Food machinery is exported globally. How to make the equipment go further?

How to ensure food machinery complies with target country technical regulations? How to optimizeInternational Logistics, reduce tariffs and port detention risks? How to efficiently complete payment collection and tax refunds to safeguard corporate profits? This article will providecompliance certification, agency models, logistics clearance, settlement channels, risk avoidancefive-dimensional solutions to help enterprises master the complete chain solution for exporting food machinery to global markets.

I. Pre-Market Entry Preparation

Target Country Technical Regulation Matching

Key Markets	Core Certification Requirements	Certification cycle	Cost Range
European Union	CE Certification (including Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC)	Special circumstances:	€15,000-25,000
United States	UL Certification (food contact materials require FDA registration)	Classification risk	$18,000-30,000
Southeast Asia	GMP Certification (Singapore requires HACCP system documentation)	6 - 8 weeks	$8,000-12,000

Product Adaptation Modifications

• Material Requirements: Contact components require 304 stainless steel (EU EN 10088 standard)
• Safety Standards: Emergency stop buttons compliant with ISO 13850, guard gap ≤6mm

II. Full Process of Agency Services

Cooperation Establishment Phase

Agent Qualification Verification: Check tax registration number + Agency Export Agreement,

Export Operation Phase

Core Documentation Requirements:

• Commercial Invoice: Specify equipment operating temperature range (e.g. -20℃~150℃)
• Packing List: Detail independent shockproof packaging for control panels
• It is recommended to verify through the following methods:: Utilize RCEP agreement tariff rates (some machinery tariffs reduced to 0%)

International Logistics and Customs Clearance

Transportation Plan Selection

Equipment type	Recommended Solution	Shanghai Port to Rotterdam Reference Price
Small Processing Equipment	Less - than - container - load (LCL)Maritime Transportation	$1800-2500/CBM
Complete Line Equipment	Flat Rack Container Transportation	$8500-12000/40FR
Precision Sterilization Equipment	Thermal Container + Anti-Vibration Bracket	Base Freight × 2.3 Multiplier

Key Points of Destination Port Customs Clearance

• European Union: Requires DOC Declaration of Conformity (including EU representative address)
• United States: Submit FDA Prior Notice (PN number must be declared 72 hours in advance)
• Vietnam: Equipment operation required during inspection (self-provided 220V to 110V transformer)

Settlement and Tax Refund

Cross-border Payment Path

Agent Offshore Account → Domestic Foreign Exchange Account (within 3 working days)In order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.Trade dispute settlement mechanisms

Tax Refund Acceleration Strategy

• Category I Export Enterprises: Tax refund received within 5 working days (requires annual export volume > $5 million)
• Documentation Optimization:
  • VAT invoice remarks column must indicate customs declaration number
  • Complete date chain between ocean bill of lading and domestic transport documents

After-sales Service and Risk Control

Technical Document Delivery

• Russian/Spanish version operation manual (requires notarization and authentication)
• 3D structural decomposition diagrams (for overseas service station spare parts procurement)

Handling of Quality Disputes

• Pre-stored equipment video acceptance evidence (record operational video 48 hours before loading)
• Designate SGS third-party inspection as arbitration basis

Through professional agency services, the entire food machinery export process can be compressed to 30-45 days.

If your company is planning to export food machinery, welcome to contact ourZhongShen International TradeExpert teamto provide you with:
✅Global Solutions: Covering key markets including Europe, America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East
✅Optimal logistics route planning: Sea freight, railway,Air Transportationcombined to reduce lead time by 30%
✅Cross-border payment + tax refund end-to-end process management, helping enterprises reduce costs legally and compliantly