SURIMI EXPORT PROCEDURES AT SMARTLINK

Surimi – a food product made from finely ground fish meat – is increasingly dominating the global food market due to its convenience, nutritional value, and alignment with modern consumption trends. Among hundreds of frozen and processed seafood products, surimi remains a highly promising segment, especially in major export markets such as Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the European Union. So what are the steps involved in exporting surimi? What documents must businesses prepare to ensure smooth customs clearance? Let’s explore the detailed process below.

1. Vietnam’s Surimi Export Potential

Over the past five years, Vietnam has earned between USD 300 to 420 million annually from surimi exports, including both marine surimi and pangasius surimi. This product accounts for around 5% of the country’s total seafood export turnover, indicating significant growth potential. With global demand on the rise, surimi has become a strategic product for many domestic seafood processing and exporting companies.

2. Export Policies for Surimi

According to Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP, surimi is not classified under prohibited or restricted export categories, so businesses are not required to obtain an export license to bring this product to international markets.

However, depending on the import regulations of each destination country, exporters may need to prepare the following documents:

Health Certificate
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
Certificate of Origin (C/O)
Certificate of compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP)

It is advisable to coordinate with the importing partner in advance to confirm the exact documentation required for each shipment.

3. Application for a Health Certificate

The Health Certificate is one of the most crucial documents for surimi export. The application dossier typically includes:

Application form for the Health Certificate
Business registration certificate
Certificate of food safety compliance (ISO 22000 or HACCP)
Product testing results
Product labeling
Commercial contract

Submitting Authority: Vietnam Food Administration – Ministry of Health

Processing time: 7–10 working days from the date of valid submission

Validity: 2 years from the date of issue

Surimi export procedures at Smart Link Logistics

4. HS Code and Export Tariff for Surimi

According to Vietnam’s import-export tariff schedule, surimi falls under HS code group 1604 (prepared or preserved fish or surimi).

Current export duty: 0%

Tax status: Not subject to export tax

This favorable policy enhances the competitiveness of Vietnamese surimi in the global market.

5. Customs Documentation for Surimi Export

As per Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BTC, exporters must submit the following documents when completing customs procedures:

Export customs declaration
Commercial contract (if applicable)
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Health Certificate
Certificate of Origin (if tax incentives are applied)
Other documents as required by customs authorities

Complete and accurate documentation helps expedite customs clearance and minimize potential risks.

6. Packaging and Labeling Requirements for Surimi Export

Product packaging:

Products must be moisture-free and securely packed in multiple protective layers to prevent damage and contamination
Vacuum-sealed packaging is recommended to preserve quality and prevent mold
Packaging facilities must meet food hygiene and safety standards

Labeling requirements:

According to Decree No. 111/2021/ND-CP (amending Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP), all exported goods must carry proper labels. Mandatory labeling contents include:

Product name
Country of origin
Name and address of the manufacturer, exporter, and importer
Other information as required by the destination market

Conclusion

With strong growth potential and increasing global demand, surimi is emerging as one of Vietnam’s high-value seafood export products. However, to successfully access international markets, businesses must thoroughly understand the surimi export process—from preparing legal documents to proper packaging, labeling, and delivery. Working with experienced logistics providers can also ensure the highest level of safety and efficiency throughout the export journey.

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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