I.Italian coffeeThe core value: A full-chain service from document processing to logistics

As a key bridge connecting Italian coffee suppliers with Chinese importers,the core of professional import agency services lies inReduce trade barriers,shorten customs clearance time,and control overall costs.Deep cultivation inWith 20 years of experience in the field,we have established a three-in-one service system for Italian coffee imports,integrating "documentation,logistics,and compliance".In the documentation phase,we accurately classify products using HS codes (e.g.roasted coffee beans correspond to HS 0901.2200).For professional review of documents such as the Certificate of Origin (CO) and Health Certificate (HC),to avoid the risk of goods being returned due to non-compliance of documents; in the logistics process,to integrate various aspects to ensure the smooth progress of the entire transportation process.Full container load (FCL),(Air Freight) andResources,customizing multimodal transport solutions from Milan warehouses to Chinese ports/airports; at the compliance level,relying on a deep understanding of regulations such as the "Regulations on the Registration and Management of Overseas Food Production Enterprises Importing Food into the People’s Republic of China",we provide clients with policy interpretations and risk warnings.

II.The Situation of Italy’s Coffee Import Trade and Compliance Requirements in 2024

Driven by an annual compound growth rate of 8% in China’s coffee consumption market (according to data from iiMedia Research in 2023),Italy,as the largest coffee exporter to the European Union (accounting for 35% of total exports),continues to increase its exports to China.However,three key trends deserve attention: First,the EU has strengthened its SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) requirements,mandating that exported coffee beans must provide pesticide residue testing reports.Second,Chinese customs has implemented a full-chain management system for imported food products,requiring overseas producers to complete registration in China (regulated by the General Administration of Customs’ Order No.184).Third,the increasing proportion of RMB cross-border settlements reduces exchange rate volatility risks for trade with Italy when using the CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid to) Incoterm.

III.Key Documentary Operations: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Entire Process from Commercial Invoices to Customs Declarations

Document processing is the "nerve center" of coffee importation,and any omission in any step may lead to delays in port clearance or penalties.The core documents include:

• CommercialInvoice(CI):Itisnecessarytoclearlyindicatethecoffeebeanvariety(suchasArabica/Robusta),theroastingdegree(light/medium/dark),andtheunitprice(whichmustcomplywiththecustomsvaluationstandards).
• PackingList(PL):Listthegross/netweightofeachbox,thepackagingmaterials(suchasmoisture-proofaluminumfoilbagsandcorrugatedcardboardboxes),andtheshippingmarksinformation;
• OriginCertificate(CO):IssuedbytheItalianChamberofCommerce,thiscertificateprovesthatthegoodswere"entirelyobtainedorproduced"inItaly,whichisthekeytoenjoyingthemost-favored-nationtariff(currently,theimporttariffforcoffeebeansis8%).
• HealthCertificate(HC):IssuedbyinstitutionsaffiliatedwiththeItalianMinistryofHealth(suchastheIstitutoZooprofilatticoSperimentale),itmuststatethattheproduct"meetsthenationalfoodsafetystandardsofChina(GB2762-2017)".
• BillofLading(B/L):Formaritimetransport,chooseaCleanOnBoardBillofLading(B/L);forairtransport,itisnecessarytoverifythattheMasterAirwayBill(MAWB)andtheHouseAirwayBill(HAWB)areconsistentwitheachother.

In the agency service,we focus on controlling the key aspectsThe consistency of documentary evidence logic: For example,the goods description on the commercial invoice must fully match the "goods description" on the bill of lading,and the production date on the health certificate must correspond to the "production batch" on the packing list.In 2023,we assisted a client in discovering that the "expiration date" on the health certificate provided by the supplier did not match the actual goods.We promptly requested a correction,which helped avoid the penalty of "label non-compliance" imposed by the customs after the goods arrived at the port.

IV.Logistics service upgrade: Multimodal transport solutions from Milan to China

The logistics solution needs to be tailored based on the characteristics of the goods (raw beans/roasted beans/instant powder),their value (the unit price of raw beans is about US$3 per kilogram,while premium roasted beans can reach US$15 per kilogram),and time requirements (the general import cycle is 30-45 days,while urgent orders can opt for air freight in 7-10 days).

• FullContainerLoad(FCL):Suitableforbulkimportsin20-foot/40-footcontainers(a20-footcontainercanholdabout18tons),theadvantageislowunitcost(about0.3USD/kg),butitrequiresreserving15-20daysforseatransportation(fromMilantoShanghaiPortviatheSuezCanal);
• AirFreight:Applicabletohigh-endcoffeeorfestivalpromotionorders,thedirectflightfromMilanMalpensaAirport(MXP)toShanghaiPudongAirport(PVG)takesonly36-48hours,withacostofapproximately3-5USDperkilogram.
• China-EuropeExpressTrain:Asanemergingoption,enteringthroughDuisburg-Alashankoutakesabout14-18daysandthecostisbetweenthatofseafreightandairfreight.Itissuitableforcustomerswhohavehigherrequirementsfordeliverytimethanseafreightbutalowerbudgetthanairfreight.

During the customs clearance process,we usePre - classification Service(Submit HS code pre-audit to customs),Tax guarantee(Applicable AEO enterprises can enjoy "release before tax") andEnter the Port Law - Enforcement Declaration module,click Enterprise Management and Enterprise Qualification in sequence.On the new page,select Filing Application,click Filing of Food - related Enterprise Qualifications in sequence,fill in the filing information and upload the relevant application materials.The rapid declaration of the "(China International Trade) Single Window System" has reduced the average customs clearance time at Shanghai/Guangzhou ports to three working days (the normal time is 5-7 days).

V.Expansion of Business with Russia: VTBAdvantages Boost Cross-Border Capital Flow

Regarding the business scenario of Italian coffee being resold to Russia through China,Zhong Shen International Trade relies on its partnership with Russia toThrough long-term cooperation with the bank (VTB),we provideRuble-Renminbi direct settlementSolution: Compared with traditional USD settlement,it can reduce the exchange rate difference cost by 2-3%; through VTB’s "direct connection channel of the China-Russia Cross-Border Payment System (CIPS)",the time for funds to arrive can be shortened from T+3 to T+1; and it also supportsBack to back(Back-to-Back L/C)Operation to assist importers in opening new letters of credit to Russian buyers guaranteed by Italian suppliers’ letters of credit,thus solving the problem of capital being tied up.In 2023,a client completed the resale of 200 tons of Italian coffee to Russia through this scheme,with the foreign exchange settlement efficiency increasing by 40% and the exchange rate loss reduced by approximately 50,000 yuan.

VI.Customer Notice: Certification and Responsibility Boundaries

Please note: Zhong Shen International Trade Co.Ltd.does not directly provide product certification services,but can assist in reviewing certification documents and provide guidance on the certification process.Certifications that may be required for Italian coffee imports include:

• RegistrationofoverseasproductionenterprisesItisnecessarytopassthroughtheGeneralAdministrationofCustomstoimportfoodMerchantFilingSystem"submitapplication(enterprisesneedtoprovideISO22000orFSSC22000certification);
• Domesticimporterqualifications:Itisnecessarytohavea"FoodBusinessLicense"(withthebusinessscopeincluding"salesofpre-packagedfood").
• Voluntarycertification:Forexample,fortheEUEcoCertorganiccertificationandtheKosherkoshercertification,suppliersneedtoapplyforthemlocallyinItaly.

The client needs to complete the above-mentioned certification or filing before signing the contract.The agent will review the validity of the certification documents during the "order and payment" process to ensure that they meet the customs requirements.

VII.Full-process agency services: a 9-step closed-loop management from consultation to feedback

Based on industry practices,we break down the agency services into nine major stages to ensure that each node is traceable and controllable:

• CustomerInquiry:Determinethetypeofcoffee(greenbeans/roastedbeans),annualimportvolume(e.g.50tonsperyear),targetports(Shanghai/Shenzhen),andspecialrequirements(suchascoldchaintransportation);
• NegotiationandContractSigning:Negotiatetradeterms(recommendingCIFShanghai,withtheagentcontrollingthetransportationrisk),paymentmethods(T/Twitha30%advancepaymentanda70%paymentuponreceiptofthebill),andreviewthe"claimsprovisionsforqualitynon-compliance"inthecontract.
• Orders&Payment:Paymentviabankletterofcredit(L/C)orT/T.Theagentassistsinreviewingthesupplier’s"performanceguarantee"(usually10%ofthecontractamount);
• ProductionSupervision:Conduct"origintraceabilityverification"forrawbeansuppliers(e.g.inspectingcultivationbasesinSicily/Sardinia),andimplement"batchsamplinginspections"forroastedbeanfactories(sampling2kgperbatchandsendingthemtoSGSfortesting).
• LogisticsManagement:Selectthetransportationmethodbasedonthevolumeofgoods,verifythatthe"containersealnumber"andthe"packinglist"areconsistentduringtheloadinginspection,andpurchasemarineall-risksinsurance.
• CustomsCompliance:Submitthe"ImporterFoodConsigneeRegistration",pre-enterthecustomsdeclarationform(QPsystem),andpaythecustomsdutiesonbehalfoftheimporter(calculationformula:CIFprice×8%customsduty+13%value-addedtax);
• DeliveryandDistribution:Aftercustomsclearance,wewillarrangeforthegoodstobetemporarilystoredinabondedwarehouse(ifrequiredtoaffixChineselabels),ordirectlydistributedtotheclient’sdesignatedwarehouse(withdeliverysupporttoover300citiesacrossChina).
• QualityAssurance:Co-operatewiththecustomstoimplement"supervisionandsamplinginspection"(sampling10kilogramsfromevery100tonsofgoodsandsendingthemtothelaboratoryforpesticideresidue/aflatoxintesting),andassistinhandlingqualityissues(suchasnegotiatingthereturnofgoodsordiscounts).
• SummaryandFeedback:Providethe"ImportExecutionReport"(includingcostcomposition,timeefficiencyanalysis,andproblemrecords),settlethefinalpayment,andarchiveallsetsofdocuments(witharetentionperiodof5years).

Through this standardized process,Zhong Shen International Trade Co.Ltd.has served more than 50 coffee import enterprises.In 2023,the import volume of Italian coffee through the agency exceeded 800 tons,with a customer satisfaction rate of 98%.Choosing a professional agent not only reduces operating costs,but also safeguards the enterprise’s coffee import business through risk prevention and control capabilities accumulated over 20 years of experience.