How an Indonesian teak exporter reached European buyers through GTH

An Indonesian plantation teak producer has SVLK certification, a steady supply, and years of export experience. The product is good. The challenge has always been reaching the right buyers. Cold emails to European importers often go unanswered. Trade fair booths in Hamburg or Cologne cost five figures and last only a few days. Intermediaries take a margin without adding much beyond an introduction.

Listing on Green Trade Hardwood (GTH) changed the approach. Instead of pushing into the market, the seller became visible to buyers who were already searching for exactly what was on offer. The Listing Process Getting verified on GTH required the standard documentation:

SVLK certificate Business registration Export licence References from previous shipments

The verification process took four business days.

Each product listing on the platform includes:

Species Product type Dimensions Quality grade Moisture content Available quantity Country of origin Lead time

The seller also uploaded photographs of the actual stock in the yard rather than using stock images. Authentic product photos help buyers assess quality and build confidence before making an enquiry. The First RFQ An Italian importer submitted an RFQ for 12 CBM of E4E teak in the following specification:

Dimensions: 19 mm × 120 mm Random lengths between 1 m and 2 m Kiln dried (KD) to 10–12% moisture content First grade

The seller responded within 36 hours with:

A CIF Leghorn quotation Lead time of 60 days from order confirmation Available documentation including V-Legal certificate reference, geolocation data, phytosanitary certificate, packing list, and draft Bill of Lading (B/L) upon shipment

Following two rounds of discussion through the platform, the buyer requested clarification on dimensional tolerance and pallet specifications.

The seller confirmed:

±0.5 mm thickness tolerance Kiln-dried timber Palletised using fumigated timber pallets Secure strapping for export

The price was adjusted by 1.5% to accommodate the requested moisture content, and the quotation was accepted. Sales Order and Compliance Once the sales order was confirmed, the seller uploaded:

V-Legal certificate Geolocation data for the harvest plot Proforma packing list

The buyer required these documents to support their EUDR due diligence process.

Having all compliance documents attached directly to the order eliminated the usual back-and-forth emails and made it easier for both parties to manage documentation throughout the transaction. Shipment The container was loaded in Surabaya for shipment to Leghorn, Italy.

Transit time was 42 days from port to port.

The seller updated the shipment status through the platform at loading and again after departure. Once available, the final Bill of Lading (B/L) and phytosanitary certificate were uploaded.

Upon arrival, the buyer confirmed receipt of the goods in good condition, and the claim period closed without incident. What Sellers Should Know

Have your SVLK / V-Legal documentation ready before registering. It is one of the first things reviewed during seller verification. Use real photographs of your products rather than stock images. Buyers are more likely to enquire when they can see the actual timber available. European buyers increasingly request EUDR-related documentation. Be prepared to provide V-Legal references and geolocation data from the quotation stage. Respond promptly to enquiries. Buyers often compare multiple suppliers at the same time, and replying within 24–36 hours helps maintain a competitive advantage.

GTH does not change how experienced exporters trade — it simply provides a structured platform where enquiries, documentation, and order management are handled efficiently in one place.