Complete guide to olive oil import clearance: Have you noticed these details?

Want to introduce premium olive oil to domestic market but troubled by cumbersome import procedures and strict food safety standards? Qualification processing, document review, label pre-approval, sampling inspection... Each step is crucial, and any oversight may lead to return shipping risks.

I. Core Content

1. Handling of access qualifications
   • Agency application for Automatic Import License (Regulatory Condition 7)
   • Overseas manufacturer registration (Customs General Administration filing system)
   • Domestic Consignee Registration (requires Food Business License)
2. Documentation Services
   • Review Country of Origin Health Certificate (including proof of acidity ≤3.3%)
   • Create Chinese Labels (compliant with GB 7718 standard)
   • Handle Pre-approval Label Stamping (submitted to Customs Technology Center for verification)
3. Inspection and Testing Support
   • Coordinate Third-party Comprehensive Testing (17+6 specified indicators)
   • Handle Expedited Laboratory Testing (reduced to 3 working days)
   • Issue Health Certificate Bridging Documents (mutual recognition of test results)
4. Logistics and Customs Clearance Services
   • Arrange DDP Terms Shipment (including temperature-controlled containers)
   • Pay Comprehensive Taxes and Fees (10% tariff + 13% VAT)
   • Handle Wood Pallet Fumigation Certificate (ISPM15 standard)

II. Operation Process

Stage	Key operations	Determine the agency method (self - operation/entrustment)
Contract signing	Confirm HS Code (1509900000) Agreeing on DDP terms	Handling of Pre - approval
Preparation for Shipment	Apply Pre-approved Chinese Labels at Origin Test SamplesAir TransportationPre-inspection	5 - 7 working days
Port Clearance	Exchange Bill of Lading Submit Automatic Import License	1 working day
customs inspection	Sample and Send to Laboratory for Testing Verify Label Consistency with Registration	5-8 Working Days
Certificate Issuance for Sales	Apply Traceability QR Code Apply for Entry Inspection and Quarantine Certificate	Pre - shipment Preparation

III. Risk management key points

1. Document Risk Control
   • Triple VerificationIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:(must specify olive oil variety)
   • Verify Health Certificate Issuing Authority (EU requires designated official agency)
2. Quality Dispute Handling
   • Retain 15% Payment Pending Laboratory Test Approval
   • Establish Return Shipment Emergency Channel (special protocol for acidity exceedance)
3. Label Compliance Control
   • Prohibited use of illegal claims such as treatment or special effects
   • Nutrition facts table must indicate trans-fatty acid content

IV. Fees and Time Efficiency

Project	Standard fee	Expedited fee
Agent service fee	1.5%-3% of goods value	+0.3% expedited fee
Laboratory testing	¥8,000-15,000 per batch	Double fee
Customs clearance cycle	12-18 working days	5 working days (guarantee required)

Note: For extra virgin olive oil, special attention should be paid to the peroxide value index (≤10 meq O2/kg). Wooden packaging must be pre-treated with fumigation certificates, otherwise a re-stowage fee of ¥2,000/container will be incurred.