Vegetable products are foodstuffs made primarily from fresh vegetables, processed through methods such as pickling, drying, or freezing to extend their shelf life. China has ranked first globally in vegetable product exports for several consecutive years. How are Customs procedures handled for these exports? This article will guide you through the relevant information.
I. Classification of Vegetable Products
Based on varying processing methods, vegetable products can be mainly categorized into pickled vegetables, dehydrated vegetables, frozen vegetables, canned vegetables, and other types.
Each type of vegetable product corresponds to a specific Customs HS Code. However, most begin with the four-digit codes 0710, 0711, 0712, 0714, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, or 2005. Specific sub-codes are to be further determined by factors including the processing technology and composition content of the vegetable products.
II. Major Export Markets
According to Customs statistics, in recent years, the primary countries and regions receiving China’s vegetable product exports have included South Korea, Japan, the United States, the European Union, Russia, Southeast Asian countries, and certain countries in the Middle East. Influenced by local consumption habits and prevailing vegetable cultivation conditions, these countries and regions have a relatively broad market demand for vegetable products.
III. Export Procedures for Vegetable Products
The export of vegetable products is strictly governed by laws and regulations such as the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection, and the Measures of the People’s Republic of China for the Administration of Import and Export Food Safety. Furthermore, these products must comply with the standards or contractual requirements of the importing country or region. Should special provisions be stipulated in international treaties or agreements to which China is a signatory or participant, the corresponding provisions must also be observed. In stances where the importing country or region lacks established standards, the contract has no specific requirements, and no pertinent international treaties or agreements are in place, exported vegetable products shall conform to China’s national food safety standards.
The customs clearance process for exporting vegetable product mainly involves three key steps: enterprise registration, pre-export declaration supervision, and export declaration and release.
(1) Enterprise Registration
Registration of vegetable product manufacturers: Vegetable product manufacturers shall register with the local customs authority at their domicile. Applicants can submit their registration application via the China International Trade “Single Window” portal (https://www.singlewindow.cn/) or the “Internet + Customs” Integrated Online Service Platform (http://online.customs.gov.cn/). Export operations may only be carried out after the registration has been successfully approved.
(2) Pre-export Declaration Supervision
Vegetable product manufacturers, exporters, or their agents are required to input product export declaration information via the China International Trade “Single Window” platform. They must then submit an application for pre-export inspection and quarantine to the Customs at the place of origin or cargo consolidation. This submission includes digitized document information, with an affirmation of holding relevant documents, including but not limited to contracts, invoices, and packing lists.
Upon acceptance of the application, for export vegetable products selected by the system for on-site inspection and laboratory testing, customs will review the enterprise’s export declaration details. A comprehensive evaluation is then conducted, incorporating the findings from both on on-site inspections and laboratory tests. If the conformity assessment meets the requirements, customs will issue a certificate, granting permission for export and generating electronic record data. Should the export vegetable products fail to meet the required standards following customs’ conformity assessment, the exporter or their agent will be notified in writing. If the non-compliant export vegetable products can undergo technical treatment, export will be permitted only after successful treatment. Products that cannot be technically treated, or remain non-compliant even after treatment, will be prohibited from export.
(3) Export Declaration and Release
When pre-export declaration supervision is satisfactory, enterprises shall proceed with their export declarations in accordance with the law. Customs will inspect export vegetable products at the port of exit, and upon successful inspection, export will be permitted.
(Wang Xiaolong, Pang Guoxing)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
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