Secrets of Ordinary Food Export Clearance You Don’t Know

Under the wave of globalization, more and more ordinary food items are embarking on their export journey, spreading flavors from every corner of the world to every part of the globe. However, the process of export clearance, much like a mountain that must be crossed, affects whether food can smoothly enter the international market. Today, let us delve into the mysteries of ordinary food export clearance together.

Preparatory Work Before Export Clearance

Firstly, exporting enterprises need to complete enterprise registration. Relevant materials, including the enterprise's business license, food production permit, etc., must be submitted to the local customs to ensure the enterprise possesses legal export qualifications. For example, Mr. Ge food enterprise spent considerable time and effort organizing these documents and completing the registration process before preparing for export.

Secondly, detailed product classification of the exported food is required. Different types of food may have significantly different clearance requirements and tax rates. This necessitates enterprises to accurately determine the category the food belongs to and identify the corresponding code according to customs commodity code rules. For instance, Mr. Ge company encountered clearance obstructions, wasting significant time and cost, due to inaccurate product classification prior to exporting a specialty pastry.

Preparation of Clearance Documents

A commercial invoice is an indispensable document, detailing key information such as the name, quantity, and value of the food, serving as a crucial basis for customs to assess value and collect taxes. A packing list should clearly show the packaging status of the food, including the weight and volume of each case, as well as the specific specifications of the food contained within, facilitating customs inspection of the goods.

In addition, a certificate of origin needs to be provided. This certificate proves the country of origin of the food and is vital for enjoying preferential tariff policies under certain trade agreements. For example, with free trade agreements signed between China and some countries, eligible exported food can enjoy lower tariff rates in the importing country by presenting a certificate of origin.

Inspection and Quarantine Process

Food safety is of utmost importance, making inspection and quarantine a critical step in the export clearance of ordinary food. Exporting enterprises must declare to the inspection and quarantine authorities in advance, and professional personnel will conduct sampling and testing of the food. The testing items cover various aspects such as microbiological indicators, heavy metal content, and additive usage. Only when all indicators meet the standards of the importing country can the food obtain an inspection and quarantine certificate.

For example, a batch of canned food exported to the European Union was returned due to exceeding microbial limits and failing inspection and quarantine, causing significant economic losses to the enterprise. Therefore, enterprises must strictly control quality during the production process to ensure products meet the inspection and quarantine requirements of the importing country.

Points to Note During the Clearance Process

During the clearance process, close attention should be paid to instructions and requirements from customs. If customs has questions about the goods, such as discrepancies between declared information and actual goods, enterprises will be required to provide explanations or supplementary materials. Enterprises should respond promptly and cooperate actively with customs work to avoid additional costs or delays in cargo clearance.

Simultaneously, special regulations of different countries and regions should be noted. Each country has its own unique standards and requirements for food imports. For instance, Japan has strict regulations on food labeling, with clear requirements for both textual content and font size. Enterprises must understand and comply with these special regulations in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance of food.

Although the export clearance of ordinary food is challenging, as long as enterprises make thorough preparations, familiarize themselves with clearance procedures and requirements, and strictly control product quality, they can overcome this hurdle and allow delicious food to shine in the global market. We hope that exporting enterprises can successfully embark on their international food trade journey and play an important role in global culinary exchange.