Top 10 Questions to Ask Your FIBC Supplier Before You Buy

Choosing the right FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) supplier is crucial for ensuring product quality, safety compliance, and cost efficiency. Whether you’re buying jumbo bags for food, chemicals, construction, or agriculture — asking the right questions can save you from costly errors and supply chain issues.

1. What Type of FIBC Bag Do You Recommend for My Application?

Understanding whether your supplier can match your use case (e.g. Type A, B, C, D, or UN bags) is key to safe and functional performance.

2. Are Your Bags Made from 100% Virgin Polypropylene?

Ask if the bags are made from virgin PP resin to ensure durability, strength, and food-grade safety where required.

3. What Safety Factor and SWL Do You Offer?

SWL (Safe Working Load) and Safety Factor (typically 5:1 or 6:1) must be clearly stated and tested according to ISO 21898 standards.

4. Can You Provide Third-Party or UN Certification?

If you need certified bags for hazardous materials or international standards, ensure the supplier can deliver official test reports or UN marking.

5. What Testing and QC Measures Are in Place?

Inquire about drop tests, UV resistance, loop strength tests, and leak testing (especially for liner bags).

6. What Customization Options Are Available?

Whether it’s printing, spout size, loop style, or liners — your supplier should be flexible in design and specs.

7. How Are the Bags Packed and Shipped?

Efficient packing (bales or pallets) and optimal container loading plans affect cost and protection during transit.

8. What Documents Will Be Provided for Export?

Ask for a sample set of shipping documents like the commercial invoice, packing list, CoO, and fumigation certificate (if needed).

9. Can You Handle Custom Branding or White Label Packaging?

If you need to sell under your own brand, confirm if the supplier can support private label exports with your logos and tags.

10. What’s the Lead Time and Order Fulfillment Process?

Timely delivery is vital. Understand their production schedule, order processing, dispatch frequency, and response to urgent orders.