由 caicai8478 The whole process of cross-border logistics of food-grade powder (such as milk powder, protein powder)
The following is a detailed explanation of the whole process of cross-border logistics of food-grade powder (such as milk powder, protein powder), covering all links from preparation to terminal delivery, with key precautions:
- Preliminary preparation stage
Product compliance confirmation
Target country regulations: Confirm the importing country’s access requirements for food powder (such as China’s formula milk powder registration system, the United States’ FDA certification, and the European Union’s CE mark).
Ingredient restrictions: Check whether the content of additives and nutrients meets the standards (such as Australia prohibits milk powder containing propolis).
Label translation: Bilingual labels are required, indicating ingredients, shelf life, origin, etc. (such as Japan requires radioactivity detection certificates).
Document preparation
Basic documents: commercial invoice, packing list, contract, certificate of origin.
Special documents:
Health certificate (issued by the official agency of the exporting country, such as China CIQ certificate).
Test report (microorganisms, heavy metals and other indicators, CNAS/ILAC laboratory certified required).
Import license (BPOM certification is required for Indonesia).
- Packaging and storage
Moisture-proof and anti-fouling packaging
Inner layer: food-grade aluminum foil bag + deoxidizer (humidity-sensitive areas such as Southeast Asia).
Outer layer: corrugated box + “fragile and moisture-proof” label, it is recommended that each box ≤ 20kg (reduce the risk of damage during manual handling).
Labeling: batch number, production date, and shelf life must be clear and scannable (the EU requires the shelf life format to be DD/MM/YYYY).
Temperature-controlled storage
Temperature recommendation: 15-25℃ (protein powder is prone to caking at high temperatures), humidity ≤ 65%.
Third-party warehouses need to be reviewed: whether they have HACCP or ISO 22000 certification.
- International transportation mode selection
Mode Time limit Applicable scenarios Cost reference (taking 10kg to the United States as an example)
Air transport 3-7 days High value, urgent orders (such as direct mail from purchasing agent) $50-$80/kg
Sea freight FCL 30-45 days Bulk goods (single batch> 1 ton) $800-$1200/cubic meter
Sea freight LCL 35-50 days Small and medium batches (reducing costs) $300-$500/cubic meter
International express 4-10 days Samples or small packages (DHL/FedEx priority) $60-$100/kg
Special requirements:
MSDS (non-hazardous certificate) is required for air transport, and container desiccant is required for sea transport.
It is recommended to choose a constant temperature container for milk powder transportation (regions with large temperature differences such as Russia).
- Core process of customs clearance
Pre-declaration: send electronic data 72 hours in advance (such as the US AMS system).
Inspection focus:
Unpacking inspection: powder color consistency (to prevent contraband).
Laboratory sampling: Salmonella, Enterobacter sakazakii (high-risk items for milk powder).
Tax calculation:
Tariff: about 10% for US milk powder, about 6.5% for EU protein powder.
VAT: 13% in China, 20% in Europe.
*Case: 1 ton of milk powder arrives in China, duty-paid price $5000, total tax ≈ $5000 × (10% + 13%) = $1150. *
V. Destination delivery and risk control
The last mile:
Give priority to logistics with cold chain (refrigerated trucks are required in the Middle East in summer).
Require inspection when signing for goods, and take photos immediately for evidence of damage.
Common problem responses:
Agglomeration: Purchase logistics insurance, and indicate “temperature sensitive” when declaring the value.
Delayed customs: prepay tariffs in advance (such as Brazil, which needs to pay in advance through the SISCOMEX system).
Complaints: Keep a copy of each batch of test reports for customer disputes.
VI. Emerging Trends and Optimization Suggestions
Bonded warehouse stocking: Platforms such as Tmall Global can enter the warehouse in advance, and consumers can clear customs after placing an order (shortening the time limit to 3 days).
Blockchain traceability: Connect to systems such as IBM Food Trust to improve supply chain transparency.
Green logistics: Use degradable packaging materials (such as the EU’s plastic tax from 2025).
Through the refined management and compliance operations of the above processes, the timeliness and quality risks of cross-border logistics of food-grade powder can be significantly reduced. It is recommended that companies choose to cooperate with 3PL service providers with FDA/BRC certification.