When importing raw materials, two dates matter more than most buyers realise – Date of Manufacturing (DOM) and
Date of Lading (DOL).
Here’s why you should always check both before confirming an order
Date of Manufacturing (DOM)
– Tells you when the material was made
– Key for shelf life, batch quality, and traceability
– Older DOM = shorter usable life
Date of Lading (DOL)
– Shows when the goods were shipped
– Important for logistics, customs, and delivery timelines
A long gap between these two can mean reduced shelf life or quality issues that surface only during production.
Many importers only highlight the Date of Lading — not the Manufacturing Date — which means older stock can quietly enter the market. This increases the risk of using materials that are already past their effective usage window.
Before you import, always verify:
– DOM on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
– DOL on the Bill of Lading
– Shelf life balance from production to arrival
At Paul & Company, we help manufacturers avoid costly surprises by ensuring transparent documentation, fresh batches, and reliable delivery — backed by 60+ years of trust in industrial-grade raw materials for high-performance manufacturing.
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India’s trusted name in industrial rubber products, since 1960.

