DETAILED PROCESS OF EXPORTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO THE EU

Vietnam is one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural products. Among its key markets, the European Union (EU) is highly promising due to strong demand and tariff benefits under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). However, the process of exporting agricultural products requires businesses to strictly comply with procedures and standards to ensure product quality. In this article, Smart Link Logistics provides a detailed guide on the process of exporting agricultural products to the EU, helping businesses save time and costs.

1. Key Agricultural Products Exported to the EU

The EU is one of Vietnam’s largest importers of agricultural goods. Some of the most commonly exported agricultural products include:

Cashew nuts
Coffee
Black pepper
Coconuts
Fresh fruits (avocado, mango, dragon fruit, lychee, longan, passion fruit, etc.)
Rice and rice-based products
Tea

Thanks to EVFTA, many Vietnamese agricultural products enjoy tariff reductions or exemptions when entering the EU, creating a significant competitive advantage for exporters.

2. The Agricultural Export Process to the EU

To successfully the process of exporting agricultural products to the EU, businesses must follow these four fundamental steps:

Step 1: Packaging and Document Preparation

Pack and arrange goods into suitable containers (refrigerated or dry containers, depending on the product type).
Register for phytosanitary inspection and food safety checks.
Obtain necessary export licenses, including the Certificate of Quality and Certificate of Origin.

Step 2: Fumigation of Shipments

All agricultural containers must be fumigated to eliminate pests and meet EU import regulations.
Upon completion, the business must obtain a Fumigation Certificate.

Step 3: Customs Documentation and Clearance

Prepare the export documentation for customs clearance (details in the next section).
Submit customs declarations and wait for approval.

Step 4: Clearance and Document Submission to Importers

Once the shipment is cleared, send the required export documents to the EU importer for customs clearance.
Track the shipment to ensure it arrives on time and in optimal condition.

3. Customs Procedures for Agricultural Exports to the EU

Businesses must prepare the following documents for customs clearance of agricultural shipments to the EU:

Invoice – Commercial Invoice
Packing List – Detailed Packing List
Bill of Lading (B/L) – Shipping Document
Phytosanitary Certificate – Proof of Plant Health Compliance
Fumigation Certificate – Certification of Pest-Free Shipment
Certificate of Origin (C/O) – Proof of Vietnamese Origin (if required by the importer)

Important Note:

The EU has strict traceability regulations, so all documents must be accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.

4. Key Considerations for Exporting Agricultural Products to the EU

Selecting the Right Transportation Method

Depending on customer requirements, businesses can opt for sea or air freight.
Perishable goods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, should be transported in refrigerated containers to maintain quality.

Complying with Quality and Safety Standards

The EU strictly regulates pesticide residues, chemical contaminants, and microbiological safety in food products.
Exported agricultural products must comply with standards such as:
- GlobalGAP
- HACCP
- BRC
- ISO 22000

Ensuring Full Traceability

Each shipment must have a plantation code and a packaging facility code as per EU regulations.
Export documents should clearly detail the production, harvesting, and packaging processes to ensure transparency.

5. Conclusion

The EU market presents great opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural exporters due to high demand and tariff benefits from EVFTA. However, businesses must meet strict quality standards, prepare comprehensive documentation, and choose suitable transportation methods to ensure smooth export operations.

If you’re looking for the best import-export solutions, feel free to contact us for detailed consultation. If you need legal support or assistance with customs procedures in import-export activities, please contact Smart Link Logistics for fast and efficient consultation. With over 14 years of experience in the transportation field, we are proud to accompany you throughout your journey.

Hotline: + 84 902 964 982 to know more about our services

If you require assistance with international import and export of goods, please contact our team at Smartlink Logistics. We are available to provide you with professional guidance on our services and the necessary customs procedures.

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