Food Imports

China has continued to experience an increase in population just like other Asian countries. This, therefore means that there is an increased strain on the resources and one of the adversely affected is Food. These people need to feed, and therefore the country can’t produce enough food to satisfy the demand. Over the last two decades, food consumption in China has increased drastically leaving the country with a huge deficit.

Less food production means that the nation has to seek other alternatives to feed the growing population. The only alternative left has been to import food. On the other hand, you must remember that there are some foods that China will also export to other nations to import the food that is not locally produced.

Food Importation in China
The largest supplier of food to China is Australia and is closely followed by the US. According to the 2015 China food importation statistics, China bought up to $9 billion. Australia forecasts that 43% of their food will always go to China and the trend will grow through 2050. With the Australian foods rated as the cleanest, safe, and of high quality, the Chinese Government has chosen to continue importing their food from Australia. These imported foods include Veggies, Fruits, Lamb, Dairy, and beef. However, the country looks upon other countries as suppliers of food. So what are the regulations governing the importation of food in China?

China Import Documentation Regulations
The food regulation system in China is placed on a multilayered approach. Every year, we continue to see more importation of food to the country. The regulation on food importation varies from food to food. Another challenge is that different ports and bureaus might not enforce the regulations leading to the entry of unhealthy food that is in turn destroyed. In ports and bureaus where the regulations apply, we have strict and very complex documentation requirements that importers must adhere to.

To begin with, before transportation of food you are required to submit documents that show the quality, the quarantine statement, the origin of the food, and also a detailed packaging list that shows the description of the packaging used and other several documents on food production. These documents are reviewed by specific authorities and determined if they are authentic and complete. There are also some documents that copies must be made and left with the authorities.

Before importing foods to China, you might not be required to possess a license for certain foods. However, you require a license for the poultry and the dairy product. The automatic import license is a must, and it is obtained from the Ministry of Commerce. The foods that are subject to tariff quotas such as wheat, sugar, corn, rice, must obtain the Agricultural Products Import Tariff Quotas Certificate.

Once the consignment arrives in China, the customs officials will inspect the shipping documentation and also verify the packaging and labeling to make sure it meets the standards as expected. In case you don’t have any documentation, request to issue a declaration that you will bring the documentation.

For information on the importation of food in China and the wholesalers, you can check our website on www.nutrada.com. 

The UK imports fruits and vegetables from several countries around the EU community and other nations, but exports their fruits only to a few countries. The 2016 fruits and vegetable export statistics show that there was an increase in the percentage of fruits and vegetables that were imported. For the vegetables, the UK registered an 11 percent increase in the imports while for the fruits there was an 18 percent increase. The fruits that were imported to the UK in 2016 were worth £3.6 whereas the vegetables that were imported to the UK the same year were worth £2.3. Most of the fruits imported into the UK came from the EU nations.

Analysis of Fruits and Vegetable Imports in the UK
A Third of the fruits and vegetables that were imported into the UK came from Spain. The fruits that were imported from Spain include strawberries, grapes, and citrus fruit. The veggies from Spain included the Tomatoes, lettuce, Cauliflower, and broccoli. Of the remaining imports, a quarter of the vegetable imports came from the Netherlands with vegetables being the tomatoes and the sweet peppers.  The Ireland republic only exported 5.4 percent of the vegetables. The other percentage of the fruits and vegetables came from the non-EU community member, and this was South Africa. 11 percent of the fruits that came from South Africa included grapes, citrus fruits, and also the apples.

How to Import Fruits into the UK
UK government has put regulations in place to make sure that the fruits and vegetables that are imported to the UK meet the regulations. Therefore whether you are importing fresh, dried, processed, or tinned fruits, you must meet the regulations to be allowed to import into the UK. Note that the imports from outside the EU nations should comply with the overall EU regulations.

Before you begin the process of importing the fruits and vegetables to the UK you need to apply for the certificate of conformity which is issued by the Ministry of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs abbreviated DEFRA. These regulations fall under the PEACH system which can be reached through the URL http://peach.defra.gov.uk/

You will also require applying for the Common Agricultural Policy licenses that are issued by the Rural Payments Agency. Further, you will require approvals regarding food coloring, flavoring, and sweeteners which must comply with your country of origin and the EU as well. The body that is responsible for this is called the Food Standards Agency. The general regulations regarding food labeling apply also to the fruits and veggies labeling, and these can be accessed through the GOV.UK website.

Food Hygiene Pesticides and Contaminants Compliance
It is also important for the importers of fruits and vegetables to make sure that they comply with food hygiene, pesticides, and contaminant regulations. The pesticide levels compliance regulations can be accessed from the Health and Safety Executive`s and also the Chemicals Regulation Directorate. The importers should as well familiarize themselves with the Contaminants in Food regulations of 2013 through the website www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2013/oct/regulations.

For information on fruits and vegetable importers in the UK please, visit our website: www.nutrada.com

Germany is one of the most developed countries where there is a market for all kinds of products. Being a modern country, most people don’t involve themselves in farming, so little fruits and vegetables are being produced. Imports are the ones that make Germany people to consume fruits throughout the year because there is constant supply of the products. If you are aspiring to exports fruits and vegetables to Germany, you need to ensure that you get all the necessary documentation and authorization.

Biosafety and Quality of Food
Germany is a country that loves its people that is why anything audible that enters Germany should be screened for safety and nutritional profile. The government food agencies will report any cases of poisonous food that is in the country and people will be told to avoid it. Most fruits and vegetables are checked and analyzed well before they are sold to the general public. If you want to import to Germany, your goods must be safe and of high quality. The safety of food starts with the agricultural methods being used, the storage materials, and the duration the food will take to reach Germany.

European Commission Regulations
Some regulations are set out to all those who want to import food materials in Germany. These regulations must be met to ensure that people are protected against any form of poisonous food. You also need to ensure that you file documents and license forms so that you get full authorization. Since you cannot deal with the high powers regularly, you will need to liaise with a local supervising agency that will be checking and approving your imports every time they arrive in Germany. Most fruits that you import must be fresh and free from chemicals otherwise permission will be declined.

Contact the stakeholders association of the food that you want to import to ensure that you get the best guidance and directions. Once you have the necessary information, make sure that you start arranging for the transport of your products to the German markets. Depending on the kind of goods you want to import, safety screening will be different, and they will be done by different kinds of people. You can get the importation authority of different kinds of products as long as they are safe. Germany is known for its high food safety because of the tight regulations that are put on imports.

GMO products, ripened fruits that have been made to mature using chemicals, and unknown foods will not be allowed in Germany. Everything needs to be done in the regulations set, and you will need to ensure that you make abide by all regulations. If you are from the US, importing fresh fruits to Germany will not be hard and daunting because United States and the EU recognize each other’s security certified, you will not need to go through the intense scrutiny that other countries might undergo. Make sure that you only import what you are authorized to because if you add other things, you might get disciplinary action. 

Japan needs to continue importing foods to feed its citizen. The country is currently using three factors to determine their self-sufficiency. They mostly gauge their self-sufficiency based on calorie terms. They will also use the weight of the food and the value of food production. Based on the records, the self-sufficiency of Japan in terms of calorie is only at 39%, this means that the country is relying heavily on the imported foods that are reflected on the Japan food imports statistics.

What Product Does Japan Import?
According to the rate of self-sufficiency of Japan, their rate of Mandarin orange, whale meat, eggs, and rice surpassed the ideal level of 90%. However, the rate of the main ingredients that are used for cooking Japanese dishes such as soybeans is just 5% which is quite alarming. Besides, daily essential products that can be used for cooking such as the oil are only at 13%. Based on the recent reports, at least half of the meat products in Japan are currently being imported.

Despite the low self-sufficiency level, Japan still pays attention to quality. A higher percentage of household income is spent on consumer goods and food products. Some of the products that are imported by the country include organic products, micro meals, ready-to-eat meals, canned foods, dairy products, olives, olive oil, and frozen vegetables. On the other hand, there is a steady amount of tomatoes, apples, tangerine, wheat, onion, sugar cane, cabbage, potatoes, sugar beet, and rice n the country.

How Much of its Food Does Japan Import
The import of Japan on its seafood and agrifood has increased to 4.2% last 2015. The processed food import was registered at $45.2 billion where Canada was supplying 4.1% of their total demand. Other large suppliers of the country include the United States, France, Australia, Thailand, and China. These suppliers have been providing more than 56% of the total processed food in Japan. Concerning the agrifood, the imports from Canada were recorded at $3.8 billion.

What Is Japan’s Major Exports and Imports
Based on the latest released study, the major exports of Japan are production materials such as rubbers, precious metals, plastics, steel, medical apparatuses, and machinery. On the other hand, their major imports include corn wherein their biggest supplier would be the US that supplies them with 80.8% of their total imports of corn. Frozen pork has an import value of $2.6 billion, and chicken meat (prepared) has a value of $2.4 billion. Soybeans that are a mainstay of the Japanese dish have registered an import value of $2.1 billion. 

Most businesses in Japan rely on wholesale Japan Food importers for the food to be sufficient for the whole population. The decline in the self-sufficiency of the country can be caused by different factors such as the development of services like processed foods and restaurants. It will take a while before the country gains its much-needed self-sufficiency, but as of today, they will still have to rely on the food importers. 

For any more questions you have or information, you need to be sure to consult the Japan food importers directory at Nutrada.

According to the latest Netherland food import statistics, the number of imported foods fall at 12.27%. Though the amount of food products being imported by the country has fluctuated unpredictably, it still shows that there is a continuous decrease in imported foods over the last few years. National Geographic states that the country has managed to transform itself into an agricultural giant that is currently feeding the entire world.

What Products Does the Netherlands Import
Last 2016, Netherland has imported goods that amount to $504 billion from different trade partners all over the world. At least 52% of the total imported goods of the Netherlands are purchased from European suppliers. Around 8% of them came from North America and the lowest percentage at 2% came from African countries. Netherland is a major food exporter, which is why it is not surprising why their top imports are not associated with foods. Their biggest product import is a testing machine that was registered at more than $2.5 million.

Other imported goods are related to health institutions such as electro-medical tools with an import value of $1.9 million, Chemical analysis equipment at $1.5 million, x-rays at $1.4 million, and breathing apparatus at $853 thousand. They also imported weather instruments ($1.9 million), calculating machine ($1 million), and navigational instruments ($667 thousands).

Bringing Food Products into the Netherlands
Based on the ranking of ECI (Economic Complexity Index), the economy of the Netherland is considered one of the most complexes in the world. Navigating on the rules when it comes to the foods that you are allowed to bring in the country can be daunting. If you are coming from an EU country, the process will be a lot easier. However, remember that there are special rules that are being applied to plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and animal products.

Netherlands Customs Declaration Form
If you are shipping products to the Netherlands, the Customs will require some documents such as the airway bill and the declaration form. You need to submit at least two copies of the declaration form in case the total import value of your product exceeds the $1,500 mark. You may submit the declaration form by parcel post or regular mail if the entire value is more than $500. The form should state the amount of product and the exact weight on the metric unit scale.

In case you are sending the product through mail, you need to inquire at your local post office regarding the requirement of the proper documentation of your goods. Although there is no standard format that was prescribed, you might need to add specific information on the form such as weight, grade, quality, kind, and commercial description of the product. You may also add information about the method of shipment as well as the name of the buyer and/or sellers and the place and date of your shipment.

If the wholesale Netherlands food importer requires additional information, they will probably need to contact the help of the Department of Commerce.

Germany has one of the wealthiest consumers based in the world. Currently, the population is about 82 million projected to decrease to a 65million, due to the declining birth rate. Since Germany is an EU member, it follows all the directives.  The country maintains a high level of food safety and continuously monitors the whole supply chain.  Everyone from the vendor to the importer must and keep responsibility for food in the market. The following is a summary of the laws and standards of the country.

German Food Law
Although Germany follows EU regulations and objectives, it maintains the Food, Commodities, and Feed Code called the LFGB. The LFGB is consistent with the EU regulations and states the goals of German food law. It outlines the guidelines for labeling, inspection, seizure, and general food safety.

The rules control both the local and international food markets. In case of problems or law breaches, legal liability falls on the importer. It is because the government cannot punish any foreign producers. However, each federal states enforce the LFGB rules independently; thus, the repercussions vary. 

Usually, a sampling of foreign goods takes place randomly. Each federal state maintains laboratories for conducting the tests, where they look for improper labeling, banned ingredients, and quality. Besides, products found to violate the guidelines, are reported to the press. The press will announce the brand name, and its producer or importer.

BundesamtfürVerbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit (BVL) is the German food standards agency that ensures compliance with the food regulations. It operates under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

German Food Labelling Regulations
Food Information to Consumers (FIC) regulation 1169/2011 provides the guidelines for labeling drinks and food entering the EU market. According to the directive, the food labels need to contain the name of the food.

It should list the ingredients and their quantities, allergens, net food quantity, nutritional declaration, 'use-by date,' conditions of use, or special storage conditions. Other information includes the producer's address and country of origin. Amendments in 2016 specified that all the allergens must be listed on the products list instead of using the term “Contains allergens.”

Special Packaging in Germany
Germany requires producers to adhere to the German Packing and Waste Avoidance Law. The importers or manufacturers have to enter contracts with licensed national recycling companies. Products bear the Green Dot, which shows that they are recyclable.

German Customs Declaration Form
Goods moving from one EU country to another do not require passing through customs. However, for non-Union goods, they have to undergo a customs procedure known as “Release for free circulation and consumption.” After the procedure, which involves transiting through the customs warehouse, the importer may freely dispose of them. To find out more about the guidelines, look at the zoll.de website.

Nutrada; Your Germany Food Importers Directory
Nutrada is a platform powered by AI technology that allows you to trade food online with EU importers. Right now, you can find Wholesale German food importers, all at your convince. Get started! 

In the last few years, we have globalization and technology taking control of world economies. This has been good for international trade with nations being able to import and export food and other products. These two factors have been a major enabler in opening up new supply markets for nations. One of the countries that have taken full advantage of this has been India.

The country is one of the most populous nations, and therefore they face a challenge in feeding the growing population. Since independence, the average food consumption per year per person has almost tripled, and therefore the country faced with increased demand for food sought to be fed by other nations. So what are some of the leading food imports that find their way into India?

Analysis of Food Imports to India
The major food imports in India comprised of cereals, edible oils, and cashew nuts. The cereals form the largest percentage of foods that are imported into India, and they come from America, Australia, Canada, and Burma. The shortage of cereals began shortly after independence, and therefore the country has been relying on imported cereals. The edible oils and the seed oils are also a large part of the foods that India imports and they come majorly from the USA and Canada. India also imports sugar, vegetables, and fruits.

Regulations Governing Food Importation in India
The Food and standards act of India was established in 2006 and before its establishment, the country referred to the customs act of 1962 and the tariffs act which later came in place in 1975. All this time until 2006, there were no specific rules that were governing food importation. Under the 2006 food standards act, no person is allowed to import food that is unsafe, misbranded or that is substandard. 

To import food into India, you are required to have various documents which include the import license that is issued by the Central Licensing Authority by a designated officer. Secondly, you are required to have the import Export Code clearance which is issued by the Directorate of General and Foreign Trade. The Customs House Agency (CHA) also issues an authority letter permitting the importer to go on with the exercise. 

When the food arrives at the customs port it is to enter India through; the importer is expected to apply for permission with the customs authorities. He/she should also hand over the transit country documentation, the special transit conditions for the goods, and any other documentation that the importer feels is important for the food to be cleared. Further, you are expected to pay a processing fee for the visual inspection of the food, and after the verification of the documents, the office intimates the goods with the inspection date and time. 

After the food has passed the inspection process, the no-objection certificate is issued. Once you receive the no-objection certificate, the goods can then freely proceed to the market. However, the importer is expected to maintain the handling standards until the food is sold. For information on Wholesale India food importers / India food, importers directory click the link: www.nutrada.com

The island nation lying between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Indonesia is a rich and diverse land. Whilst there is rice aplenty in Indonesia, the country relies on a lot of imports for other food necessities. In the last decade, the agro-food imports of Indonesia have more than quadrupled, rising to about $18.4 billion in 2013, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

Indonesia has a strong need to import wheat to make bread and noodles. The main things that they export include rice, sugar, soybeans, and corns. The main export partners include Australia, Thailand, Brazil, and the United States. However, currently, Indonesia is importing much more than they are exporting and therefore facing some economic challenges with their trade partners. 

In terms of Indonesia's food (import) regulations, there are some strict guidelines to adhere to. For starters, all food packaged for import must have labeled in the Indonesian language, Roman text, and Arabic numerals. Food that comes from certain animals, such as pig, must have strict labeling also. All imported food that is processed must be registered with BPOM. There is also an import fee applicable, and all imported items will undergo a physical inspection upon arrival in Indonesia. 

For imported fresh fruit and vegetables, there are some treatments that need to happen. These include cold treatment for Mediterranean fruit fly, Queensland fruit fly, and vapor heat treatment for anatrespha. Furthermore, Indonesia requires all imported meats to have an Islamic purity (halal) certification so that it is religiously safe for the Muslim community to consume it. 

Indonesia's food standards are rather high when it comes to imports. An import permit is required for any food products that contain animal products and animal-based ingredients. There are shifting regulations and requirements when it comes to importing meat, dairy, poultry, and fresh fruit. It is important to stay up to date with the Ministry of Agriculture to understand these. 

A recent law passed in January 2005 means that all imported products must have a nutritional label on them as well as all the other aforementioned labeling. Indonesia takes breaches of mislabeling information on imported goods very seriously, and there are criminal proceedings if charged. 

The best way to ensure things run smoothly with Indonesian imports is for the exporter to confer with the local government body where they are shipping products to. Having a local importer or agent on the ground is the most productive way to stay attuned to the varying rules and regulations surrounding Indonesia’s import laws. 

While there are many strict regulations in place, how they are actually enforced can fluctuate throughout Indonesia. Doing adequate research before importing or exporting anything to Indonesia is the safest option. 

More information on the Indonesian food importers directory is available at Nutrada. 

THE CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) is liable for all the initial inspection of imported foods and agricultural products which includes spices. The CFIA (Food Inspection Agency) will determine the regulation and inspection for the said imports. These rules are being enforced by the CBSA in all Canadian ports. In this article, we will walk you through the different requirements for importing spices to Canada.

Importing Spices to Canada for Personal Use
When it comes to personal use, there is absolutely no restriction when importing spices, tea, and coffee. However, they will also be subjected to the inspection and analysis process. If the inspection officers discovered contamination or pest infestation presence in your spices, your product will be directed to the FDA.

For those who are importing spices to Canada through the foreign suppliers. The foreign business will be prompted to submit a Prior Notice to the FDA. This requirement will not be essential for those travelers who are carrying spices. In case the business is sending someone to the US to hand the spices to them, this will also not be required.

For Commercial Purposes
The rules and requirements on importing spices to Canada will change if this is for commercial purposes. The imported spices will be subjected to analysis under the Food and Drug Administration. The agency will also determine the admissibility of the product. Make sure that your items are properly labeled in order to avoid complicating your situation. We advise you to call the agency and ask for a detailed labeling instruction.

Importing products for commercial use are required to file Prior Notice with the FDA. The foreign distributor of the spices should also register with the agency before the products will be admitted. There is absolutely no quota or restriction on importing spices to Canada. Regardless if you are importing packaged, bottled, or brewed, there is no limit to the number of spices that you can import to Canada. Unfortunately, some ingredients may be restricted by the country. There are also ingredients that may carry special duties. Make sure to communicate with a specialist at the local port in case you are importing spices.

The Documents Required
The authorities may require additional documents when you are importing spices to Canada. For instance, there may be a permit that was issued by a Canadian agency in advance that you need to present. They may also ask for a certificate that proves the place of origin of your spices. You may request permits by contacting the Center of Administrations. In case you are missing the required document, your product will not be admitted to Canada.

If you need assistance in interpreting the requirements and regulations on importing spices to Canada, you may reach the help of NISC. They will be willing to guide you to the whole process to minimize the possibility that your products will not be admitted to the port of Canada. Even if the products are allowed to enter Canada, we still advise you to list them in your declaration form. 

Importing food is a great way that the world connects globally, but it is also something that needs to be well regulated and taken seriously. UK food import statistics show that more than half of the produce in the UK is sourced from abroad. This shows that it is a vital way to get fresh fruit and vegetables, amongst other food products, to country. To keep the UK food import business thriving, it is essential to adhere to the correct policies and procedures.

The UK has good trade relations with the EU. In fact, they source around a quarter of their total food imports from here. Some UK food imports from EU items include fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy, fish, and honey. However, for non-EU countries, there is an import ban on meat and dairy products as well as restrictions on fresh fruit and vegetables. It is also worth noting that some products can only be imported from the EU at specific ports in the UK. A substantial amount of UK food imports from Africa make up the total of imported food products.

Since the climate of the UK doesn’t allow for many fresh fruits and vegetables to grow, importing from the EU and Africa is very helpful. Amongst the top food imports to the UK are bananas from Kenya, oranges from Morocco and Egypt, as well as potatoes, cauliflower, and onions from various other countries. Importing food is an important way to keep the economy flourishing and businesses thriving all year round.

Food can be imported to the UK on an individual scale or a bigger business scale. Either way, there are restrictions in place, or you need to be aware of cross-checks at entry points in the UK if you are carrying food.

Do I Need a Food Import Licence UK?
For food that is going to be used for commercial gain or brought in large quantities, a food import licence may be required. For the importer, it is important to be responsible and have a trustworthy supplier. You should know the name and contact details of the supplier to help ensure quality standard. 

If the food important does not meet the appropriate standards, importers need to report this to the Environmental Health Department. This helps to create appropriate checks and balances in the import industry. Also, please note that most products of animal origins that come from outside the EU require a certificate of product and need to come from an approved establishment in an approved country. 

To better understand if you need a licence to import food goods to the UK, it is best to contact the Rural Payments Agency. They can help give you more information if you need a licence or not for your importing needs. 

For any more questions you have or information, you need be sure to consult the UK food importers directory at Nutrada.