The reliable way to find chemical buyers is to start from who is actually importing chemical (organic and inorganic chemicals, dyes, pigments; HS 28-38) into your target market — not from generic directories. Customs shipment records show the real importers; from there it is an outreach job.
1. Pull the importer list from shipment data
Search a customs-data buyer database (EximHub is built on this) for chemical and a destination country. You get the companies that have physically received chemical shipments — chemical importers, distributors, formulators and industrial buyers — with their city, trade activity, and a procurement contact.
2. Reach the named buyer, not a generic inbox
For each company, get the person who handles sourcing — "procurement", "purchasing
manager", "category buyer". A message to that individual, referencing their actual import
history, beats an email to info@ many times over.
3. Run a short follow-up sequence
- First email: one specific true line about their business, who you are (narrowed to chemical), one concrete proof point, a low-friction ask.
- Nudge 2–3 days later on the same thread.
- Proof email with photos, certifications, a sanitised shipment reference.
- A brief time-bound close. Never invent a deadline.
Expect most buyers not to reply to the first email — that is normal, follow up.
4. Have the paperwork ready
Buyers sourcing under an India trade agreement will ask for a preferential certificate of origin. Quote on a clear Incoterm and agree a payment method that matches how well you know the buyer.