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Shipping food products from China to Europe offers massive potential but also comes with complex customs and safety requirements. Whether you’re importing tea, sauces, dried fruits, or packaged snacks, knowing what documents are needed for food products from China to Europe is crucial to avoid customs delays and ensure compliance. At Top China Forwarder, we simplify documentation, logistics, and customs clearance for safe and timely food imports.
Why Food Import Documentation Is So Important
Food is one of the most strictly regulated product categories in Europe. Customs authorities closely inspect each shipment for origin, safety, labeling, and hygiene compliance. Missing or inaccurate paperwork can lead to fines, rejection, or even destruction of goods.
Therefore, proper documentation not only accelerates customs clearance but also protects your business reputation and prevents unnecessary losses.
What Documents Are Required for Food Imports from China to Europe?
Below is a comprehensive list of essential documents you need for food shipments:
| Document | Purpose | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Declares the product’s value for customs | Supplier/Exporter |
| Packing List | Specifies packaging, weight, and quantity | Supplier |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | Confirms ownership and shipment details | Freight Forwarder |
| Certificate of Origin | Proves manufacturing origin | Chamber of Commerce |
| Health Certificate | Confirms the product meets sanitary standards | CIQ/Chinese authority |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Required for plant-based foods | Chinese Customs |
| Veterinary Certificate | Required for animal-origin foods | AQSIQ/Authorized body |
| Import Declaration (Single Administrative Document) | EU entry registration | Importer/Agent |
Each document ensures your food shipment complies with EU import regulations, especially for sensitive goods like meat, dairy, or processed food.
Understanding the Health and Phytosanitary Certificates
Health-related certificates are mandatory for any food shipment entering Europe.
| Certificate Type | Applies To | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Health Certificate | General food, dairy, meat | Confirms hygiene and safety compliance |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Fruits, nuts, spices, teas | Ensures products are pest- and disease-free |
| Veterinary Certificate | Meat, fish, honey | Verifies animal products meet EU standards |
These certificates are inspected by EU border control points before goods enter the internal market.
What Are the Labeling Requirements for Food Imports?
EU labeling laws require clear, accurate, and multilingual labeling on all imported foods.
Key labeling elements include:
- Product name and net quantity
- Ingredient list and allergen information
- Best-before or use-by date
- Country of origin and producer name
- Nutritional information (for packaged goods)
- Storage and usage instructions
For processed foods, labels must comply with EU Regulation 1169/2011 and be in the destination country’s language. Top China Forwarder assists clients in verifying labeling standards before shipping to prevent compliance issues.
How to Prepare Customs Documentation for Food Shipments
A well-organized document set reduces inspection time and simplifies clearance. Ensure the following:
- Invoice matches the packing list (same weight and value).
- Include the correct HS Code (Chapter 20 for processed foods, Chapter 8 for fruits, etc.).
- Mention Incoterms like FOB, CIF, or DDP.
- Attach test reports if required (e.g., pesticide or heavy metal analysis).
- Translate documents into English or the EU country’s language if necessary.
At Top China Forwarder, our documentation specialists prepare and cross-check all forms to ensure a seamless customs process.
How to Handle Customs Duties and Taxes
Different European countries apply varying import duty rates based on product type. Below is an estimated cost overview:
| Product Type | Import Duty | VAT (Average) | Inspection Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processed Food | 10–20% | 20% | €30–€60 |
| Beverages | 5–15% | 21% | €25–€50 |
| Spices & Dried Fruits | 3–10% | 20% | €30–€40 |
| Meat & Dairy | 15–25% | 21% | €40–€70 |
Choosing DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service with Top China Forwarder allows you to prepay duties and taxes, so your goods clear customs automatically without additional payment delays.
What Are the Most Common Customs Challenges in Food Imports?
Importers often face several recurring issues:
- Missing or invalid health certificates.
- Mislabeled ingredients or allergens.
- Inconsistent HS codes or undervaluation.
- Lack of importer registration with the EU’s RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed).
However, with Top China Forwarder, our compliance team ensures all certifications and customs declarations are valid before shipment, minimizing clearance risks.
Recommended Shipping Methods for Food Products
| Method | Transit Time | Ideal For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 25–35 days | Non-perishable foods | Low cost, bulk capacity | Slow transit |
| Air Freight | 5–10 days | Perishable or premium foods | Fast, safe | Expensive |
| Express Courier | 3–6 days | Small samples | Quick delivery | Limited volume |
To protect food quality, choose reefer containers with temperature control and ensure packaging meets EU sanitary requirements.
How Top China Forwarder Simplifies Food Shipping
At Top China Forwarder, we provide full-service support for food logistics from China to Europe — including certification, documentation, customs clearance, and temperature-controlled delivery.
Our advantages include:
- Expertise in food-grade logistics and cold chain management.
- Assistance with CIQ, AQSIQ, and EU compliance paperwork.
- Reliable sea and air freight options across all major EU ports.
- DDP solutions covering duties, taxes, and delivery to door.
- 24/7 shipment tracking and transparent pricing.
Whether you’re shipping sauces, snacks, or frozen foods, we ensure your goods arrive safely, legally, and on time.
Conclusion
Knowing what documents are needed for food products from China to Europe is essential for compliance and smooth delivery. From health and phytosanitary certificates to customs declarations and labeling verification, each document contributes to a successful import.
With Top China Forwarder, you gain a trusted partner who handles every step — certification, customs clearance, and transportation. Our end-to-end solutions make food imports from China to Europe secure, compliant, and worry-free.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a health certificate for all food shipments from China?
Yes, it’s mandatory for most food categories to confirm compliance with EU hygiene standards.
What if the product contains both plant and animal ingredients?
You’ll need both phytosanitary and veterinary certificates.
Are pre-packaged snacks subject to labeling checks?
Yes. Labels must list ingredients, allergens, and expiration dates in local language.
What happens if customs finds a labeling error?
They may request relabeling, delay clearance, or reject the shipment.
Does Top China Forwarder handle perishable food logistics?
Yes. We provide cold chain solutions and certified food-handling logistics across major European routes.