FilingWhat core qualifications should a merchant possess?

According to the latest international trade regulations of 2025,qualified food export agents must possess the following qualifications:

• Dualcertificationsystem
  • CustomsAEOAdvancedCertification(Validuntil2027)
  • ISO22000FoodSafetyManagementSystemcertification
• Industry-specific qualifications
  • USFDAFoodFacilityRegistration(2025UpdatedVersion)
  • NotificationundertheEURapidAlertSystemforFoodandFeed(RASFF)
  • BRCGSGlobalStandardforFoodSafetyIssue8Certification
• Logistics support capability
  • ColdChainTransportationTemperatureControlRecordSystem(mustprovidesamplerecordsfromthepast6months)
  • Cross-borderCommodityTraceabilitySystem(withBlockchainTechnologyVerificationSupport)

2.How to verify the actual operational capabilities of an agent?

It is recommended to adopt the "three checks and three verifications" method:

• Checkhistoricalcases:Requestfortheprovisionofsimilarfoodexportdatafromthepasttwoyears.
  • CustomsClearanceTimeStatisticsTable
  • Targetcountrycustomsclearancesuccessrate
  • EmergencyIncidentHandlingArchives
• On-site management observation
  • Warehouseenvironmenthumiditycontrol(real-timemonitoringdatarequired)
  • PestControlRecords(Third-partyDisinfectionReportRequired)
  • DesignatedAreaforIsolatedStorageofGoods
• Measure response speed: Simulate emergency scenarios (such as customs spot checks,certificate expiration) to test the contingency mechanism.

3.What are the special requirements for selecting agents in emerging markets?

For emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East,it is recommended to focus on:

• Religiouscertificationsystem
  • HALALcertification(notethedifferencesbetweenIndonesia’sMUIandMalaysia’sJAKIM).
  • JewishKOSHERcertification(newelectroniccertificateverificationrequirementsaddedin2025)
• Dispute Resolution Method
  • Aphysicalcustomsclearancecompanyisestablishedinthetargetcountry.
  • Possessmembershipinthelocalfoodassociation
• Special document processing capabilities
  • ExpeditedprocessingchannelforVietnamFoodHygieneCertificate(FSC)
  • Pre-auditserviceforSaudiSASOcertification

IV.How to Prevent Risks During Cooperation?

It is recommended to establish a three-tier risk prevention mechanism:

• Essentialitemsofcontractterms
  • QualityDisputeResolutionProcess(SpecifyingtheRighttoAppointThird-PartyInspectionAgencies)
  • CompensationStandardforCustomsClearanceDelays(Calculatedat0.1%oftheCargoValueperDay)
  • IntellectualPropertyGuaranteeClause
• Suggested payment methods
  • Thedownpaymentshallnotexceed30%.
  • Theremainingbalanceshallbepaidaftertheinspectionofgoodsatthedestinationport.
  • AdopttheLCandDPcombinedpaymentmethod
• Regular review mechanism
  • QuarterlyServiceEvaluationMeeting
  • AnnualQualificationDocumentRenewalReview
  • JointEmergencyDrill

5.How to handle agency disputes?

It is recommended to proceed in three steps:

• Evidencepreservationstage
  • Notarizetheemailcorrespondenceandchatrecordsimmediately.
  • RequesttheCustomstoissueacertificateofcargostatus.
  • Maintaintemperaturerecordsduringtransportation.
• Professional Intervention Stage
  • RequesttheInternationalTradeArbitrationCommissiontomediate.
  • ApplyforacreditinvestigationthroughtheChinaCouncilforthePromotionofInternationalTrade.
  • Incasesinvolvingsignificantlosses,itisadvisabletoengageamaritimelawyer.
• Post-disposal phase
  • Reapplyforproductaccesscertification
  • Updatetheenterprise’scustomscreditrecord.
  • Establishalistofalternativeagents