EXPORT PROCEDURES FOR BOTTLED SOFT DRINKS

EXPORT PROCEDURES FOR BOTTLED SOFT DRINKS CONDUCTED BY IPO LOGISTICS

1. Introduction to Bottled Soft Drink Export

Exporting bottled soft drinks is a promising sector as global demand for beverages continues to rise. To successfully carry out the export process, businesses must comply with a series of legal procedures and regulations from both Vietnam and the importing market. IPO Logistics specializes in providing support services for exporting bottled soft drinks, helping businesses optimize transportation processes and fully comply with legal regulations.

2. Common Types of Bottled Soft Drinks

Exported bottled soft drinks include:

• Carbonated soft drinks
• Flavored fruit drinks
• Non-carbonated beverages
• Nutrient or energy drinks These products must meet safety and quality standards when being exported to foreign markets.

3. HS Codes for Bottled Soft Drinks

The Harmonized System (HS) code is an international classification system for goods used to determine tariff rates and export/import regulations. Common HS codes for bottled soft drinks include:

• 2202.10: Carbonated water and soft drinks containing sugar or sweeteners
• 2202.90: Non-carbonated, non-alcoholic soft drinks The specific HS code depends on the type of beverage, ingredients, and packaging.

4. Legal Regulations and Required Licenses

Exporting bottled soft drinks requires businesses to have the necessary legal documents. Important procedures include:

• Business Registration Certificate: Companies must hold a business license in the production and export of food and beverages.
• Food Safety Certificate: According to the Ministry of Health regulations, all soft drinks must be certified to meet food safety standards before export.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O): This document verifies the origin of the products, allowing them to enjoy tariff preferences under free trade agreements (FTAs).
• Food Quarantine Certificate: Depending on the importing country, some may require a food quarantine certificate to ensure the product is free of harmful substances and safe for consumption.

5. Customs Procedures

Exporting bottled soft drinks requires compliance with strict customs procedures, including the following steps:

• Customs Declaration: Information about the product, HS code, quantity, weight, and other details must be declared through the electronic customs system. IPO Logistics assists businesses in preparing the necessary documents and making accurate declarations.
• Goods Inspection: Customs authorities may require a physical inspection of the goods to verify the declared information and ensure the products comply with legal regulations.
• Export Duty Payment: The export tax rate for bottled soft drinks depends on the tax policies of each country and trade agreements. Vietnam generally does not impose export taxes on beverages, but businesses must check specific cases.
• Customs Clearance: Once all procedures are completed and taxes are paid, customs authorities will issue a clearance permit for the exported goods.

6. Import Market Requirements

Each import market has specific requirements for quality and import regulations. Factors businesses need to consider include:

• Quality Standards: Many countries require soft drinks to comply with international standards such as ISO, HACCP, or the specific regulations of the import market.
• Labeling Regulations: Product labels must clearly display information such as ingredients, nutritional value, production date, expiration date, and safety warnings. Labels must be in the language of the importing country.
• Import License: Some countries require the importer to hold a special license to import soft drinks.

7. Transportation and Logistics

IPO Logistics provides comprehensive transportation services for businesses exporting bottled soft drinks, including sea, air, and land transportation. The transportation process includes:

• Packaging and Storage: Soft drinks must be carefully packaged to avoid damage during transport. Businesses often use plastic or glass bottles, which are thoroughly wrapped.
• Choosing a Transportation Method: Depending on customer requirements and the nature of the shipment, IPO Logistics advises businesses on the appropriate transportation method. Sea freight is the most common option due to lower costs, but air freight may be necessary if fast delivery is required.
• Shipment Monitoring: IPO Logistics provides shipment tracking services from departure to the final destination, ensuring safe and timely delivery.

8. Tariff Preferences and Trade Agreements

Vietnam is a member of several free trade agreements (FTAs), such as EVFTA, CPTPP, and ASEAN FTA, providing numerous tariff preferences for exporters. To benefit from these preferences, businesses must ensure their products meet the rules of origin under each agreement. IPO Logistics assists businesses in preparing certificates of origin (C/O) and advising on available tariff preferences.

9. Challenges and Difficulties

Exporting bottled soft drinks faces several challenges, including:

• Raw Material Price Fluctuations: The prices of sugar, sweeteners, and other ingredients can fluctuate significantly, affecting production costs and sales prices.
• International Competition: The global soft drink market is highly competitive, with many well-known brands from developed countries.
• Quality and Food Safety Requirements: Import markets are increasingly raising standards for food safety and product quality, requiring businesses to continuously innovate and invest in production technology.

10. Conclusion

Exporting bottled soft drinks is a business with great growth potential, especially as international trade agreements offer many tariff preferences. However, businesses must strictly adhere to legal regulations and customs procedures to ensure successful exports. IPO Logistics, with its experience and expertise in logistics, is a reliable partner that helps businesses optimize export processes, from customs declarations to transportation and clearance.

Mastering legal procedures and regulations from both Vietnam and import markets is crucial for businesses to successfully export bottled soft drinks and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.