Methodology
SFERA's 11-step trade procedure (SFR/ETEP v1.0) — the documented path every trade follows from buyer enquiry to CIF delivery.
Why a documented procedure
Cross-border commodity trades involve multiple counterparties, regulators, banks, inspection agencies, and shipping lines. Without a shared procedure, every transaction renegotiates timing and documentation, which introduces avoidable risk. SFERA runs every trade through the same 11-step procedure with committed timelines at each milestone. This is what we call SFR/ETEP v1.0 (SFERA Standard for Russian Export Trade Execution Procedure).
Step 1 — Buyer Letter of Intent (LOI)
Buyer issues an LOI specifying product, quantity, destination port, target Incoterm, and target delivery window. SFERA accepts LOIs via the public /loi form or through a verified partner.
Step 2 — SFERA Sales Confirmation Order and Full Corporate Offer
Within 48 hours of LOI receipt, SFERA issues a Sales Confirmation Order (SCO) and Full Corporate Offer (FCO) detailing confirmed CIF pricing, lead times, payment terms, and the documentation timeline.
Step 3 — Know Your Customer verification (both sides)
Buyer and SFERA exchange KYC packages. Buyer provides company registration, beneficial ownership disclosure, Proof of Funds, and signatory identification. SFERA provides its own corporate package and signatory verification.
Step 4 — Signed FCO and Proof of Funds ≥30%
Buyer countersigns the FCO and provides Proof of Funds covering at least 30% of CIF value. This locks pricing and reserves production / loading capacity.
Step 5 — Buyer Irrevocable Corporate Purchase Order (ICPO)
Buyer issues an ICPO confirming the locked terms and authorising SFERA to proceed to contract drafting.
Step 6 — Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) + IMFPA
SFERA drafts the SPA covering full commercial terms (price, quantity, quality, delivery, payment, dispute resolution) and the International Master Fee Protection Agreement covering intermediary fees where applicable. Both documents bear Zhang Qingshui's signature.
Step 7 — SPA notarisation
Both parties countersign. The SPA is notarised under Russian commercial law and becomes the operative trade contract.
Step 8 — CCI registration → Authority-to-Verify
SFERA registers the trade with the Chamber of Commerce International (CCI), which issues an Authority-to-Verify in the buyer's name. This is the institutional check that lets buyer's bank verify SFERA's supply commitment.
Step 9 — Buyer pays Tariff (0–30% CIF) → APRG
Buyer pays the tariff (0% for tariff-free goods up to 30% for institutional-maximum categories; minimum 10% advance applies). Within two banking days, a licensed Russian bank issues an Advance Payment Refund Guarantee — a refundable guarantee returning the tariff to the buyer if SFERA fails to deliver. CCI Arbitration backs the APRG as the dispute mechanism.
Step 10 — Shipment and document set
Cargo is loaded within 21 days of tariff confirmation. SFERA provides the full document set: Invoice, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, SGS pre-shipment inspection report, Packing List, and Tariff Receipt.
Step 11 — CIF delivery, inspection, balance, B/L release, IMFPA settlement
Cargo arrives at the buyer's discharge port within 25–55 days depending on destination. Buyer inspects, pays balance against documents, B/L is endorsed to buyer, and IMFPA fees settle to relevant intermediaries. Tariff is DEDUCTED from balance at this stage.
Ready to begin
Start at /loi to submit a Letter of Intent, or at /consultation to discuss your requirements with our sales team first.