What certificates are exactly needed for the agency import of food? Come and talk about it!
Solved#Import agent#
I'm planning to do the business of agency import of food, but I'm not quite clear about what specific certificates are needed. I'm worried that various problems will occur due to incomplete certificates, so I'd like to ask everyone, what certificates do I need to prepare for the agency import of food? Could you please explain it in detail? It would be best to talk about it from both domestic and foreign aspects. If there are handling procedures and precautions, that would be even better. Thank you all in advance!
Professional consultant answers
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Multiple certificates are needed for the agency import of food. From the domestic perspective: Firstly, a Food Business License is required for the legal operation of food, which can be applied for from the local market supervision and management department. Secondly, a Business License is needed, and the business scope should include relevant content about food sales or import.
From the foreign perspective: Foreign suppliers should provide a Certificate of Origin to prove the source of the food; a Sanitary Certificate to prove that the food meets the sanitary standards; and an Ingredient Analysis Report to describe the food ingredients in detail. In addition, for some special foods, such as health foods, additional approval documents are also required.
In terms of the handling procedure, first determine the category and source of the imported food, prepare the corresponding materials, and submit the application to the corresponding department according to the handling requirements of each certificate. Regarding the precautions, make sure the submitted materials are true and accurate. The certificate requirements for different food categories may vary, so it is necessary to understand them clearly in advance.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
In addition to what has been mentioned above, a packing list, an invoice, and a contract are also required. These are the basic documents needed for import customs declaration and are used to prove the quantity, value, etc. of the goods.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Don't forget that imported prepackaged foods must also have Chinese labels, and they should meet the relevant standards in our country. The label content includes the food name, ingredient list, net content, etc. Do a good job of label review in advance, otherwise it will be troublesome if problems are found after the goods arrive at the port.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
For specific foods such as meat and dairy products, a Veterinary Sanitary Certificate and an Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit issued by foreign official authorities may also be required. It depends on the type of food specifically.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
If it is imported wine, an Import Food Label Review Certificate is also required to prove that the label complies with the regulations. When handling, submit the label sample and relevant materials as required.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
The import of food may also involve the filing of consignors and consignees. Whether it is a domestic importer or a foreign supplier, the filing must be completed so that the import business can be carried out smoothly.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
For some characteristic or functional foods, a product quality inspection report may be required to prove that the food quality meets the relevant domestic standards and requirements.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Some countries have special certifications for specific foods, such as the EU Organic Food Certification, etc. If the food has such certifications, the corresponding certificates should also be provided during import for easy inspection.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
When the imported food involves components of endangered species, an Endangered Species Import Permit also needs to be handled, otherwise legal problems will be faced.