I.New Trends in China–South Korea Food Trade: Market Opportunities and Policy Environment for Korean Biscuit Imports

In recent years,driven by RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) tariff concessions and China’s consumption upgrade,the scale of Korean food imports has kept expanding.According to the General Administration of Customs,China–Korea food trade rose 18.7 % year-on-year in the first half of 2023; biscuit products,thanks to flavor innovations (low-calorie,probiotic-added) and stronger brand recognition,have become a star import category.On the policy side,after RCEP took effect,the tariff on Korean-origin biscuits has been cut in stages from the MFN rate of 15 % to 0 % (some items already enjoy zero tariff),provided a valid(Form E) to enjoy preferential treatment.At the same time,China’s compliance requirements for imported food are becoming stricter; companies must pay attention to the “Regulations on the Registration Administration of Overseas Food Production Enterprises for Imported Food” issued by the General Administration of Customs and ensure that suppliers have completed FSC (registration of overseas food production enterprises for imported food).

II.Core Competencies: Professional Barriers in Document Processing and Logistics Services

In import agency operations,document processing and logistics management are the two core links that directly affect customs clearance efficiency and cost control.

1.Document Processing: End-to-End Review and Compliance Control

The core documents required for importing Korean biscuits include: Commercial Invoice,Packing List,Bill of Lading,Health Certificate issued by the Korean authorities,Certificate of Origin (FORM E),Certificate of Analysis (COA),and a sample of the Chinese label.The agency team must focus on reviewing the following:

• Informationconsistency:Thedescription,quantity,andgrossweightonthecommercialinvoiceandpackinglistmustexactlymatchthoseonthebilloflading;thesignatureandsealoftheissuingauthorityontheFORMEmustcomplywithKoreanCustomsrequirements,andthecountryoforiginmustbeclearlystated(avoid“neutralpacking,”whichcouldpreventtariffbenefits).
• ComplianceVerification:Thehealthcertificatemuststate“Theproductcomplieswiththefood-safetystandardsoftheexportingcountry”andincludethemanufacturer’sname,address,andFSCregistrationnumber.Anyfoodadditives(e.g.preservatives,colorants)listedintheingredientanalysisreportmustcorrespondtoChina’sGB2760standard;otherwise,customsmayruletheproduct“non-compliantwithChina’sfood-safetyrequirements.”
• Customsclearancecompatibility:Chineselabelsmustbefiledinadvance;theprintedinformation(e.g.productiondate,shelflife,storageconditions)mustmatchtheactualgoodstopreventreturnduetolabeldiscrepancies.

2.Logistics Management: Multi-dimensional Solution Design and Risk Prevention

The logistics segment must select the mode of transport according to cargo characteristics (e.g.fragility,sensitivity to temperature and humidity),cargo value,and delivery-time requirements:

• FullContainerLoad(FCL):Suitableforlarge-volumeimports(20/40ftcontainers),withlowcostbutlongertransittime(approx.5–7daysfromBusantoShanghai).Payattentiontocontainerventilation—biscuitsabsorbmoistureeasily,soadddesiccantsandchooseadrycontainer.
• Less-than-ContainerLoad(LCL):Suitableforsmall-lotcargo(lessthanafullcontainer).Coordinatewithaconsolidation/NVOCCoperatortoguaranteesmoothswitch-B/Lefficiencyatthedestinationportandavoiddemurragecausedbytheoperator’squalificationissues.
• :Suitableforhigh-valueorurgentorders(e.g.newproductlaunches),withatransittimeofjust1–2days,butthecostisabout3–5timesthatofoceanfreight;advanceconfirmationofairlinecargospacerestrictionsforfoodproductsisrequired.

During transit,the forwarder must track cargo status (e.g.vessel/flight changes),prepare customs-clearance documents (such as the pre-filed declaration) 3–5 days in advance,and coordinate container unloading times with the destination warehouse to minimize demurrage risk (Shanghai Port demurrage is roughly USD 50–100 per day per 20-ft container).

III.Business Expansion into Russia: VTBadvantages to support diversified market expansion

After importing Korean biscuits,some companies need to resell them to Russia or deal directly with Russian buyers; at this point,the efficiency and compliance of foreign-exchange settlement are critical.Thanks to our long-standing partnership with VTB Bank (Sberbank of Russia,ranked among the world’s top 20 banks),we can offer clients the following foreign-exchange settlement advantages:

• Multi-currencysupport:SupportssettlementinmajorcurrenciessuchasUSD,EUR,andRUB,mitigatingtheriskofexchange-ratefluctuationsinasinglecurrency(e.g.giventherecenthighvolatilityoftheruble,settlementinCNYcanbenegotiated).
• Highefficiencyincross-borderclearing:VTBBankhasestablisheddirectclearingchannelswithmajorChinesecommercialbanks(suchasBankofChinaandICBC),reducingcross-borderremittancearrivaltimeto1–2workingdays(regularbankstake3–5days).
• Complianceguarantee:VTBBankstrictlyadherestotheAML(Anti-MoneyLaundering)regulationsofChinaandRussia,aswellasOFAC(U.S.OfficeofForeignAssetsControl)sanctionsrequirements.Itcanassistinverifyingtheauthenticityoftransactionbackgroundstopreventaccountfreezescausedby“graycustomsclearance.”

IV.End-to-End Import Process Breakdown: Professional Agency Services from Requirements Alignment to Delivery

Import agency services must cover the entire life cycle of “consulting – contracting – execution – delivery – feedback,” with the specific process as follows:

1.Client Consultation & Demand Confirmation

The agency team first sorts out the client’s requirements: import volume (per month/per batch),target port (Shanghai/Qingdao/Guangzhou),whether transshipment is involved (e.g.to Russia),special requirements (e.g.organic certification,non-GMO statement),and clarifies the service scope (agency only,certification processing not included).

2.Negotiation and signing of contracts,and contract review

Focus on reviewing trade terms (e.g.CIF Shanghai,where the agent handles transportation and insurance; FOB Busan,where the customer bears the ocean freight risk),payment methods (T/T 30% deposit + 70% against documents,or at sightL/C) and dispute-resolution clause (arbitration by the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission is recommended).

3.Order Execution and Production Supervision (if required)

If the client requests production oversight,the agent may dispatch QC (Quality Control) personnel to the Korean factory to verify raw-material sources (e.g.supplier qualifications for flour and sugar),the production environment (HACCP certification status),and packaging specifications (compliance with moisture-proof requirements for sea freight),ensuring the product matches the contractual “specification sheet.”

4.Logistics Coordination and Documentation Preparation

Prepare the SI (Shipping Instruction) based on the Booking Note,ensuring that the vessel name,voyage number,and container numbers match the actual shipment; simultaneously apply to Korean Customs for FORM E (must be submitted 3 days before the cargo departs,otherwise tariff preferences may be lost).

5.Customs Compliance and Clearance Operations

24 hours before the cargo arrives at the port,the agent files a pre-declaration through the Single Window (China International Trade “Single Window” platform),submitting the customs declaration,accompanying documents (e.g.sanitary certificate,FORM E),and a tax guarantee (if the consolidated taxation model is chosen,payment can be deferred).After customs approves the declaration,pay import duty (MFN rate 15 %,reduced to 0 % with FORM E) and VAT (13 %),and cooperate with any inspection (if selected for random control,be on site to assist in opening the container and provide a composition statement).

6.Delivery Distribution and Quality Retrospection

After the cargo is released,the agent coordinates.(Delivered by refrigerated truck if required) to the customer’s designated warehouse,accompanied by the Import Cargo Customs Declaration and the Customs Import VAT Special Payment Certificate as financial accounting vouchers.If the customer requests third-party testing (e.g.microbial indicators),we can recommend a partner laboratory,but the testing costs and procedures are borne by the customer.

7.Summary Feedback and File Management

Upon completion of the service,provide the “Import Agency Service Report,” covering logistics timeliness,customs clearance costs (e.g.detailed breakdowns of duties and port surcharges),and records of issue resolution (e.g.number of document amendments),and archive all paper/electronic documents for 3 years (in compliance with the Customs Audit Regulations).

V.Certification Reminders and Risk Mitigation: Clearly Define Service Boundaries to Facilitate Compliant Imports

Please note: Zhongshen International Trade does not provide product-certification services,but we can help clients identify the certifications they must complete on their own to prevent customs-clearance delays.

• RegistrationofOverseasFoodProductionEnterprisesforImport(FSC):
• Chineselabelfiling:Mustbecompletedthroughthe“ImportedFood”systembeforethecargoarrivesattheport.Submitlabelsamplesthroughthe“LabelFilingSystem”;thereviewcoversingredientdeclarations,warningstatements(e.g.“ContainsNuts”),andunitsofmeasure(metricsystemrequired).
• Otherpossiblecertifications:Iftheproductclaimstobe“organic,”itmustpresenttheorganiccertificate(KOSA)issuedbyKorea’sMinistryofAgriculture,FoodandRuralAffairs(MAFRA)andanorganicconversioncertificaterecognizedbyChina’sCertificationandAccreditationAdministration(CNCA).Ifitcontainsfunctionalingredients(e.g.probiotics),anadditionalfunctionalevaluationreportisrequired.

VI.The Value of Choosing a Professional Agent: Integrated Control of Cost,Timeliness,and Risk

Importing Korean biscuits on your own comes with several hurdles: SMEs usually lack a dedicated documentation team and are easily penalized by customs for “incorrect product description” (e.g.declaring “sandwich biscuits” as “ordinary biscuits,” resulting in the wrong HS code); logistics resources are fragmented,making it hard to secure favorable freight rates from carriers; and responses to policy updates lag (for instance,the 2023 customs tightening of food-additive inspections),which can leave shipments stuck in port.

The core value of a professional agent lies in:

• Professionalsupport:Securefreight-ratediscountsthroughlong-termpartnershipswithcarriers/airlines(FCLseafreightcancutlogisticscostsby10–15%)andcalculatedutiesaccuratelytopreventover-orunder-payment.
• Time-limitguarantee:Documentpre-audit+advancecustomsdeclarationcanshortentheclearancetimefromtheusual5–7daysto2–3days(ifnoinspectionisrequired).
• Riskunderwriting:Forissuessuchasdocumentationdiscrepanciesandshippingdelays,provide"emergencysolutions"(e.g.coordinatingwithKoreansupplierstore-signFORME,replacingcontainers)tominimizecustomerlossestothegreatestextent.

Conclusion:

Importing Korean biscuits is a business that presents both opportunities and challenges; choosing an agent with proven expertise in document processing,logistics coordination,and trade compliance is the key to entering the market efficiently.With 20 years of experience in import agency services,Zhongshen International Trade has always adhered to the service standard of “zero errors in documentation,zero delays in logistics,” helping enterprises sail steadily through the blue ocean of China–Korea food trade.