Food Import Agency Customs Declaration Materials Grand Reveal! Do You Know What's Needed?
Resolved
I plan to find an agency company to help with food import customs declaration, but I'm not quite clear about the specific documents needed. I'm worried that incomplete documents might affect the customs declaration process and lead to issues like cargo detention. Are there any friends who understand this matter and can elaborate on the documents required for food import agency customs declaration?
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Multiple documents are required for food import agency customs declaration. Firstly, commercial documents, including contracts, invoices, and packing lists, are fundamental documents proving the legality and detailed information of the cargo trade. Secondly, official documents, such as the certificate of origin, can prove the source of the food and enjoy corresponding tariff preferences; and health certificates, indicating that the food meets relevant hygiene standards.
For pre-packaged food, Chinese label samples and translations are also required. Label content should include necessary information such as food name, ingredient list, net content, production date, and must comply with China's relevant food labeling regulations. In addition, a permit for animal and plant quarantine may be required if the imported food involves animal and plant origin products. For special foods, such as health foods, corresponding approval documents are also needed. In summary, preparing these documents in advance can ensure a smooth customs declaration process.
Generally, a Bill of Lading is required, which serves as proof of transportation and ownership of the goods. Additionally, an ingredient list for the imported food is needed to inform customs about the specific composition of the food, facilitating inspection and classification.
Original foreign language labels and their translations are also important, helping customs review whether the label content complies with regulations. Furthermore, for the import of certain special foods, such as infant formula, information on the registration of the manufacturing enterprise in China may be required.
Don't forget to provide the quality inspection report for the food, proving that its quality meets relevant standards. Simultaneously, the consignee's filing information must be prepared for customs to verify the importer's relevant information.
Instructions for the food may also need to be provided, detailing the food's characteristics, consumption methods, etc. Copies of business licenses for both trading parties are also required to prove the legal business qualifications of the enterprises.
If the food involves special processes or additives, documentation of the production process should be prepared. A brand authorization letter for the imported food may also be needed, especially for branded food products.
For some perishable foods, temperature records during transportation may be required to prove that transportation conditions meet requirements. Additionally, the shelf life information of the imported food should be clearly provided.
Customs may request a copy of the food manufacturer's production license to understand their production qualifications. Information on the storage conditions of the imported food is also needed for customs supervision.
If the imported food has special packaging materials, such as wooden packaging, a fumigation certificate is required to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms. A technical specification sheet for the food should also be prepared.
Sometimes, food sales records may be required for traceability of the food's origin and flow. Advertising materials for the food may also be requested if customs has requirements regarding the promotional content.