Food and Drink Exports Explained by Trade Experts
If you’re thinking about importing or exporting food and drink, or if you’re already in the thick of it, there are a number of important regulations you need to consider. From export health certificates to border control posts and import checks by local authorities, there are several ways that trading businesses can get caught out (and potentially fined) when moving these kinds of products across EU and non-EU countries.
In this short guide, our trade experts at clearBorder will take you through some of the key UK government regulations you should know before starting to import or export food and drink products.
International Trade with Food and Drink
The Food and Drink Federation has reported double digit food and drink inflation in August 2022, meaning that there really is nowhere to hide for businesses involved in trading. Keeping costs as low as possible is essential, so traders need to be acutely aware of the risks they face in order to avoid delays, lost product or even fines.
Despite the cost fluctuations and the global uncertainty, trade with EU and non-EU countries is still on the rise. The Trade Snapshot from The Food and Drink Federation revealed that during Q1 2022, exports rose in 16 of the UK’s top 20 markets for food and drink exports, and for certain products there were significant increases in demand.
So, what does this mean? Well, we know that when it comes to international trade, food and drink will always be an important UK product. It is also a sector where traders will see some of the most significant cost shifts. International trade with food and drink is perhaps among the fastest changing areas of trade – understanding how to do it right is essential.
Important Elements to Consider Within Your Food and Drink Export Strategy
Product / user research:
If you’re looking to expand your business by selling goods across multiple countries, you will need to have some data to back up your decisions and ensure you are looking at the most valuable markets. It can be beneficial to look at where your competitors are exporting, as well as gathering information about consumption rates for similar food and drink products in other countries. Having this information will limit your risks and improve your potential ROI when you decide to expand.
Management and manufacturing capacity:
Having the ability to fulfil international orders may not necessarily be the primary concern; at first, it’s all about generating interest in your new markets. However, for long-term success, it’s important to make sure that your business is equipped to deal with new demand. Not only this, but your staff network will need to be aware of new customs procedures in other countries. You might consider hiring additional staff overseas to support during the initial stages, or using a consultant like clearBorder to help.
Risk management:
To maintain compliance across all the countries through which you are importing and exporting, you must ensure you are clued in on the most up-to-date regulations. Laws for processed food and drink, food or drink that contains products of animal origin (POAO), vegetables, fruit and other plants used as food vary considerably, and you may incur significant fines if you fail to meet requirements.
Accreditations and certificates:
Depending on the kinds of food and drink goods you are moving and where you are moving them to, you may need different kinds of certificates. You will need an export health certificate (EHC) for example, to export products of animal origin, processed food and drink or other products for human consumption. You may also need a phytosanitary certificate (PC) plants and plant products.
Some countries may have additional requirements for certain products, so ensure you have checked the rules for each country before you begin the process.
To ensure these restrictions and requirements are understood across your entire staff network, it is well worth investing in border ready training courses that detail specific food, drink and POAO compliance requirements. clearBorder provides extensive international trade and customs training courses that are consistently updated with the latest government rules.
Additional Rules for POAO Imports and Exports
Note that if you are exporting POAO, your business will also need to be listed as an approved business with the EU. Depending on what country you’re facilities are in, this could be automatic or require a specific listing process.
In addition, food and drink containing POAO is likely be checked at points of entry into Northern Ireland, even if it’s from the UK.
Wherever they happen, if checks cannot be carried out, or your documents contain errors, your goods are likely to be refused entry. They could be returned or destroyed and will almost certainly lose value if they are delayed.
Expert Support for UK Food Exports, Drink Exports and More
At clearBorder, we’re dedicated to providing the support you need to import and export food, drink and other goods safely and without risk. Our resources and trusted guidance can assist your entire staff network in making the right decisions for your business when it comes to international trade. Whether you need one-off courses or ongoing support from our experts, we can offer dedicated international trade guidance.
For further information, customs courses training materials as well as import and export consultancy, don’t hesitate to get in touch directly with our specialists.