Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy

Matara Spice Co. (“we”, “us”, “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you visit our website, contact us, or purchase our products.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following information:

• Personal Information: Name, Email address, Phone number (including WhatsApp), Shipping and billing address, Company name (for B2B customers), and any information you provide via contact forms.
• Technical Information: IP address, Browser type, Device information, Pages visited and interaction data (via analytics tools).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Respond to inquiries and customer requests
• Process orders and arrange shipping
• Communicate about products, pricing, and availability
• Provide customer support
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.

3. Communication & Marketing

We may contact you via Email, Phone, WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.

You will only receive marketing communications if:

• You have requested information
• You have made an inquiry or purchase
• You have given consent

You may opt out at any time by contacting us.

4. Sharing of Information

We may share limited information with:

• Logistics and courier partners (for delivery)
• Payment processors (where applicable)
• Legal or regulatory authorities if required by law

All partners are required to handle data responsibly.

5. International Data Transfers

As we serve customers globally, your data may be processed or stored outside your country of residence, including Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, Australia, the UK, or other regions. We take reasonable steps to ensure data protection standards are maintained.

6. Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, disclosure, or alteration. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location (including GDPR / UK GDPR / APPI Japan), you may have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction or deletion
• Withdraw consent
• Object to certain data processing

Requests can be sent to: hello@mataraspice.com

8. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve user experience and analyze site traffic. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised date.

Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions govern your use of our website and services. By accessing our website or purchasing from us, you agree to these terms.

1. Business Information

• Business Name: Matara Spice Co.
• Nature of Business: Production, sourcing, and sale of Ceylon Cinnamon and premium Sri Lankan spices including Black Pepper, Cloves, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Mace, Turmeric, Ginger, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Fenugreek, Mustard Seeds, and Curry Leaves
• Operating Regions: Sri Lanka, Japan, Asia, Europe, Australia, UK, USA
• Email: hello@mataraspice.com

2. Products & Descriptions

We make every effort to accurately describe our products. However:

• Natural products may vary slightly in color, size, aroma, or appearance.
• Product images are for illustration purposes only.
• All spices are sourced from trusted estates and processed to meet international quality standards.
• Custom spice blends are formulated based on client specifications and may vary in flavor intensity.

3. Product Quality & Safety

All our spices undergo rigorous quality control:

• Source Verification: We only work with trusted estate partners across Sri Lanka
• Processing Standards: Clean, modern facilities meeting international food safety standards
• Laboratory Testing: Third-party testing for purity, moisture content, and contaminants
• Certifications: Phytosanitary certificates and Certificates of Origin provided for all exports
• Traceability: Full batch tracking from source to shipment

4. Orders & Payments

• Orders may be placed via website, email, WhatsApp, or other communication channels.
• Prices may change without prior notice.
• Payment terms will be agreed upon before order confirmation.
• For B2B or bulk orders, separate agreements may apply.
• Custom spice blends and private label services require minimum order quantities (MOQ).

5. Shipping & Delivery

We ship internationally. Delivery times vary depending on destination, customs, and courier services.

Customer Responsibilities: Customers are responsible for Import duties, Taxes, and Customs clearance in their country. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs or third-party logistics providers.

Special Handling: Fresh products (fresh turmeric, ginger, curry leaves) require expedited shipping and proper handling. Additional shipping costs may apply.

6. Returns & Refunds

Due to the nature of food products, returns are generally not accepted once shipped.

Refunds may be considered only if:

• The product is damaged during transit
• The wrong product was supplied
• Quality issues are verified (applicable to custom blends or bulk orders)

Claims must be made within 48 hours of delivery, with photo evidence.

7. Use of Website

You agree not to misuse the website, attempt unauthorized access, or copy/reproduce content without permission. All content, logos, images, and text are the intellectual property of Matara Spice Co.

8. Health & Usage Disclaimer

Our products are food and culinary ingredients. Any health-related information provided is for general informational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not replace professional medical consultation.

Allergen Information: All spices are processed in facilities that may handle nuts, grains, and other allergens. Cross-contamination may occur.

Safe Storage: Customers are responsible for proper storage of products after delivery to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Matara Spice Co. shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses. Liability is limited to the value of the purchased product.

10. Governing Law

Unless otherwise agreed, this agreement is governed by the laws of Sri Lanka. International customers agree that disputes will be handled under applicable Sri Lankan law or mutually agreed jurisdiction.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Spice-Specific Terms & Quality Assurance

The following terms apply to our full range of Sri Lankan spices:

Product Range & Quality Standards

Matara Spice Co. sources and manufactures the following premium Sri Lankan spices:

• Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): True Ceylon cinnamon with ultra-low coumarin (~0.004%). Available as Alba/C5 Special grade quills, powder, leaves, and oil.
• Black Pepper: High-piperine content, strong aroma. Whole or ground.
• Cloves: Premium eugenol-rich cloves. Hand-picked and sun-dried.
• Green Cardamom: Intense aroma, premium pods. Whole or ground.
• Nutmeg & Mace: Dual spice from the same fruit. Whole or ground.
• Turmeric: High curcumin content. Available fresh (rhizome) or dried (powder).
• Ginger: Intense heat and aroma. Fresh (rhizome) or dried (powder).
• Coriander Seeds: Bright, citrusy flavor. Whole or ground.
• Cumin Seeds: Rich, earthy aroma. Essential for curries and blends.
• Fennel Seeds: Sweet, anise-like flavor. Whole or ground.
• Fenugreek: Distinctive maple-like aroma. Essential for curry powders.
• Mustard Seeds: Pungent, sharp heat. Yellow and brown varieties.
• Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii): Authentic Sri Lankan curry leaves. Fresh or dried.

Custom Blends & Private Label Services

We offer bespoke spice formulation services including:

• Custom curry powders with tailored heat levels and flavor profiles
• Garam masala (traditional or signature blends)
• Chai masala and wellness blends
• BBQ rubs and restaurant signature seasonings
• Private label packaging for retail and wholesale

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ): Custom blends and private label services require minimum order quantities. Contact us for specific MOQ requirements.

Fresh Product Handling

Fresh products (turmeric rhizome, ginger rhizome, fresh curry leaves) have specific handling requirements:

• Shorter shelf life compared to dried products
• Require refrigeration or freezing upon receipt
• Must be shipped via expedited courier services
• Subject to seasonal availability
• May require phytosanitary certification for certain destinations

Customers are responsible for proper storage and handling upon receipt. We are not liable for spoilage after delivery.

Organic Certification & Testing

While we use traditional, chemical-free farming methods, formal organic certification varies by product and batch. For bulk B2B orders requiring specific certifications:

• Third-party lab analysis reports can be provided
• Certificates of Origin and Phytosanitary Certificates are standard for exports
• Additional testing (pesticide residue, heavy metals, microbiology) available upon request
• Testing costs may be passed to the customer for specific requests

Intellectual Property & Recipe Protection

For custom blend development:

• Client-specific formulations remain confidential
• Recipe ownership is retained by Matara Spice Co. unless otherwise agreed in writing
• We will not replicate your custom blend for competitors without consent
• Exclusive manufacturing agreements available for larger partnerships

Storage & Shelf Life Recommendations

To maintain product quality:

• Whole Spices (quills, seeds, pods): 3-4 years in cool, dry, airtight storage
• Ground Spices (powders): 1-2 years in airtight containers
• Fresh Products: 1-2 weeks refrigerated, up to 6 months frozen
• Essential Oils: 2-3 years in dark glass bottles, away from heat and light

Customers are responsible for proper storage to maintain product integrity.

Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or inquiries regarding these terms, please contact us:

Email: hello@mataraspice.com