How to choose reliable fruitExport agentThe business?

Selecting an agent requires focusing on five key dimensions:

• Customs AEO certification qualification: Ensure fast customs clearance capability
• Export performance of fresh products: Completed at least 20 batches of fruit exports in the past 3 years
• Cold Chain Logistics Network: Possess -18°C frozen or 1-4°C refrigerated supply chains in target markets
• Trade compliance capability: Familiar with regulations such as EU EU 2019/428 and US FDA 21 CFR
• Risk management cases: Require transportation solutions with a damage rate below 2%

Case study: In the 2022 Yunnan blueberry export project to Thailand, the agent reduced transportation losses from 15% to 5% through pre-cooling treatment + modified atmosphere container solutions

What essential qualifications are required for fruit exports?

Must prepare three types of core documents:

• Production End Qualifications
  • Customs-registered export orchard certificate
  • GMP certification documents for processing plants
• Circulation End Qualification
  • Phytosanitary certificate (must indicate cold treatment parameters)
  • Certificate of Origin (RCEP certificate eligible for tariff preferences)
• Target market access
  • EU Organic Certification (EC 834/2007)
  • US NOP certification (mandatory for citrus fruits)

Export customs clearanceWhat special considerations exist?

Special attention is required for fresh fruit customs declaration:

• Accurate HS code classificationFresh durian (08031000) and frozen durian (08119090) have a tariff difference of 12%
• Quarantine declaration time limitChilean cherries require irradiation treatment records to be declared 24 hours before shipment
• Packaging material declarationWooden packaging must provide IPPC mark (ISPM15 standard)

Latest update: Starting from 2025, the EU will implement a fruit carbon footprint labeling system, requiring simultaneous submission of greenhouse gas emission reports during customs declaration

How to control losses during international transportation?

Three major technical solutions to reduce losses:

• Pre-cooling technologyBerries need to be cooled to 4°C within 2 hours after picking
• Modified atmosphere packagingUse MAP technology to control oxygen levels at 3%-5%
• Dynamic monitoringInstall RFID temperature recorders to monitor cold chain fluctuations throughout the process

Case study: In the 2024 Shandong fresh peach export project to Dubai, the transportation cycle was reduced by 40% through vacuum pre-cooling + cold storage box solution

Export agentHow are fees calculated?

Regular fees include 5 parts:

• Agency service fee (1.2%-2.5% of cargo value)
• Inspection of vaccinesInspection fee (according to CIQ charging standards)
• Customs miscellaneous fees (including document fees, port construction fees, etc.)
• Logistics basic fees (sea/air freight + fuel surcharge)
• Risk surcharge (war risk, mildew risk, etc.)

Special note: Frozen fruits require an additional 3.5% refrigeration equipment maintenance fee

How to handle trade disputes?

It is recommended to adopt a 3-level response mechanism:

• First levelNegotiate according to the INCOTERMS 2025 clauses in the contract
• Second levelMediation through the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
• Third levelApply for International Chamber of Commerce arbitration (ICC Case No.)

Important reminder: Be sure to specify the re-inspection authority of third-party quality inspection agencies (such as SGS) in the contract

Which countries have special quarantine requirements?

Focus on 4 markets:

• 2. AustraliaMangoes need to undergo 46°C hot water treatment for 30 minutes
• JapanApples require 310 pesticide residue test reports
• USACitrus fruits must indicate fruit wax composition (21 CFR 172.886)
• The European UnionGrapes need to be accompanied by orchard GPS coordinate records

How to establish long-term export channels?

Recommended 4-step strategy:

• Quality systemObtain GlobalG.A.P certification
• Brand buildingApply for geographical indication protection (such as Liuzhou honey pomelo GI mark)
• Channel deepeningParticipate in professional exhibitions such as FRUIT LOGISTICA in Berlin
• Data managementEstablish an export product traceability system (requiring granularity to batch level)