Against the backdrop of booming global food trade, participating in Peru's food exhibition is an excellent opportunity for Chinese food companies to expand overseas markets and enhance brand awareness. However, cross-border logistics issues often become a major challenge for exhibitors. From the initial selection of transportation methods and document preparation to cargo tracking during transportation, and then to customs clearance and distribution in the later stages, any problem in any link may result in the exhibits not arriving at the exhibition site on time and intact, thus affecting the exhibition effect. This article will comprehensively analyze the key points and practical strategies for solving logistics problems when Chinese food exhibits in Peru.

1. Choice of transportation method

1. Air transport

Advantages: Fast delivery, usually arriving in Peru within 3-5 days, which can guarantee the freshness and quality of food to the greatest extent, and is very suitable for food with urgent time requirements and short shelf life, such as fresh fruits, cakes, etc. At the same time, air transportation is safer, the risk of damage to goods during transportation is relatively small, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity during transportation are easier to control, which is conducive to maintaining the original characteristics of food.
Disadvantages: The transportation cost is high. For a large number of exhibits, air transportation costs may bring great economic pressure to the company. In addition, the cargo capacity of air transportation is relatively limited. For large or large exhibits, it may not be possible to transport all at once.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for high-value, short-shelf-life, light-weight foods that need to be displayed urgently, such as high-end chocolate, specialty sauces, newly developed food samples, etc. For example, a company brought a newly launched organic juice to participate in a Peruvian exhibition. The juice has a short shelf life. In order to ensure that it can be displayed in the best condition at the exhibition, air transportation is the most appropriate choice.

2. Ocean Freight

Advantages: Large volume and low cost, suitable for large-volume food exhibits, such as canned food, bagged dry goods, beverages, etc. For exhibits that are not particularly urgent, sea transportation is an economical choice, which can effectively reduce logistics costs and improve the exhibition benefits of enterprises. In addition, the sea transportation routes are mature and the transportation network covers a wide range, which can reach multiple ports in Peru.
Disadvantages: Long transportation time, generally taking about 20-35 days to reach Peru, which requires companies to plan the transportation time in advance to ensure that the exhibits can arrive on time before the exhibition. During transportation, food may be affected by factors such as bad weather at sea and ship failures, and there is a certain risk of delay. In addition, there are many loading and unloading and transit links in sea transportation, which increases the possibility of damage to the goods.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for conventional food exhibits, especially those with a long shelf life and large quantities. For example, a condiment company wants to ship a large number of soy sauce, vinegar and other exhibits to Peru for an exhibition. Since these products have a long shelf life and large quantities, choosing sea transportation can not only meet transportation needs but also reduce logistics costs.

3. International Express

Advantages: convenient operation, door-to-door pickup service can save time and energy for enterprises; the transportation speed is fast, generally 3-7 days to deliver, the timeliness is between air transportation and sea transportation; door-to-door service is provided, and exhibits can be delivered directly to the exhibition site or designated location, reducing the transportation and customs clearance procedures for enterprises in the destination country.
Disadvantages: The cost is relatively high, especially for heavier exhibits, the express delivery fee may far exceed the budget; there are strict restrictions on the weight and size of the goods, and some large equipment or oversized food exhibits may not be transported; in terms of customs clearance, if problems are encountered, the goods may be delayed or returned.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for the transportation of emergency replenishment, small amounts of precious samples, documents, etc. For example, during an exhibition, if a company finds that a certain popular food exhibit is insufficient and needs to urgently replenish a small amount of goods, international express can play its advantages of speed and convenience.

2. Selection of logistics partners

1. Qualifications and experience

Choose a freight forwarding company or logistics company with rich international logistics experience, especially experience in food transportation and Peruvian logistics. These companies are familiar with Peru's customs policies, transportation routes and related regulations, and can better deal with various emergencies. For example, some companies that have been engaged in Sino-Peru trade logistics for a long time are well aware of the special requirements of Peruvian customs in food inspection and quarantine, and can assist companies in making preparations in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods. You can evaluate the company's qualifications and experience by checking its business license, industry qualification certificate, and understanding its establishment time and reputation in the industry.

(II) Service Content

An excellent logistics partner should be able to provide a full range of services, including door-to-door pickup, warehousing, packaging, customs declaration, inspection, transportation, customs clearance, distribution and other one-stop services. In this way, enterprises only need to connect with one company to complete the entire logistics process, which greatly improves work efficiency and reduces communication costs and the probability of errors. For example, in terms of packaging, professional logistics companies will select appropriate packaging materials and packaging methods according to the characteristics of food to ensure the safety of food during transportation; in the customs clearance process, they will assist enterprises in preparing complete customs clearance documents, communicate effectively with the Peruvian customs, and speed up customs clearance.

3. Price and cost

When choosing a logistics partner, price is an important consideration, but it cannot be determined solely by price. The quality of service and cost-effectiveness should be considered comprehensively. Some logistics companies with lower prices may have deficiencies in service quality, such as unstable transportation time and high cargo damage rate, which may cause greater losses to the company. Therefore, companies should ask multiple logistics companies to provide detailed quotations, compare the details of various fees, including freight, customs declaration fees, customs clearance fees, insurance premiums, etc., and at the same time combine their service content and reputation to choose the most cost-effective partner.

(IV) Cargo tracking and information feedback

Cargo tracking and information feedback during the logistics process are crucial for companies. By choosing a logistics company that can provide real-time cargo tracking services, companies can keep abreast of the transportation status of exhibits through online platforms or mobile apps, including the location of the goods, estimated arrival time, whether customs clearance has been completed, and other information. Timely and accurate information feedback allows companies to prepare in advance to deal with possible problems. For example, if a delay in cargo transportation is found, the company can adjust the exhibition plan in a timely manner, communicate and coordinate with the exhibition organizer, or take other remedial measures.

3. Solution to customs clearance issues

1. Document preparation

Commercial invoice: The name, specifications, quantity, unit price, total price, place of origin, manufacturer and other information of the food must be listed in detail to ensure that the invoice content is completely consistent with the actual goods, the language is accurate and standardized, and ambiguity or misunderstanding is avoided. It must be filled out in Spanish.
Packing list: clearly state 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.
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., and at least one of the consignee or notify party must be a local Peruvian registered company and display its tax number (RUC Number).
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 to enjoy the tariff reduction policy.
Health Certificate: Issued by China's entry-exit inspection and quarantine agency, it proves that the food meets hygiene standards, is not contaminated, and is free of pests and diseases. It is an important basis for Peruvian Customs to inspect food safety.
Ingredient analysis report: Detailed description of the various ingredients of the food and their content. 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.
Other special documents: Depending on the type and characteristics of the food, you may also need to provide documents such as Halal Food Certification Certificate, Organic Food Certification Certificate, Food Import Permit (for specific foods), etc. For example, dairy products may require additional import permits and inspection and quarantine certificates; organic foods require organic certification to prove that they meet organic food standards.

2. Cooperation with freight forwarders or customs clearance agents

Since the customs clearance procedures of Peruvian customs are relatively complicated and policies and regulations may change constantly, enterprises can choose to cooperate with professional freight forwarders or customs clearance agents. They are familiar with Peru's customs clearance procedures and requirements, can keep abreast of the latest policy trends, help enterprises prepare complete customs clearance documents, communicate and coordinate effectively with customs, improve customs clearance efficiency, and reduce customs clearance risks. When choosing a customs clearance agent, you should check its qualifications and reputation, and understand its past customs clearance experience and success rate. At the same time, you should maintain close communication with the customs clearance agent, provide the required documents and information in a timely manner, and ensure the smooth progress of customs clearance.

3. Understanding Peruvian Customs Policy

Pay close attention to changes in Peruvian customs policies and regulations, and learn about its latest requirements for imported food, including tariff adjustments, changes in inspection and quarantine standards, import restrictions, and other information. Relevant information can be obtained through the official website of Peruvian Customs, the website of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Peru, industry associations, and other channels. For example, Peruvian Customs may impose new restrictions on the use of additives in certain foods, or impose quota management on the import quantity of specific foods. Only by keeping abreast of these policy changes can companies prepare countermeasures in advance to avoid customs clearance obstructions due to policy incompliance.

4. Food packaging and special requirements

1. Selection of packaging materials

Moisture-proof and waterproof: Choose packaging materials with good moisture-proof and waterproof properties, such as plastic film, aluminum foil bags, moisture-proof paper boxes, etc., to prevent food from getting damp and deteriorating during transportation. For some foods that easily absorb moisture, such as biscuits and nuts, ensure that the packaging is well sealed.
Shockproof and drop-proof: For fragile foods, such as sauces and canned foods in glass bottles, use foam plastics, bubble bags, corrugated paper and other materials for cushioning packaging to reduce damage caused by collision and vibration during transportation. When packaging, fix the food in the packaging container to prevent it from shaking during transportation.
Comply with food safety standards: Packaging materials must comply with food safety standards, be non-toxic, tasteless, non-polluting, and not cause secondary contamination to food. For example, plastic packaging materials containing harmful substances cannot be used, and packaging materials that meet food grade standards must be selected.

(II) Packaging label

Spanish labeling: The name, ingredients, production date, shelf life, storage conditions, and method of consumption of the food must be marked in Spanish on the food packaging to ensure that Peruvian consumers and customs officials can accurately understand the relevant information of the food. The font of the label should be clear and easy to read, of moderate size, and in compliance with relevant Peruvian regulations.
Country of origin labeling: Clearly mark the words "Made in China" to let consumers know the country of origin of the food. At the same time, for some foods with Chinese characteristics, Chinese cultural elements can be appropriately displayed on the packaging to enhance the appeal of the product.
Certification mark: If the food has obtained relevant certification, such as halal certification, organic certification, etc., the corresponding certification mark should be marked on the packaging to prove the quality and characteristics of the food. These certification marks can increase consumers' trust in food and improve the competitiveness of products in the market.

(III) Transportation requirements for special foods

Refrigerated and frozen food: For foods that need to be refrigerated or frozen, such as ice cream and frozen meat, use transportation equipment with temperature control functions, such as refrigerated containers and refrigerated trucks, and strictly control the temperature during transportation. When packaging, use insulation materials to wrap the food to ensure that the food is always in a suitable temperature environment during transportation. At the same time, communicate with logistics partners in advance to ensure that they have the corresponding temperature control transportation capabilities and experience.
Flammable and explosive foods: Some foods may contain flammable and explosive ingredients such as alcohol and spices, such as wine and flavors. When transporting these foods, you must follow the relevant regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods, choose a logistics company with dangerous goods transportation qualifications, use special dangerous goods transportation vehicles or containers, and take appropriate protective and warning measures. Enterprises should understand Peru's import regulations and transportation requirements for flammable and explosive foods in advance to ensure the safety of the transportation process.

5. Logistics coordination at the exhibition site

1. Communicate with the exhibition organizer

Before participating in an exhibition, companies should fully communicate with the exhibition organizers to understand the logistics rules and requirements of the exhibition site, including information such as truck entry and exit times, loading and unloading areas, and cargo storage locations. According to the arrangements of the exhibition organizers, the transportation and delivery time of the exhibits should be reasonably planned to ensure that the exhibits can enter the exhibition site smoothly and be stored and displayed at the designated location. At the same time, they should maintain close contact with the exhibition organizers to keep abreast of logistics changes during the exhibition so as to make corresponding adjustments.

(II) Assigning a dedicated person to be responsible

The company should assign a dedicated person to coordinate the logistics of the exhibition site. This person should be familiar with the exhibits and the logistics process, and be able to communicate and coordinate effectively with the logistics company, exhibition organizers and other relevant parties. When the exhibits arrive at the exhibition site, the responsible person should promptly inspect and accept the goods to see if they are damaged or lost. If there are any problems, they should contact the logistics company in time to resolve them. During the exhibition, they should be responsible for the replenishment and allocation of exhibits to ensure the display effect and sufficient supply of exhibits.

(III) Emergency Response Plan

Develop a logistics emergency response plan to deal with possible emergencies, such as exhibit delays, damage, and loss. In the plan, the emergency response process and division of responsibilities should be clearly defined, and the communication method and coordination mechanism with logistics companies, exhibition organizers and other relevant parties should be determined. For example, if exhibits are delayed, timely communicate with the logistics company to understand the reasons, and negotiate with the exhibition organizer whether the display time can be adjusted or other remedial measures can be taken; if exhibits are damaged or lost, report the case to the insurance company in a timely manner, and cooperate with relevant parties in investigation and claims.