Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hosma Ceylon?

Hosma Ceylon is a premier exporter of high-quality coconut products from Sri Lanka. We specialize in cocopeat products including blocks, grow bags, and discs, serving customers worldwide with sustainably sourced, premium-grade materials for agriculture and horticulture.

Where are your products manufactured?

All our products are manufactured in Sri Lanka using locally sourced coconut husks. Our facilities are located near Colombo, ensuring efficient processing and export logistics. We maintain strict quality control throughout the entire production process.

What makes Sri Lankan cocopeat superior?

Sri Lankan cocopeat is renowned for its exceptional quality due to:

• Ideal tropical climate producing high-quality coconuts
• Traditional expertise in coconut processing
• Low salt content due to inland cultivation
• High lignin content for better structure and longevity
• Excellent water retention and aeration properties

What products do you offer?

We offer a comprehensive range of cocopeat products:

• Cocopeat Blocks: 5kg and 650g compressed blocks
• Cocopeat Grow Bags: Various sizes for different crops
• Cocopeat Discs: Ideal for seed starting and small pots
• Loose Cocopeat: Bulk material for large-scale operations
• Custom Products: Tailored specifications available

What is the EC (Electrical Conductivity) level of your cocopeat?

Our standard cocopeat products have an EC level below 0.5 mS/cm after washing. For special requirements, we can provide low-EC products with levels below 0.3 mS/cm. All products are thoroughly washed and buffered to ensure optimal plant growth.

What is the pH level of your cocopeat?

Our cocopeat maintains a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, which is ideal for most plant cultivation. The neutral to slightly acidic pH supports healthy root development and nutrient absorption.

Can you provide custom product specifications?

Yes! We offer customization including:

• Custom compression ratios
• Specific EC and pH levels
• Different block sizes and weights
• Custom grow bag dimensions
• Private labeling and packaging
• Nutrient enrichment options

Minimum order quantities apply for custom specifications.

Do you offer organic certified products?

Yes, we offer organic certified cocopeat products suitable for organic farming. Our products are certified by recognized international certification bodies. Certification documents can be provided upon request.

What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

Our standard MOQs are:

• Cocopeat Blocks (5kg): 1 × 20ft container (~1,000-1,200 blocks)
• Cocopeat Grow Bags: 1 × 20ft container (~2,000-2,500 bags)
• Mixed Containers: Available with minimum 20ft container
• Sample Orders: Small quantities available for testing (shipping costs apply)

Can I order samples before placing a bulk order?

Absolutely! We encourage customers to test our products before committing to large orders. Sample quantities (typically 10-50 units) are available. Buyers are responsible for sample costs and international shipping. Sample costs can be credited toward your first full container order.

How do I place an order?

Follow these simple steps:

1. Contact us via email or phone with your requirements
2. Receive a detailed quotation including specifications and pricing
3. Confirm the order and payment terms
4. Complete payment or open Letter of Credit (LC)
5. Production begins upon payment confirmation
6. Receive shipping documents and tracking information

Can I mix different products in one container?

Yes, mixed container loads are possible. You can combine different products (blocks, grow bags, discs) in a single shipment. We'll optimize the container loading to maximize space efficiency while meeting your product requirements.

How is pricing determined?

Pricing depends on several factors:

• Product type and specifications
• Order quantity (volume discounts available)
• Shipping terms (FOB, CIF, CFR)
• Destination port
• Packaging requirements
• Customization needs

Contact us for a detailed, customized quotation.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept various payment methods to accommodate international trade:

• Letter of Credit (LC): Preferred for first-time buyers
• Telegraphic Transfer (T/T): 30% advance, 70% before shipment
• Wire Transfer: Full payment in advance for established customers
• Other Methods: Negotiable for long-term partners

What currency do you accept?

All transactions are conducted in US Dollars (USD). Prices are quoted in USD and invoices are issued in USD for international consistency.

Do you offer payment terms or credit?

Payment terms can be discussed for established customers with good credit history. New customers typically require 30-50% advance payment with the balance before shipment or against documents. Extended payment terms may be available for long-term partnerships.

How long does shipping take?

Typical timelines:

• Production: 7-14 days after order confirmation
• Ocean Freight to Asia: 7-15 days
• Ocean Freight to Middle East: 15-25 days
• Ocean Freight to Europe: 25-35 days
• Ocean Freight to North America: 30-45 days
• Air Freight: 3-7 days (for samples/urgent orders)

Total lead time from order to delivery is typically 20-60 days depending on destination.

What shipping terms do you offer?

We offer flexible Incoterms including FOB, CIF, CFR, and EXW. See our Shipping Information page for detailed explanations of each term and how to choose the best option for your needs.

Do you provide tracking information?

Yes, we provide complete tracking information including:

• Container/tracking numbers
• Bill of Lading (B/L) copies
• Vessel name and voyage number
• Estimated time of arrival (ETA)
• Regular email updates on shipment progress

Who handles customs clearance?

For FOB and CIF shipments, buyers are responsible for import customs clearance at the destination port. We provide all necessary export documentation. We recommend working with a licensed customs broker in your country for smooth clearance.

What quality control measures do you have?

Our comprehensive quality control includes:

• Raw material inspection and selection
• Regular EC and pH testing during processing
• Moisture content verification
• Compression ratio testing
• Final product inspection before packaging
• Third-party laboratory testing (available upon request)
• Batch tracking for traceability

Do you provide quality certificates?

Yes, each shipment includes:

• Product specification sheet
• Quality test report (EC, pH, moisture content)
• Phytosanitary certificate
• Certificate of Origin
• SGS inspection certificate (upon request)
• Organic certification (for certified products)

What if I receive defective products?

While rare, if you receive products that don't meet specifications:

• Notify us within 7 days of receipt with photographic evidence
• Provide detailed description of the issue
• We may arrange third-party inspection
• Replacement or compensation will be provided for verified quality issues
• Claims must be substantiated with proper documentation

How should cocopeat products be stored?

For optimal quality and shelf life:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep products off the ground on pallets
• Maintain proper ventilation
• Protect from moisture and rain
• Shelf life: 2-3 years when stored properly

What are the main uses of cocopeat?

Cocopeat is versatile and used for:

• Horticulture: Growing medium for vegetables, fruits, flowers
• Hydroponics: Soilless cultivation systems
• Greenhouse Cultivation: Container and bed growing
• Nurseries: Seed starting and propagation
• Landscaping: Soil amendment and mulching
• Home Gardening: Potting mix component

How do I prepare cocopeat blocks for use?

Simple preparation steps:

1. Place the compressed block in a large container
2. Add water (typically 30-40 liters for a 5kg block)
3. Allow 15-20 minutes for full expansion
4. Break apart and fluff the expanded cocopeat
5. Ready to use or mix with other growing media

Can cocopeat be reused?

Yes! Cocopeat can be reused for 2-3 growing cycles with proper maintenance:

• Remove old root material
• Sterilize if needed (steam or chemical treatment)
• Rinse to remove accumulated salts
• Add fresh nutrients before reuse
• Mix with 20-30% fresh cocopeat for optimal results

Is cocopeat environmentally friendly?

Absolutely! Cocopeat is one of the most sustainable growing media because:

• Made from renewable coconut waste
• Reduces peat moss extraction (protects peatlands)
• Biodegradable and compostable
• Low carbon footprint in production
• Reduces agricultural waste
• Can be recycled and reused multiple times

What sustainability practices do you follow?

Our commitment to sustainability includes:

• Using agricultural waste (coconut husks) as raw material
• Water recycling in washing processes
• Solar energy utilization in production
• Eco-friendly packaging materials
• Supporting local coconut farming communities
• Zero-waste manufacturing processes

How can I contact customer support?

We're here to help! Contact us:

Do you provide technical support?

Yes, our team of agronomists and technical experts can provide guidance on:

• Product selection for specific crops
• Usage instructions and best practices
• Growing medium formulations
• Nutrient management recommendations
• Troubleshooting cultivation issues

Can I visit your facility?

Yes, we welcome facility visits from serious buyers. Please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance to schedule a visit. We'll arrange a comprehensive tour of our production facilities and quality control laboratories.