8 business days (major routes)
• Door-to-Door: 7–10 business days (including customs clearance on both ends)
• Consolidated: 8–12 business days (allow for consolidation window)

5 ⛵ Sea Freight

Sea freight is the most economical shipping method for large-scale and bulk orders. When your research program requires ton-level quantities of raw materials, intermediates, or reference compounds, sea freight provides dramatic cost savings compared to any other shipping method.

Container Options

• FCL (Full Container Load): You occupy an entire container. Available in 20-foot (20GP: ~28 CBM / ~18,000 kg payload) and 40-foot (40GP/HQ: ~58–68 CBM / ~26,000 kg payload) sizes. Best value for large-volume orders.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Your cargo shares container space with other shipments. Suitable for orders from ~200 kg up to ~5,000 kg. You pay only for the volume you use.

Sea Freight Routes & Typical Transit Times

Required Documentation for Sea Freight

• Bill of Lading (B/L) — Contract of carriage and document of title
• Commercial Invoice — Detailed product description, value, HS codes
• Packing List — Weight, dimensions, package count per container
• Certificate of Analysis (COA) — Purity and quality documentation per batch
• Certificate of Origin — Available upon request for customs purposes
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) — For hazardous or regulated materials

6 🚆 Rail Freight

Rail freight via the China–Europe Railway Express (Eurasia Land Bridge) offers a compelling balance between the speed of air freight and the economy of sea freight. This method is increasingly popular for research chemical shipments connecting our Asian manufacturing bases to European laboratories and distributors.

Key Advantages

• Speed: 15–30 days transit (vs. 30–45 days by sea) — approximately 50% faster than sea freight
• Cost: 30–60% more economical than air freight — approximately 40–70% cheaper than air freight for comparable volumes
• Reliability: Fixed schedules with fewer weather-related disruptions than sea or air transport
• Environmental: Lower carbon footprint than air freight (approximately 90% less CO2 per ton-km)
• Security: Containerized, tamper-evident loading with GPS tracking along major routes

Weight & Route Guidelines

• Recommended weight: 100 kg to 5,000+ kg (LCL rail consolidation)
• FCL Rail: Available for 20-foot and 40-foot containers
• Primary Routes: China → Europe (Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, UK), China → Central Asia, China → Russia
• Service Frequency: Multiple weekly departures on major routes

Transit Time Examples (China → Europe)

• China → Germany (Hamburg/Duisburg): 15–18 days
• China → Poland (Warsaw/Malaszevichi): 12–15 days
• China → Netherlands (Rotterdam): 18–20 days
• China → Belgium (Antwerp): 18–20 days
• China → UK (London): 20–25 days

7 🌎 Shipping Zones & Delivery Times

NutraBiotech ships to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Delivery times vary by destination and selected shipping method. Below is an overview of our major shipping zones with typical express courier delivery windows.

8 📊 Shipping Method Comparison

Use the comparison table below to identify the best shipping method for your order based on weight, urgency, budget, and destination.

9 ⏱ Order Processing & Handling Timeline

Understanding the end-to-end timeline helps you plan your research projects effectively. Below is the typical order lifecycle from initial inquiry to delivery.

Processing Details

• Payment Confirmation: Processing begins once your payment is confirmed (same-day for WU/MoneyGram/Alipay; 1–5 business days for bank transfers).
• Order Preparation: Products are retrieved from inventory, re-inspected, and matched to your order specifications.
• Packaging: Professional packaging per IATA/IMDG standards (see Section 10 for details).
• Documentation: Commercial invoice, packing list, COA, MSDS, and any required certificates are prepared.
• Carrier Handover: Package is handed to the selected carrier and scanned into their tracking system.
• Tracking Notification: Tracking number and carrier details are emailed to you within 24–48 hours of dispatch.

10 🔬 Packaging Standards & Quality Assurance

NutraBiotech employs professional-grade, multi-layer packaging protocols to ensure your research compounds arrive in pristine condition. Our packaging complies with IATA (air), IMDG (sea), and ADR (road/rail) dangerous goods regulations where applicable.

Standard Packaging Protocol

1. Primary Container: High-quality food-grade HDPE or LDPE bottles, amber glass vials (UV-blocking for light-sensitive compounds), or vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bags. All primary containers are lot-numbered and labeled with product name, CAS number, purity, net weight, and storage conditions.
2. Secondary Containment: Each primary container is sealed inside a Mylar or aluminum barrier bag. For moisture-sensitive compounds, desiccant packs are included. For oxygen-sensitive compounds, the barrier bag is nitrogen-flushed before sealing.
3. Tertiary Packaging: Impact-resistant outer carton (double-wall or triple-wall corrugated) with shock-absorbent cushioning material (bubble wrap, foam inserts, or air pillows). Minimum 2 cm of cushioning on all sides.
4. Tamper-Evident Seals: All packages include tamper-evident seals and security tape. Any breach is immediately visible upon receipt.

Special Packaging Scenarios

• Temperature-Sensitive Products: Shipped in insulated EPS (expanded polystyrene) containers with frozen gel ice packs or dry ice (for products requiring -20°C or below). Validated to maintain target temperature for 48–96 hours. Temperature data loggers available upon request.
• Light-Sensitive Compounds: Amber glass vials + opaque secondary packaging + blackout outer carton lining. Zero light transmission guaranteed.
• Hygroscopic / Moisture-Sensitive Materials: Vacuum-sealed with desiccant + humidity indicator card inside secondary barrier bag.
• Hazardous / Dangerous Goods: UN-certified packaging, proper hazard labels, DG documentation, and compliance with all applicable transport regulations. Declared and handled through DG-certified carriers only.
• Glass Vial Shipments: Each vial individually wrapped in bubble cushioning, separated by corrugated dividers, with "Fragile — Handle with Care" labeling.

11 📋 Tracking & Shipment Monitoring

NutraBiotech provides full shipment visibility for every order. You will never be left wondering where your research materials are.

Tracking by Shipping Method

• Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS, TNT): A tracking number is provided within 24–48 hours of dispatch. Track your shipment in real time via the carrier's official website or mobile app. Status updates include: picked up, in transit, arrived at sort facility, out for delivery, delivered. Email/SMS notifications available (carrier-dependent).
• Air Freight: An Air Waybill (AWB) number is provided. You can track your shipment status through the airline's or freight forwarder's online tracking portal. Our logistics team provides milestone updates at key transit points.
• Sea Freight (FCL): The Container Number and Bill of Lading (B/L) number are provided. Track your container via the shipping line's vessel tracking system. Real-time GPS tracking available on select routes. Our logistics team provides weekly status updates.
• Sea Freight (LCL) & Rail Freight: The Master Bill of Lading or Rail Waybill number is provided. Tracking granularity depends on the freight forwarder. Our logistics team monitors your shipment and provides proactive updates.

Proactive Monitoring

Our logistics team actively monitors all shipments in transit. If any delay, customs hold, or delivery exception occurs, we will:

1. Identify the issue immediately through carrier alerts and tracking systems
2. Contact the carrier to resolve the issue (incorrect address, customs documentation query, delivery attempt failure)
3. Notify you via email with the issue description, current status, and expected resolution timeline
4. Escalate to carrier management if the issue is not resolved within 48 hours

12 📜 Customs Clearance, Duties & Import Regulations

International shipping of research chemicals involves customs clearance procedures in the destination country. It is essential that buyers understand their responsibilities regarding import compliance.

Buyer Responsibilities

• Import Permits/Licenses: If your country requires an import permit, license, or authorization for research chemicals, it is your responsibility to obtain these before placing your order. Please verify your local regulations.
• Customs Duties & Taxes: All import duties, customs fees, taxes (VAT/GST), brokerage fees, and any other charges levied by the destination country's customs authority are the sole responsibility of the buyer. These are not included in our product or shipping prices.
• Customs Clearance: You (or your designated customs broker) are responsible for clearing the shipment through customs. NutraBiotech provides all necessary documentation but does not act as the importer of record.
• Restricted/Prohibited Items: You are responsible for ensuring that the ordered products are legally importable into your jurisdiction. NutraBiotech is not liable for shipments seized, destroyed, or returned due to import restrictions.

Documentation We Provide

Every NutraBiotech shipment includes the following documentation to facilitate smooth customs clearance:

13 🆔 Shipping Insurance Policy

NutraBiotech offers comprehensive shipping insurance options to protect your investment. While we take every precaution to ensure safe delivery, shipping insurance provides financial protection against loss, damage, or theft during transit.

Insurance Options

• Basic Carrier Liability (Included): All express courier shipments include the carrier's standard liability coverage at no additional cost. Coverage limits vary by carrier (typically $100 USD per shipment for DHL/FedEx/UPS; varies for EMS/TNT). This basic coverage may not reflect the full value of your order.
• Supplemental Shipping Insurance (Recommended): For orders valued above the carrier's basic liability limit, we strongly recommend purchasing supplemental shipping insurance. The premium is typically 1–3% of the declared value, depending on the destination, shipping method, and product type.

Coverage Details

• Covered Events: Loss of package, theft, physical damage, temperature excursion (for insured cold chain shipments), and carrier mishandling.
• Not Covered: Customs seizure/destruction, confiscation by regulatory authorities, damage due to improper storage after delivery, force majeure events (unless specifically included in the policy), and consequential losses (e.g., research delays).
• Claims Process: Notify us within 7 calendar days of delivery (for damage) or within 21 calendar days of expected delivery (for loss). We initiate the claim with the carrier/insurer on your behalf. Claim resolution typically takes 2–6 weeks.

14 🚫 Restricted & Non-Delivery Destinations

While NutraBiotech ships to most countries worldwide, certain destinations may be restricted or unavailable due to international sanctions, export control regulations, carrier limitations, or regulatory constraints on research chemical imports.

Factors That May Restrict Delivery

• International Sanctions: We comply fully with UN, US OFAC, EU, and other applicable sanctions regimes. We cannot ship to comprehensively sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals.
• Export Controls: Certain products may be subject to dual-use export controls or require export licenses. We assess each order for compliance with applicable export regulations.
• Carrier Restrictions: Some carriers do not serve certain destinations or have restrictions on shipping chemical substances to specific countries.
• Country-Specific Import Bans: Certain countries prohibit or restrict the import of specific categories of research chemicals. It is the buyer's responsibility to verify importability.
• High-Risk Destinations: Destinations with exceptionally high rates of package loss, customs delays, or delivery failures may be restricted at our discretion.

How to Confirm Availability for Your Country

Before placing an order, please contact our sales team with:

1. Your country of delivery
2. The specific product(s) you wish to order
3. The desired quantity

We will promptly confirm whether we can ship to your destination and recommend the optimal shipping method. If your destination is restricted for a particular product, we may be able to suggest alternative products or shipping routes.

15 🔄 Reshipment & Issue Resolution Policy

NutraBiotech is committed to ensuring that your research materials arrive safely and on time. In the rare event of a shipping issue, our reshipment and issue resolution policy is designed to provide fair and prompt remedies.

Scenarios & Remedies

Claims Procedure

1. Notify Us Promptly: Contact our sales team via email within the applicable reporting window (7 calendar days for damage; 21 calendar days for non-delivery).
2. Provide Documentation: Submit photo evidence (for damage), the original tracking number, and a detailed description of the issue.
3. Investigation: We initiate a carrier investigation (typically 5–15 business days for express; 15–30 business days for freight).
4. Resolution: Upon investigation completion, we provide the remedy as outlined in the table above.