• True Argentine squid — Illex argentinus, Southwest Atlantic (FAO 41), wild-caught

• Custom cut — strip width/dimensions set to buyer spec (commonly ~1–2 cm wide, or 2×3×8–10 cm)

• Skin-on or skin-off — skin-on for a meatier bite, skin-off for a cleaner plate

• Flexible freeze — IQF (free-flowing) or BQF glazed blocks

• Clean label — phosphate/citric treatment available on request; no standard additives

• Long shelf life — 24 months frozen (unopened, −18 °C or below)

• Asian stir-fries and sautéed squid

• Processed foods (breaded strips, skewers, mixed packs)

• Foodservice calamari and ready-to-cook portions

• Korea and Southeast Asian retail/processing channels

• Certifications: HACCP, BRC, HALAL, ISO 22000; MSC (wild-catch traceability) available on request

• Packaging: 1 kg bag / 10 kg woven bag; 4 kg bulk carton; or block master cartons (1/2/5/10 kg). Poly-lined, reefer-export ready

• Allergen note: Mollusc (cephalopod squid) only for the plain strip. Declared per COA.

• Store at −18 °C or below.

• Thaw under refrigeration or in cold water; drain before cooking.

• Avoid repeated thawing to preserve texture.

A. Procurement / Trade

A1. What is the MOQ and lead time? MOQ is typically 1 × 20'RF reefer (~10–14 MT) or 1 × 40'RF (~24–28 MT). The Argentine Illex season opens in early January; new-crop goods usually reach China around February. Off-season supply ships from inventory — confirm stock and lead time at order.

A2. Can you customize cut size, skin, and glaze? Yes. Strip width/dimensions, skin-on vs skin-off, with/without wing, and glaze % (0 / 10 / 15 / 20%, or high-glaze BQF) are all customizable to spec.

A3. What incoterms and payment terms do you offer? Common incoterms are FOB / CFR / CIF. Payment is typically T/T (30% deposit, 70% against B/L copy) or confirmed L/C at sight for new accounts.

B. Documents / Compliance

B1. What documents accompany each shipment? Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Health Certificate (SENASA for Argentina-origin), Certificate of Analysis (COA), HALAL (if applicable), Certificate of Origin (e.g., Form A / Form E), and catch/processing documentation. EU-bound cargo requires an EU catch certificate.

B2. Is HALAL certification available? Yes — HALAL is available from a recognized certifying body, matched to the destination market. Confirm at order time.

B3. How do you handle traceability and IUU compliance? Illex argentinus supply chains carry IUU-screening expectations in the Southwest Atlantic. We provide lot/trace codes, vessel/landing data, and SENASA sanitary certification, with document reconciliation (lot weights, container IDs) before shipment.

C. Specs / Logistics

C1. What species and sizes are supplied? Species is Illex argentinus (Argentine shortfin squid), FAO 41. Strips are cut from cleaned tubes; common dimensions are ~1–2 cm wide or 2×3×8–10 cm / 1×2×6–8 cm, fully customizable.

C2. What glaze and net weight apply? Glaze options: 0% (net), 10%, 15%, 20%, or high-glaze BQF (~40%). Net weight is declared per pack; glaze % is printed on the label.

C3. What packaging and shelf life apply? Retail/processing: 1 kg bag / 10 kg woven bag; 4 kg bulk carton. Block form: 1/2/5/10 kg poly-lined master cartons. Shelf life is 24 months at −18 °C (unopened). HS code: 0307.43.

D. Technical Clarification

D1. Is this squid or octopus? Squid — specifically Illex argentinus, a cephalopod mollusc. It is not octopus. The product is 100% squid strips; no other species is blended in.

D2. What allergen must be declared? Only Mollusc (cephalopod squid) for the plain strip. If a customer adds sauce/post-processing, additional allergens would be declared separately — but the base strip carries the squid Mollusc allergen only.

D3. Skin-on vs skin-off — which should I choose? Skin-on strips give a meatier bite and are popular for stir-fry and processing; skin-off offers a cleaner, uniform appearance for retail and plated foodservice. Both are available; specify per SKU.