1. The category
Food and agricultural products are the most heavily documented category in any destination.
2. The documents beyond the certificate
Health certificate.
Phytosanitary certificate.
Conformity certificate.
Halal certification for some markets.
3. The health certificate
Issued by the authority responsible for food safety.
Confirms the goods meet the health requirements.
4. The phytosanitary certificate
For plant products.
Confirms freedom from specified pests.
5. The sequences
The health certificate is usually issued before or in parallel with the origin certificate.
6. The scenario
An exporter shipped food to a Gulf market.
The origin certificate was issued, the health certificate was pending.
At the port, customs required both.
7. The duration
Health certificates have short validity for perishable goods.
8. The processing
Hygiene registration for the facility may be required.
9. Closing view
Food documentation is the certificate plus several others.
The certificate is not the hard part of it.
*This article is based on food and agricultural export certification requirements and the rules of China’s free trade agreements.*