Seed Export: The "International Journey" of a Seed Through Customs

Hello everyone, I'm your old friend, a "veteran customs expert" with 20 years of experience in the foreign trade industry. Today, I'd like to talk to you about the ins and outs of seed exports. Don't underestimate these tiny seeds—their "international journey" is anything but simple. In recent years, China's seed industry has developed rapidly, and the scale of seed exports has continued to expand. However, many companies are still confused about customs regulations. So today, let me guide you through the "clearance process" for seed exports.

First Stop: Enterprise Registration

The first step in seed export is to complete enterprise registration. This is equivalent to obtaining an "international pass" for the company. According to regulations such as the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine," if the importing country has specific requirements, customs will implement registration management for the exporting enterprise.

The application process is actually quite simple:

• Submit application materials: Prepare relevant documents and submit application to customs
• Customs audit: Customs will strictly review all materials
• On-site assessment: Qualified enterprises will undergo on-site inspections by customs assessment teams
• Registration: After passing the assessment, customs will recommend the enterprise for official registration with the importing country

I remember a seed company I served that had to go through the review process three times due to insufficient preparation of materials. So I strongly advise everyone to thoroughly understand the requirements in advance and prepare all documents completely.

Second Stop: Pest Monitoring

Whats the biggest concern in seed exports? Of course, its carrying pests and diseases! Customs will implementforeign pest monitoring.

This is like giving seeds a "health check" to ensure they are free from "diseases." I once encountered a case where a batch of seeds exported by a company was found to carry quarantine pests. Not only was the entire shipment returned, but the company was also blacklisted by the importing country, resulting in significant losses.

This is like giving seeds a health check to ensure theyre disease-free. I once encountered a case where a companys exported seeds were found to carry quarantine pests - not only was the entire shipment returned, but the company was also blacklisted by the importing country, suffering significant losses.Therefore,prevention is better than cure

Third Stop: Local Inspection Operations

For seeds to be exported, they must undergo customs inspection at the place of origin. This step is equivalent to the "exit interview" for seeds and mainly includes the following procedures:

• For seed exports, customs local inspection is mandatory. This process serves as the exit interview for seeds and mainly includes the following steps:Submit export information through the "Single Window" system.
• : Submit export information through the Single Window systemCustoms acceptance
• : Customs decides whether to conduct inspectionInspection implementation
• : On-site examination of seedsResult issuance

: Qualified seeds receive electronic records and phytosanitary certificates

• Certificate of AuditThe inspection content mainly consists of three parts:
• : Checking seed labels, approval forms, variety rights certificates, etc.On-site inspection
• : Sampling tests for seed quality and pest conditionsLaboratory testing

: Professional testing of suspicious samplesSpecial reminder here:Documents must be authentic and complete

Fourth Stop: Export Clearance Release

After passing through numerous checkpoints, the seeds finally arrived at the final "exit port." According to the requirements of the Seed Law, enterprises must obtain approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.Approval and Licensing for Outbound Transfer of Germplasm Resources.

The customs clearance process is as follows:

• Enterprises submit licensing documents to their localCustoms declarationElectronic ledger
• After inspection and approval by the local customs, an electronic ledger and phytosanitary certificate will be issued
• Enterprises declare exports to the port customs
• Port customs decides whether to release goods based on the electronic ledger

While this process seems straightforward, various issues often arise in practice. For example, one company had goods detained at the port for half a month due to discrepancies between the electronic ledger information and the actual goods. Therefore,Information consistencyis absolutely crucial!

Fifth Stop: Supervision Management

Seed exports arent one-time transactions - customs conducts continuous supervision:

• Implement dynamic management of registered enterprises
• Strictly verify agricultural ministry permits
• Penalize non-compliant enterprises according to law and record in credit files

I handled one case where a company exported unapproved genetically modified seeds - they not only faced heavy fines but the responsible person was criminally prosecuted. Therefore,Compliant operationsare the lifeline of seed exports!

Recommendations for Seed Export Enterprises

Drawing on 20 years of experience, here are my recommendations for companies preparing to export seeds:

• Plan ahead: Start preparing relevant procedures at least 3 months in advance
• Professional team: Assemble a team familiar with international trade rules
• Complete documentation: Establish a comprehensive quality traceability system
• Proactive communication: Maintain good communication with customs and agricultural departments
• Policy monitoring: Stay updated on domestic and international regulatory changes

Though small in size, seeds carry great responsibility. Through this article, we hope to help our fellow foreign trade professionals better understand the customs clearance requirements for seed exports, ensuring every Chinese seed can smoothly embark on its "international journey"!

If you encounter any issues during seed exports, feel free to reach out. Remember: Compliance is the foundation, quality is fundamental, and service is key. Wishing everyone prosperous business and smooth customs clearance!