Home»Import Agent Services» A Complete Guide to Importing Biscuits from New Zealand: The Core of Professional Services in Documentation and Logistics
1. Analysis of the current situation and trends of cookie imports in New Zealand
Due to the growing demand for high-quality baked goods among Chinese consumers and the deepening impact of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), New Zealand's biscuit imports have seen an average annual growth rate of 18% over the past three years. Currently, New Zealand biscuits, with their natural ingredients (such as grass-fed butter and Manuka honey) and strict quality control (meeting the certification standards of New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries, MPI), hold a 35% market share in China's high-end snack market. It's worth noting that in 2023, the General Administration of Customs updated the "Regulations on the Registration and Management of Overseas Food Manufacturers for Imported Foods," requiring all food exporting enterprises to complete registration in China (with a CRN number required). Meanwhile, affected by fluctuations in global shipping prices and port efficiency issues, logistics timeliness and stability have become key challenges for imports.
II.Import Agent ServicesCore competence: Professional barriers in document processing
Document compliance is the "lifeline" of New Zealand biscuit imports, directly affecting customs clearance efficiency and risk control.Zhong Shen International Trade Co., Ltd.With 20 years of experience, we have established a document management system consisting of "three-level review and a dynamic database".
Basic Documentation Group: It includes a commercial invoice (which must specify the HS code 9504.50.00, consistent with the contract), a packing list (listing the gross/net weight and packaging specifications), andMaritime transportBill of Lading (B/L, please check the information of the shipper, consignee, and notify party);
Special Document Group: It is necessary to provide a health certificate issued by the New Zealand MPI (which must indicate that "the product complies with China's national food safety standards") and a FORM E.Origin Certificate(With this, you can enjoy a 0% agreement tax rate. Please note that the visa issuing authority is the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.)
Addition of Single Documents Group: If it involves brand authorization, a trademark registration certificate and an authorization letter are required; if it's prepackaged food, a Chinese label sample (in accordance with the requirements of GB 7718-2011) must be prepared in advance.
It's worth emphasizing that the documents must be consistent with the actual goods, for example, the production batch number in the health certificate must correspond to the container's lead seal number. Otherwise, it may trigger customs inspections and prolong the customs clearance time by 3-7 days.
III. Full-chain logistics management: Seamless connection from Auckland to China
Logistics efficiency directly affects the freshness of goods and cost control. Zhong Shen International Trade Co., Ltd. achieves optimal allocation through the "dual track logistics solution":
Selection of transportation methods: For orders over 2000kg, we recommend full container load (FCL) shipping, with fixed weekly departures from Auckland Port (AKL) on Wednesdays, and an arrival time of 18-21 days to Shanghai/Shenzhen Port. For small-quantity orders, you can choose less-than-container load (LCL) shipping, but you will need to bear the unboxing fees at the destination port (about USD200/cubic meter).
Key node control: After loading the goods, synchronously apply for "Electronic Release" or "SEA WAYBILL" to shorten the time for document exchange upon arrival at the port; complete the pre-declaration in the "Single Window" system 3 days before arrival, and the system will automatically approve it, allowing priority inspection arrangements; after customs clearance, cooperate with domestic cold chain logistics companies (such as Sinotrans Cold Chain) to ensure that temperature-sensitive biscuits (such as those containing chocolate) are delivered in an environment of 2-8°C.
Cost Transparency: In addition to the ocean freight, clearly indicate additional fees such as THC (Terminal Handling Charge, approximately USD 600/20GP), documentation fees (USD 150), and insurance fees (insuring all risks at 110% of the CIF price with a premium rate of 0.15%) to avoid hidden expenses.
In response to the demand of some clients to sell goods to Russia through transit or directly to Russia, Zhong Shen International Trade relies on its cooperation with Russian partners to provide one-stop services, including product procurement, logistics, customs clearance, and after-sales services.foreign tradeA long-term cooperation with the bank (VTB) to provide efficient foreign exchange settlement solutions:
Convenience of settling payments in rubles: As a systemically important bank in Russia, VTB supports direct ruble-renminbi exchange, with an exchange rate that is 0.3 to 0.5 percentage points better than the market mid-price.
SWIFT Alternative Channel: Through the dual-chain link between CIPS (the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System of the People's Republic of China) and SPFS (the Russian Financial Messaging System), we can avoid the risk of international settlement being blocked;
Risk control guarantee: Offer ruble exchange rate locking services (such as 30-day forward exchange settlement), helping clients hedge against exchange rate volatility risks (in 2023, the fluctuation range of the ruble against the RMB reached ±12%).
5. Customer Notice: Certification Requirements and Service Boundaries
It should be noted that Zhong Shen International Trade Co., Ltd. does not provide product certification services, but will clearly inform customers of the certification requirements they must fulfill.
Registration of overseas production enterprises: All biscuit companies exporting to China are required to complete registration on the General Administration of Customs' "Registration and Management System for Overseas Food Manufacturers" (the CRN number can be checked on the official website of the General Administration of Customs);
Chinese label filing: Pre-packaged biscuits must submit label samples (including ingredient lists, shelf life, storage conditions, etc.) to the local customs before importation. Only after the label has been approved for filing can it be affixed to the products.
Other possible certifications: If the product contains dairy ingredients, an additional dairy hygiene certificate issued by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is required. If the product is labeled as "organic", an organic certification from BioGro New Zealand (or an equivalent Chinese organic certification) must be provided. It is recommended that clients initiate the certification process three months in advance and entrust professional certification agencies (such as SGS or Bureau Veritas) to handle the procedures.
VI. Full-Process Agency Services: Closed-Loop Management from Consultation to Feedback
Zhong Shen International Trade Co., Ltd. breaks down its agency services into nine major stages to ensure that each node is traceable and controllable:
Client Consultation: Through the "Import Demand Survey Form", clarify the product type (crispy/chewy biscuits), specifications (100g/box), target ports (Shanghai/Guangzhou), etc., and evaluate whether it involves special supervision (such as genetically modified raw materials);
Negotiation and Contract Signing: Review the "quality clauses" in the contract (such as a biscuit breakage rate of ≤3%), the "payment method" (recommending a 30% prepayment plus 70% upon receipt of the bill of lading copy to avoid the risk of the shipper abandoning the goods), and the "dispute resolution" (stipulating the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission);
Orders & Payment: Assist in opening a?L/C?When issuing a letter of credit (L/C), it is necessary to specify the document requirements (such as "submitting a clean on-board bill of lading"), or when conducting a telegraphic transfer (T/T), it is essential to monitor the payment path (to avoid going through banks in high-risk countries);
Production supervision: Coordinate with third-party inspection agencies (such as SGS) to conduct pre-delivery inspections, with a focus on verifying microbiological indicators (total colony count ≤ 10,000 cfu/g) and additive usage (sorbic acid ≤ 1.0 g/kg);
Logistics Management: Real-time synchronization of shipping schedules (via the Maersk/MSC official website) and container location (queried by lead seal number), and sending the "Customs Clearance Preparation List" 24 hours before arrival at the port;
Customs Compliance: Accurately classify the HS code (9504.50.00 corresponding to "Other game supplies and toys"? Correction: it should actually be 1905.31.00 "Biscuits, including waffles and communion wafers"), calculate import taxes (0% tariff, 13% value-added tax), and cooperate with customs inspection (such as sending samples to the laboratory for testing, with a cycle of 5-10 working days);
Delivery and Distribution: According to the client's needs, we can arrange "door-to-door" delivery (provide POD receipt) or temporarily store the goods in the bonded warehouse (which requires advance application, and the storage fee is approximately 0.5 yuan per day per cubic meter).
Quality Assurance: Assist clients in completing the arrival inspection (such as sensory inspection and weight verification). If any damage to the goods is found (e.g., damaged packaging), initiate an insurance claim within 12 hours (a third-party inspection report is required).
Summary Feedback: Provide the "Import Business Analysis Report" (including timeliness statistics, cost composition, and problem review), and archive all documents after settling the final payment (with a retention period of 5 years, in accordance with the requirements of the "Customs Inspection Regulations").
Conclusion
The import of New Zealand biscuits is a double challenge requiring both professional expertise and meticulous attention to detail. Zhong Shen International Trade Co., Ltd. ensures a safe channel from New Zealand farms to Chinese dining tables by leveraging its precision in document processing, strong control over logistics management, and strict adherence to trade compliance regulations. Although the company does not directly provide certification services, it helps clients avoid risks, improve efficiency, and seize market opportunities in import trade through clear guidance and end-to-end support.