In the rising era of globalization, perishable goods exports for fruits , vegetables, dairy products , sea food , and marine products are in high demand. The perishable goods are required to cross international waters without being spoiled or damaged. However, they have to face tough challenges during the customs clearance process.
If you are a regular exporter, you must understand customs clearance to pave the way for swift transit to ship your goods. The customs authorities have some binding rules and regulations, and in any case, if you fail to adhere, the port authorities can seize or halt your shipment. As a result, you might have to pay heavy fines and undergo penalties. Furthermore, the delayed process of customs clearance can disrupt the supply chain.
What are the guidelines for the customs clearance process?
Exporting perishable goods between foreign nations is not that simple. You need to have a clear understanding of the customs department rules to go ahead with your shipment.
In the customs clearance process, the key factors that need to be taken into account are as follows:
- Proper Documentation: The right paperwork is a must to successfully clear the customs process. You need to present crucial documents such as a commercial invoice , the , the label, health certificates , origin certificates , and the required permits based on the nature of the goods that are being exported. It is not mandatory to hire a customs house agent; you can handle your own cargo, but a professional agent can assist you with customs-related complications arising from paperwork errors or technicalities. The agents check that you have paid your applicable tax and duties along with the submitted documents.
- Compliance: Legislative bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have directed some rules for the proper handling, storage, and transportation of perishable goods. Importers and exporters must adhere to the specific regulations regarding quality, health, and food safety. These regulations can impose restrictions on the entry of various products if the required packaging process and temperature control requirements are not maintained. Both the exporting and importing countries must work together with government agencies to ensure a hassle-free customs clearance process.
- Temperature Logger: As perishable products are prone to short life spans, they tend to deteriorate. They require special care during transit. The port authorities direct the exporters to opt for temperature-controlled devices to preserve the freshness and quality of the perishable goods from the port of departure to the point of arrival. If, in any case, the exporters don’t comply with the instructions, strict actions will be imposed.
- Packaging and Labeling: When it comes to shipping perishable goods, you need to follow the best packaging process to keep your perishable goods fresh and intact. You can use insulated materials like boxes, coolers, or thermal bags to maintain a balanced temperature. You can also add gel packs or dry ice to stabilize it. You must ensure that the packing is done as instructed by the customs port authorities. The shipment must be leak-proof and comply with labeling standards to align with international standards. Keep in mind to specify the name of the particular product that you are shipping to avoid loss or misplacement of your cargo.
- Consistent Supply Chain: Supply chain logistics are the best means to transport your perishable goods from the point of origin to the point of destination. Smart logistics enables refrigerated containers and thermal blankets to safeguard the integrity of the goods. Cold chain transportation can prevent spoilage of all kinds of perishable commodities, such as fresh produce, meat, dairy, or frozen products. The reefer containers are equipped with temperature sensor control to maintain the required temperature throughout the transit. Furthermore, the goods are delivered to the consumers within the deadline. In the event of any unpredictable circumstances, they do provide storage facilities and alternate routes to protect your cargo. Keep consumers informed about the shipping process so that they don’t hesitate to work with you in the future.
The additional measures taken by the customs authorities are as follows:
- Comprehensive Training: Provide proper training to your staff to improve packaging methods, have a better understanding of the paperwork necessities, and employ the best practices to handle any kind of perishable product. This tip can help clear the goods during the entry and exit of the port.
- Stay Updated With the Latest Customs Regulations: It is wise to be aware of the latest customs norms and policies in international trade. This step can help you conduct your export operations without any chaos.
- Technology Infrastructure: Technology plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of your export operations. Businesses should implement the smart tracking device to maintain a constant temperature level to preserve the pristine condition of the goods. In addition, digital documentation can be adapted to reduce the complexity of paperwork.
At Citrus Freight , we understand the concerns for your perishable goods clearance in the customs process. Keeping this in mind, we offer reliable custom house agents to speed up your transit without any hindrance. We strive the best for optimized supply chain logistics to ensure that your shipment arrives at the desired destination safely while keeping the integrity of the goods intact. You can be at peace of mind as your cargo is in safe hands. Moreover, we have temperature tracking devices that keep you updated on the status of your shipment throughout transit.
Conclusion
In summary, it is evident that a seamless customs clearance process approval is a must to proceed with your shipment. This effective guide highlighted the main aspects of customs clearance, from the required shipping documents, payment of fees, and other additional services to the understanding of the customs policy and customs house agents. The effective supply chain to deliver the goods on time and the compliance of international standards are of utmost importance to carry out perishable exports. With this expertise, businesses can streamline their customs clearance process, ensuring that their goods move across borders without any potential delays.