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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

In the raw materials trade, the details matter – minimum order quantities, organic certifications, certificates of analysis, lead times. On this page, we’ve compiled the questions we receive most often. If yours isn’t covered, please reach out directly – we’ll get back to you quickly by phone or email.
Yes, products not listed in our online portfolio can also be requested. Our range of raw materials is significantly broader than what we display online, and inquiries about non-listed items are always welcome. Thanks to long-standing partnerships with trusted manufacturers, sourcing these materials is often possible.
Samples can be provided for many raw materials. Availability depends on the specific product – individual requests are always welcome.
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the product. While some items require larger volumes, many products – particularly plant extracts – are available in small quantities starting from 10 kg, 5 kg, or in some cases even from 1 kg. This flexibility makes it possible to order according to actual demand, trial new products, and optimise stock levels without committing to large volumes upfront.
No, not all products are kept in stock for immediate delivery. Due to the large number of different products and the various qualities available – particularly in the plant extracts range – it is not possible to keep every quality permanently in stock.
Yes, call-off contracts are available and very welcome, as they provide both sides with certainty regarding required quantities, pricing, and lead times.

There is no general standard delivery time, as lead times depend on the individual manufacturer, the quantity ordered, and the requested delivery location. Express option: If a delivery is particularly urgent, we are happy to check the possibility of an express shipment against a surcharge in advance. Just let us know.

Yes. We trade in raw materials and extracts for dietary supplements, which means product safety is our top priority. To ensure this, we maintain close contact with our manufacturers and suppliers.
STEFES Ingredients operates a certified quality management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2015. Our processes are designed to ensure quality, transparency, and traceability throughout sourcing, sales, and warehousing.

STEFES Ingredients GmbH holds the following certifications:

 

  • ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System)
  • HACCP certification in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius and EU Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004
  • Organic certification in accordance with EU Regulation 2018/848
Yes, a range of raw materials in our portfolio is also available in organic quality.
Yes. Current certificates are made available on request and can also be found on our website.
Our products are supplied in compliance with the applicable regulatory and quality requirements. Conformity may vary depending on the product category.
Quality assessment is based on the available specifications and raw material documentation. In addition, products are regularly tested against relevant parameters according to a defined analysis plan – including microbiology, pesticides, heavy metals, ethylene oxide (ETO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and other product-specific contaminants. Depending on the product or requirement, additional tests or analyses can be arranged individually.
Yes, additional analyses can be arranged individually depending on the raw material and the specific requirement. This includes, for example, tests for particular quality parameters, contaminants, or client-specific requirements.
Yes. STEFES Ingredients supports clients in selecting suitable raw materials and reviews client-specific requirements – for example regarding specification parameters, documentation, origin, organic quality, allergens, or other regulatory aspects.
Depending on the raw material and the specific requirement, the relevant quality documentation is provided. This may include, for example, specifications, certificates of analysis, safety data sheets, allergen information, GMO statements, or other raw-material-related documents.
Batch-specific certificates of analysis are provided as standard. The available documents depend on the respective raw material, supplier, and agreed quality requirements. Required documentation can be communicated as early as the initial inquiry.
Traceability is supported through batch-specific documentation and clearly defined internal processes. This ensures that all relevant information on raw materials, deliveries, and associated documents can be traced back reliably.
Suppliers are evaluated and selected through a comprehensive supplier qualification process based on internal procedural guidelines. The assessment considers quality-related criteria such as reliability, documentation quality, certifications, product safety, and compliance with requirements regarding raw materials and delivery processes.
Changes can arise, for example, from raw material origin, suppliers, specifications, or regulatory requirements. Relevant changes are assessed internally and, where agreed or required, communicated to the affected clients.
Complaints are recorded, reviewed, and assessed in a structured manner according to our procedural guidelines. The aim is to clarify causes transparently and to derive suitable corrective measures.
Our team is available on weekdays (Monday to Friday) during our core hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.