A complete guide to China's food export to Peru by sea: a complete process analysis from compliance to delivery

/ Chinese News / By

At a time when global trade is closely intertwined, Chinese food is becoming more and more dazzling in the international market with its unique flavor and excellent quality. As one of the important markets in South America, Peru's demand for Chinese food continues to rise. With its significant advantages of large volume and low cost, sea transportation has become the main mode of transportation for Chinese food exports to Peru. However, this process covers many links and involves complex laws and policies. Only by fully understanding and properly responding can the goods be ensured to arrive smoothly. This article will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the complete process of Chinese food exports to Peru by sea, helping companies to accurately control every detail and efficiently develop the Peruvian market.

1. Preliminary preparation

1. In-depth understanding of Peruvian imported food regulations and standards

Peru has strict supervision over imported food, and its regulations and standards are detailed and complicated. Enterprises must thoroughly study the relevant laws and regulations of Peru, such as food hygiene standards, additive usage specifications, labeling requirements, etc. For example, food labels must clearly indicate the food name, ingredients, production date, shelf life, country of origin, manufacturer or distributor information, etc. in Spanish; in terms of food additives, the types and limits specified by Peru must be strictly followed, and imports will be prohibited if used beyond the scope. In addition, different categories of food may have special requirements. For example, dairy products may require additional inspection and quarantine certificates. Enterprises should sort them out one by one to ensure that the products fully comply with local regulations.

2. Ensure the compliance of export food production enterprises

Chinese export food production enterprises must register with the customs and obtain the export food production enterprise registration certificate. At the same time, enterprises need to establish a complete food safety management system, such as the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) system, and strictly follow the system requirements for production, processing and quality control. Regular internal and external audits are required to ensure the effective operation of the system and provide solid protection for the quality and safety of exported food.

3. Carefully select the right freight forwarder

Freight forwarders play a key role in the shipping of food exports. Freight forwarders with rich experience in food shipping, good reputation, professional service team and perfect global service network should be selected first. They can provide one-stop services such as booking, customs declaration, inspection, transportation tracking, customs clearance assistance, etc., to help enterprises efficiently solve various problems in the transportation process. Through online search, industry recommendation, field investigation and other methods, a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of multiple freight forwarders can be carried out, and the partners that best meet the needs of enterprises can be finally selected from multiple dimensions such as service quality, price and reputation.

4. Comprehensive preparation of relevant documents

  1. Commercial invoice: List in detail the name, specifications, quantity, unit price, total price, origin, manufacturer and other information of the food. The content must be completely consistent with the actual goods, and the language must be accurate and standardized to avoid vague or ambiguous expressions.
  2. Packing list: clearly states the type, quantity, net weight, gross weight, package size and other details of the food in each package to facilitate customs inspection and verification of the goods and ensure that the cargo information is clear at a glance.
  3. Bill of Lading: As proof of ownership of the goods, the bill of lading must accurately fill in key information such as the shipper, consignee, notify party, port of shipment, port of destination, ship name, voyage number, cargo description, quantity, weight, etc. The issuance, endorsement and circulation of the bill of lading must strictly follow international trade practices and relevant laws and regulations to ensure its legal effect.
  4. Certificate of origin: proves the country of origin of the food. If it meets the tariff preferential conditions of the China-Peru Free Trade Agreement, the corresponding certificate of origin must be provided. The application and issuance of the certificate must be carried out strictly in accordance with the prescribed procedures to ensure that the certificate is authentic and valid so that the company can enjoy the tariff preferential policy.
  5. Health Certificate: Issued by China's entry-exit inspection and quarantine agency, it proves that the food meets the hygiene standards, is not contaminated, and is free of pests and diseases. Enterprises need to communicate with the inspection and quarantine agency in advance, carry out product inspection and declaration work in accordance with the requirements, and ensure that the health certificate is issued on time and accurately.
  6. Ingredient analysis report: Detailed description of the various ingredients and their content of the food. Foods containing special ingredients such as additives and allergens must be specially marked. The ingredient analysis report should be issued by a qualified third-party testing agency. The testing methods and results must comply with the relevant standards and requirements of Peru to provide a scientific basis for the safety and quality of food.
  7. Other special documents: Depending on the type and characteristics of the food, other special documents may be required, such as halal food certification, organic food certification, food import license (for specific foods), etc. Enterprises need to understand the required documents in advance and prepare them in full as required to avoid customs clearance problems due to missing documents.

5. Strictly control food packaging and labeling

  1. Selection of packaging materials: Food packaging materials should have good moisture-proof, waterproof, insect-proof and damage-proof properties to ensure the quality and safety of food during transportation. For example, multi-layer composite packaging materials, vacuum packaging, nitrogen-filled packaging, etc. can be selected. At the same time, packaging materials must comply with Peru's food safety standards, and it is strictly forbidden to use materials containing harmful substances to protect the health of consumers.
  2. Packaging design requirements: The packaging design should be concise and easy to carry and store. The name, specifications, production date, shelf life, storage conditions, and consumption methods of the food should be clearly marked on the packaging to ensure that consumers can accurately obtain relevant information. In addition, the packaging should also be marked with the words "Made in China" and warning signs and certification marks that comply with Peruvian regulations to enhance the recognition and credibility of the product.
  3. Spanish label production and affixing: Spanish labels that comply with Peruvian regulations must be affixed to food packaging, and the label content should be consistent with the food label requirements mentioned above. The size, font, color, etc. of the label should comply with relevant standards to ensure clarity and readability. When affixing the label, it is necessary to ensure that the label is flat and firm, without bubbles, wrinkles, etc., to avoid customs clearance obstacles due to label problems.

2. Shipping Process

1. Booking

  1. Ask for prices from freight forwarders or shipping companies: Enterprises should consult the selected freight forwarders or directly with shipping companies about the shipping prices, and provide detailed information about the food, including the name, quantity, volume, weight, port of departure, port of destination, and estimated time of shipment, etc. Different shipping companies, different shipping schedules, and different freight forwarders may have different quotations. Enterprises should make comprehensive comparisons and consider multiple aspects, such as price, shipping schedule stability, and service quality, to select cost-effective partners.
  2. Determine the space and sailing date: Determine the appropriate space and sailing date based on the inquiry results and the company's transportation plan. It is necessary to pay attention to factors such as the stability of the sailing date, the length of the transportation time, and the transit situation. Try to choose direct flights or routes with fewer transit times and shorter transit times to reduce the risk and possibility of delays in cargo transportation. At the same time, reserve enough time for subsequent cargo collection and customs clearance operations to ensure a smooth connection of the transportation process.
  3. Submit a booking letter of authorization: The enterprise submits a booking letter of authorization to the freight forwarder or shipping company. The letter of authorization includes information such as the shipper, consignee, notify party, port of shipment, port of destination, name of goods, quantity, volume, weight, freight payment method, etc. The booking letter of authorization is an important basis for both parties to book a space. When filling it out, ensure that the information is accurate to avoid booking failure or transportation problems due to incorrect information.

(II) Cargo Collection Port

  1. Arrange the transportation of goods to the port: If the goods are in domestic warehouses, the company can arrange transportation vehicles to transport the goods to the designated port; if the goods are scattered in different suppliers, the company can coordinate with the suppliers to transport the goods to the port or the designated collection point. During transportation, attention should be paid to the protection of the goods to avoid damage, moisture, contamination, etc. For foods that need to be refrigerated or kept warm, transportation vehicles with corresponding temperature control functions must be used, and the temperature during transportation must be strictly controlled to ensure that the quality of the food is not affected.
  2. Declaration and inspection of goods entering the port: After the goods arrive at the port, they need to be declared and relevant documents, such as packing list, invoice, etc., need to be submitted. The port management department may inspect the goods to check whether the packaging, quantity, labeling, etc. of the goods meet the requirements. Enterprises should cooperate with the inspection work of the port management department, and make timely rectifications if any problems are found to ensure the smooth entry of goods into the port.

(III) Customs declaration and inspection

  1. Prepare customs declaration materials: Freight forwarders or corporate customs brokers prepare customs declaration materials based on cargo information and related documents, including customs declaration forms, commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, health certificates, ingredient analysis reports, etc. Customs declaration materials must be accurate, complete, and standardized, and consistent with the actual goods. For foods that are subject to tariffs and value-added tax, relevant tax information must be calculated and filled in according to the tax rates stipulated by the Peruvian Customs to ensure that customs declarations are accurate.
  2. Declaration to the customs: Submit the declaration materials to the customs through the electronic port system or other designated customs declaration platforms. The customs will review the declaration materials and notify the enterprise to supplement or modify the materials in a timely manner if any problems are found. During the review process, the enterprise needs to pay close attention to the feedback information from the customs and deal with related issues in a timely manner to ensure smooth customs declaration and avoid customs declaration delays due to data problems.
  3. Customs inspection: Customs may inspect the goods to verify whether the actual situation of the goods is consistent with the declared information. The inspection methods include manual inspection and machine inspection, and the inspection content includes the packaging, quantity, quality, specifications, labels, etc. of the goods. Enterprises should cooperate with the customs inspection work and provide necessary assistance and convenience. If problems are found in the goods during inspection, they must be rectified or handled in accordance with the requirements of the customs. They can only be released after the rectification is qualified to ensure that the goods meet the customs supervision requirements.
  4. Pay taxes and fees: If the food is subject to tariffs and value-added tax, the enterprise shall pay the taxes and fees through the designated bank or electronic payment platform according to the tax payment notice issued by the customs after the customs review. After paying the taxes and fees, the relevant payment receipts must be kept for subsequent inquiry and verification to ensure that the tax payment process is clear and traceable.

(IV) Shipment

  1. Cargo loading: After customs clearance and inspection procedures are completed and customs clearance is granted, the cargo will be loaded onto the ship. The shipping company or its agent will load the cargo safely and orderly into the designated ship's hold according to the cargo stowage plan. Enterprises can learn about the cargo loading progress in real time through the tracking system provided by the freight forwarder or shipping company.
  2. Obtain ocean bill of lading: After the cargo is loaded, the shipping company will issue an ocean bill of lading to the shipper (company or freight forwarder). The bill of lading is proof of the cargo transportation contract and the proof of ownership of the cargo. The company must keep it properly. At the same time, carefully check the information on the bill of lading to ensure that it is consistent with the actual cargo and booking information. If there is any error, ask the shipping company to correct it in time.
  3. Tracking cargo transportation status: After the cargo is shipped, enterprises can use the online tracking system, email notification or telephone inquiry provided by the freight forwarder or shipping company to track the cargo transportation status in real time, including ship name, voyage number, estimated arrival time, current location and other information. If there are abnormal situations during transportation, such as delays, bad weather, etc., communicate with the freight forwarder or shipping company in time to understand the solution so as to prepare countermeasures in advance.

3. Peru customs clearance process

1. Prepare customs clearance documents in advance

Before the goods arrive in Peru, the importer (or its agent, such as the freight forwarder's partner in Peru) needs to prepare a full set of customs clearance documents. In addition to the commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificate, and ingredient analysis report mentioned above, the following documents may also be required:

  1. Import license (if applicable): Certain specific foods, such as dairy products, meat products, etc., may require an import license to be applied for in advance. Importers must submit applications to the relevant Peruvian authorities before the goods are shipped in accordance with Peruvian regulations and policies, and ensure that the license has been approved when the goods arrive.
  2. Proof of the value of goods: such as a payment receipt, contract or letter of credit, used to prove the true value of the goods so that customs can accurately calculate tariffs and other taxes.
  3. Customs agent power of attorney (if entrusting an agent for customs clearance): If the importer entrusts a professional customs clearance agency to handle customs clearance procedures, a power of attorney is required to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties.

2. Submit customs clearance documents

After the goods arrive at the Peruvian port of destination, the importer or its agent must submit customs clearance documents to the Peruvian Customs as soon as possible. This can be done online through an electronic declaration system (such as the relevant platform of the Peruvian National Super Official Customs Bureau), or in the office designated by the customs to submit paper documents. Ensure the accuracy, completeness and standardization of the documents to avoid customs clearance delays due to errors or omissions in the documents.

(III) Customs inspection and review

  1. Document review: Customs staff will conduct a detailed review of the submitted customs clearance documents to check the consistency between the documents, the accuracy of the description of the goods, and whether they comply with Peru's import regulations and policies. If any problems are found in the documents, the customs will notify the importer or its agent to supplement or modify the documents.
  2. Cargo inspection: Customs may conduct actual inspections of the goods to verify whether the actual conditions of the goods are consistent with the declaration documents. Inspection methods include random inspections and key inspections, and the inspection content covers the packaging, quantity, quality, specifications, labels, etc. of the goods. For food, customs will also focus on checking its hygiene conditions and whether the use of additives is compliant. If problems are found in the goods, customs may require the importer to make rectifications, provide further supporting materials, or deal with the goods (such as return, destruction, etc.).

4. Payment of customs duties and taxes

According to the nature and value of the goods and Peru's tariff policy, importers need to pay the corresponding tariffs, import taxes and VAT. Peru's tariff rates are determined according to different commodity categories and HS codes. The standard VAT rate is usually 16% (may be adjusted according to policy). In addition, some specific foods may also be subject to special consumption taxes and other taxes. Importers can pay taxes through designated banks, electronic payment platforms or other methods approved by the customs. After paying taxes, be sure to keep the payment receipt as an important basis for completing customs clearance.

(V) Customs release

When the customs completes the document review, goods inspection and the importer has paid all taxes and fees, the customs will approve the import of the goods and issue a release notice. At this point, the goods can be picked up from the port and enter the Peruvian domestic market. The importer or its agent can go to the port to pick up the goods with the customs release notice and relevant pick-up vouchers.

4. Goods Distribution and Delivery

1. Arrange inland transportation

After the goods are cleared, it is necessary to arrange for the goods to be transported from the port to the final destination. This can be done by road, rail or inland waterway transport, depending on factors such as the destination, transportation cost, transportation time and characteristics of the goods. If the importer entrusts the freight forwarder to provide door-to-door service, the freight forwarder will arrange a suitable inland transportation partner to ensure that the goods are delivered to the consignee safely and in a timely manner. During transportation, attention should be paid to the protection of the goods, especially for fragile and perishable foods, and appropriate protective measures should be taken, such as using refrigerated trucks to transport frozen foods and avoiding squeezing and collision of the goods.

(II) Delivery and receipt of goods

When the goods arrive at the final destination, the transport company will notify the consignee to pick up the goods or deliver them directly to the door. When the consignee receives the goods, he should carefully check whether the quantity, packaging, quality, etc. of the goods are consistent with the contract. If any problems are found with the goods, they should communicate with the transport company, freight forwarder or consignor in time and handle them in accordance with relevant procedures, such as taking photos to keep evidence, filling out abnormal goods reports, etc. After confirming that the goods are correct, the consignee needs to sign and confirm on the delivery note or receipt to complete the delivery procedures of the goods. At this point, the entire process of China's food export to Peru by sea has been successfully completed.