Agent Procedures for Food Export: Do You Really Understand Them?

Amidst the wave of globalization, China's food industry is flourishing, with numerous high-quality food products eager to go abroad and explore international markets. However, the complex and numerous procedures involved in food export deter many enterprises. At this juncture, agent food export services have emerged, offering professional and efficient solutions for businesses. Next, let's delve deeper into the procedures for agent food export and unveil this mystery.

Preliminary Preparation Procedures

First, food export enterprises must ensure they possess legal and compliant operational qualifications. Businesses need to have a valid business license, and their scope of business should clearly include food export-related content. Additionally, a food production license is indispensable, as it proves the enterprise's capability to produce food that meets food safety standards. Taking Mr. Pan food enterprise as an example, before deciding to export food, he spent a significant amount of time perfecting the company's various qualifications and certificates, laying a solid foundation for subsequent export agent work.

Procedures for Cooperation with an Agent Company

Choosing a professional and reliable agent company is crucial, such as Zhongmaoda, a leader in the industry. Both parties must sign a detailed agent export contract, clearly defining their rights and obligations. The contract content should cover the specific scope of agent services, such as whether it includes customs declaration, inspection declaration, logistics arrangements, as well as key terms like fee settlement methods and agency duration. When Mr. Pan enterprise cooperated with Zhongmaoda, she carefully reviewed the contract terms to ensure her own interests were fully protected.

Customs Declaration Procedures

• Prepare necessary customs declaration documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc. The commercial invoice must detail information such as the food's name, specifications, quantity, and value; the packing list must accurately record the specific contents of food within each package.
• Declare to customs, which can now mostly be done through e-port platforms. When declaring, all information about the food, including critical data like customs codes, must be filled in truthfully, ensuring the declared content matches the actual goods.

Inspection Declaration Procedures

Food products are statutory inspection goods and must undergo inspection declaration. Enterprises must prepare the necessary documents for inspection declaration, such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, factory inspection reports, etc. The inspection and quarantine agency will conduct inspections of the food, including food safety and hygiene indicators, label review, etc. Only after passing the inspection and obtaining an inspection and quarantine certificate can the food be successfully exported. For example, for a certain type of exported biscuit, the text, patterns, and other elements on its label must comply with the relevant regulatory requirements of the importing country; otherwise, there might be a risk of return.

Other Procedures

In addition to the main procedures mentioned above, some special requirements may also be involved. Different countries may have specific certification requirements for imported food, such as the EU's BRC certification and the US FDA certification. Enterprises need to understand these in advance and handle the corresponding certifications as required. Furthermore, for some perishable foods, procedures related to cold chain transportation and other logistics assurance measures must also be properly handled.

Although agent food export involves complex procedures, as long as enterprises clearly understand each stage, choose a professional agent company, and strictly follow standardized operations, they can successfully introduce high-quality food products to the international market and embark on a broader chapter of development. We hope that all food enterprises will take proactive steps, courageously take the step towards export, and expand global business opportunities.