By Tony Li    Photo：CANVA

According to international trade data, the global agricultural product trade value has reached several trillion US dollars. Based on 2022 data, the global agricultural product trade value was approximately 1.91 trillion USD, accounting for about 8% of global commodity trade.

Major Trading Countries:

• Export Giants: The United States, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and the European Union are major agricultural product exporters. These countries have advanced agricultural technology, vast agricultural land, and efficient production systems.
• Import Giants: China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, India, and the Middle East are major agricultural product import markets. These countries or regions have massive demand for agricultural products, particularly grains, meat, dairy products, and tropical fruits.

The import and export of agricultural products must comply with relevant regulations, including quarantine, declaration, tariffs, origin certification, and other procedures. For exports, a quarantine certificate and certificate of origin must be applied for; imports require declaration, possible quarantine documents, and compliance with the specific regulations of the importing country, such as special labeling for organic products or import quotas for rice.

Import and Export Procedures and Preparations

Export:

1. Quarantine Declaration: Submit documents such as the "Export Plant Quarantine Inspection Application" to relevant authorities.
2. Prepare Documents:

• Commercial invoice and other price proof.
• Other relevant documents, such as the import permit from the importing country.
• For specific countries (e.g., Mainland China), special regulations apply, such as the "Taiwan Rice Export to Mainland China Processing Factory Registration Form."

3. Apply for Certificate of Origin: Apply for the certificate from the issuing authority.
4. Obtain Certificates: After review, payment, and on-site quarantine inspection, obtain the "Export Plant Quarantine Certificate."

Import:

1. Declaration: Declare the import to customs.
2. Prepare Documents:

• Importers must prepare the quarantine certificate (for items subject to plant and animal quarantine).
• Other documents required for import declaration.

3. Special Regulations:

• Organic Agricultural Products: When importing, the product must be labeled with information such as the name, ingredients, importer, origin, certifying organization, and organic certification document number.
• Rice: Imported rice is subject to "tariff quota" and "special safeguard measures." Businesses engaged in grain operations must first register as "grain merchants."

4. Price Declaration: If the actual transaction price is lower than the general market price due to special quality, specifications, or transaction methods, the reason must be truthfully declared on the import declaration to avoid disputes.

Precautions

1. Regulatory Compliance: Each country has different regulations for the import and export of agricultural products. It is essential to carefully read and comply with the regulations of the destination country.
2. Document Preparation: Ensure all documents are complete, especially quarantine certificates, certificates of origin, and organic certifications, to avoid delays in the import/export process.
3. Labeling Requirements: For imported agricultural products, especially organic products, ensure compliance with the relevant labeling regulations.
4. Import Price Declaration: If there are special circumstances regarding the price of the imported goods, ensure the price is truthfully declared in the import declaration to prevent disputes.
5. Import Tariffs and Trade Barriers: Understand the tariff policies and import restrictions of the target market. Some agricultural products may be subject to quotas, anti-dumping duties, or other trade barriers. Keep track of policy changes in the destination country, particularly those related to anti-dumping measures and import quotas.
6. Transportation and Storage: Implement cold chain management to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity during transportation. Choose the appropriate transport method (e.g., sea freight, air freight, or land transport) to ensure product quality and safety.
7. Export Tax Refund Policies: In some countries, agricultural exports may benefit from tax refund policies. Understanding and utilizing these policies can help reduce costs effectively.
8. Cooperation with Government Agencies and Intermediaries: Maintain close communication with government agencies such as customs, the Ministry of Commerce, and quarantine departments to stay updated on policy changes. Collaborate with professional import/export companies or logistics firms to handle complex trade processes.
9. Market Demand and Price Fluctuations: Understand the demand dynamics and price fluctuations in the target market. Different seasons and market conditions can affect the demand and prices of agricultural products.

Conclusion

The import and export of agricultural products is a global, large-scale market, but it also comes with numerous risks and barriers. For some countries and regions, trade plays a very important role. These precautions can help agricultural traders avoid common risks and issues, improving the efficiency and smoothness of trade. When engaging in agricultural product import and export, it is recommended to cooperate with relevant professional agencies or consultants to ensure full compliance.

Appreciate if you could share TGL Blog among your friends who are interested in first-hand market information of supply chain and updated economic incidents.