The Philippines relies heavily on China for a variety of food products, including frozen seafood, vegetables, and processed goods. Importing frozen goods from China can be highly profitable. However, the process is inherently risky due to the need for a continuous cold chain. A single mistake can lead to total financial loss. Here are five costly errors Philippine importers often make.
1. Failing to Verify Supplier Cold Chain Compliance
The cold chain starts at the source. You must ensure your supplier handles the product correctly.
The Mistake: Importers rely only on paper certifications. They do not verify if the supplier’s warehouse or loading docks meet the required sub-zero temperature standards.
The Solution: Mandate third-party, on-site quality control inspections. This verifies that the supplier properly loads and seals the container at the correct temperature.
2. Using the Wrong Shipping Container
The wrong equipment guarantees spoilage.
The Solution: Confirm the precise temperature needed for your goods. In addition, ensure your logistics partner provides a super freezer or a specialized container that maintains that exact temperature.
The Mistake: Importers incorrectly use standard refrigerated containers (reefers) for products that require ultra-low temperatures, such as tuna or specific seafood.
3. Neglecting Essential Pre-Shipment Permits
Food imports are heavily regulated by the government.
The Mistake: Importers often wait until the shipment arrives to start the application process for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance.
The Solution: Secure the SPS Import Clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) or the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) before the goods leave China. Consequently, this prevents the container from sitting idle at the port.
4. Mismanaging Customs Clearance Documentation
Errors in paperwork lead to costly port delays.
The Mistake: Incorrectly declaring the customs value or using outdated tariff codes. Furthermore, this causes an automatic red flag and inspection.
The Solution: Provide your licensed customs broker with a precise, complete set of documents. This includes the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and all health certificates. For example, HBK’s brokers manage this documentation proactively.
5. Assuming Final Delivery is Simple
The cold chain must extend to your warehouse.
The Mistake: Importers fail to arrange for refrigerated trucks for the final delivery. They assume a standard container truck is sufficient.
The Solution: Arrange refrigerated or insulated transport from the port to your cold storage facility. Therefore, the vital cold chain remains intact until the goods reach their final destination.
Prioritize Compliance and Cold Chain
Successfully importing frozen goods from China demands rigorous control over temperature and documentation. You can eliminate the most common and costly mistakes by partnering with an expert logistics provider. This partnership safeguards your investment and your product quality.
