This article focuses on foreign trade import-export services, detailing document processing, logistics arrangements, analyzing advantages and procedures in Russian and Southeast Asian markets, discussing trade conditions, and providing practical guidance on certification assistance.

In the global beverage market, tea beverages are gaining increasing consumer favor due to their unique flavors and health concepts. For enterprises and professionals engaged in tea beverage import and export, mastering professional operational procedures and adapting to the ever-changing international trade environment is crucial. Zongdai Service, as a foreign trade agency specializing inImport and export processservices, has accumulated extensive experience in the tea beverage import and export sector. Below, we will provide a detailed analysis for you.

Comprehensive Agency Service Capabilities: Documentation Processing and Logistics Arrangement

Document processing

Tea beverage import and export involve numerous documents, such as the Commercial Invoice, which details key information like product descriptions, quantities, and prices, serving as an essential basis for settlement and customs declaration. The Packing List specifies packaging details, facilitating customs inspection and recipient verification. Zongdai Service has a professional documentation team capable of handling these documents accurately and efficiently.
When filling out the Commercial Invoice, the team ensures product descriptions are accurate and consistent with the contract and actual goods to avoid customs clearance delays due to unclear descriptions. For the Packing List, they meticulously note product specifications and quantities in each package, ensuring data authenticity and completeness. Moreover, under Letter of Credit (L/C) payment terms, the documentation team strictly adheres to L/C requirements, achieving document consistency and compliance to ensure smooth payment collection.

Logistics arrangement

Tea beverage transportation requires consideration of product characteristics to select appropriate shipping methods. For large-volume shipments, Ocean Freight is a common choice. Zongdai Service has established long-term partnerships with several renowned shipping companies, securing more favorable freight rates and stable cargo space. During the booking process, transportation timelines are planned in advance to avoid delivery delays caused by shipping schedule disruptions.
If air freight is chosen, priority is given to timeliness to ensure tea beverages can be quickly delivered to the target market. During transportation, cargo insurance will be purchased for clients, covering risks such as maritime perils and vehicle collisions, ensuring the safety of goods in transit. For road freight, familiarity with border clearance policies of various countries is essential to ensure smooth cross-border transit of goods.

The Russian MarketVTB settlement advantages and tea beverage import/export

VTB Settlement Advantages

Russia, as an important market, has frequent trade exchanges with China. When conducting tea beverage trade with Russian clients, settlement is a key link. Our comprehensive agency service offers VTB settlement convenience for the Russian market. VTB Bank is a major Russian financial institution, and cooperation with VTB facilitates smoother settlement processes.
The general settlement process is: after the exporter ships the goods, the complete set of shipping documents is sent to the importers bank (which may be VTB Bank in Russia) through the bank. The importer pays to redeem the documents. Upon receiving payment, VTB Bank converts the foreign currency to RMB at the current exchange rate and pays the exporter. Leveraging our good relationship with VTB, we can accelerate this process, reduce funds in transit time, and mitigate exchange rate fluctuation risks. Additionally, we assist enterprises in handling relevant procedures during settlement, such as foreign exchange declarations, ensuring compliant operations.

Key Considerations for Tea Beverage Import/Export in the Russian Market

When exporting tea beverages to Russia, compliance with Russian food regulations is mandatory. Russia has strict labeling requirements for food products, requiring clear Russian labeling of product names, ingredients, production dates, shelf life, etc. Furthermore, tea beverages must meet Russian food safety standards, including microbial indicators and additive usage standards. For imports, when sourcing specialty tea beverages from Russia, attention must be paid to product origins, ensuring suppliers have legitimate qualifications and that the products have market demand domestically.

Southeast Asian Market: Tea Beverage Import and Export Procedures and Solutions

Export Process

1. Market research and customer developmentFirst, understand the market demand, consumption habits, and competitive landscape for tea beverages in Southeast Asian countries. Clients can be developed through participation in international food exhibitions or online platforms. For example, Malaysian consumers prefer fruit-flavored tea beverages, while Thai consumers are more interested in low-sugar tea beverages.
2. Contract SigningAfter reaching agreement with clients on product specifications, quantity, price, delivery period, and payment terms, a contract is signed. The contract should clearly specify quality standards, such as internationally recognized food quality standards or local Southeast Asian standards. Common payment methods include T/T (telegraphic transfer) and L/C (letter of credit), which should be chosen based on the clients creditworthiness.
3. Production and stockingOrganize production according to contract requirements, ensuring product quality and quantity. Simultaneously, prepare relevant documents in advance, such as commercial invoices and packing lists.
4. Customs Declaration and InspectionDeclare exports to Chinese customs, submitting required documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and export goods clearance forms. For tea beverages, food inspection and quarantine must be passed to ensure compliance with export standards.
5. Transportation and InsuranceChoose appropriate transportation methods, such as shipping to major Southeast Asian ports like Singapore Port or Ho Chi Minh Port. Additionally, purchase cargo insurance to safeguard goods during transit.
6. CombinedConduct settlement according to the payment method agreed in the contract. For example, if T/T is used, promptly complete foreign exchange verification procedures upon receiving payment.
   

   The settlement process typically involves: After completing exports and submitting required documents, enterprises apply for settlement. VTB Bank reviews documents and, upon confirmation, exchanges foreign currency into RMB at current rates. Compared to other banks, VTB has broader Russian market coverage and deeper understanding of local trade regulations and financial policies, enabling faster, more accurate settlement processing.

7. Finding SuppliersIdentify high-quality tea beverage suppliers in Southeast Asia through various channels, evaluating their product quality, production capacity, and reputation.
8. Contract SigningClarify product specifications, prices, delivery periods, and other terms, while also agreeing on quality inspection standards and dispute resolution methods.
9. Apply for an import licenseImporting tea beverages into some Southeast Asian countries may require applying for relevant licenses, which should be understood and processed in advance.
10. Customs Declaration and InspectionAfter goods arrive at Chinese ports, declare imports to customs, submitting documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and health certificates. Tea beverages must undergo strict inspection and quarantine before being released.
11. Cargo pickup and salesAfter completing customs clearance procedures, take delivery of the goods and conduct sales according to market planning.
    

    Solutions
    In the import and export process in Southeast Asian markets, language barriers and cultural differences may be encountered. Zongdai Service has professionals familiar with local languages and cultures in Southeast Asia, effectively solving communication issues. For complex trade regulations in different countries, the company team closely monitors policy changes, providing accurate regulatory interpretations and solutions to ensure smooth import and export operations.

Challenges and Opportunities in Tea Beverage Foreign Trade Under Current International Trade Conditions

challenge

1. Trade ProtectionismIn recent years, some countries have implemented trade protection measures to protect domestic industries, such as raising tariffs and setting up trade barriers. This increases the cost of tea beverage imports and exports, reducing product competitiveness. For example, some countries impose strict technical standards on imported tea beverages, making it more difficult for products to enter the market.
2. Exchange rate fluctuationsThe global economic situation is unstable, with frequent exchange rate fluctuations. For tea beverage trade settled in foreign currencies such as USD, exchange rate fluctuations may lead to reduced profits for enterprises. If the RMB appreciates, the amount received by export enterprises after converting foreign currency into RMB will decrease, affecting earnings.
3. Impact of the pandemicThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, with frequent occurrences of logistics delays and port congestion. Tea beverage transportation may experience delays, affecting cargo delivery and market supply.
   

   Opportunities

4. Health consumption trendsWith increasing global consumer focus on health, tea beverages, as natural and healthy drinks, are experiencing growing market demand. Particularly low-sugar and sugar-free tea beverages have broad prospects in markets such as Europe, America, and Asia.
5. E-commerce developmentThe rise of e-commerce has provided new channels for tea beverage foreign trade. Through cross-border e-commerce platforms, enterprises can directly reach global consumers, expand sales scope, and reduce marketing costs.
6. Regional Economic CooperationThe implementation of agreements such as RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) has provided more convenient conditions for trade between China and regions like Southeast Asia, reducing tariffs and simplifying trade procedures, facilitating the circulation of tea beverages within the region.

Product certification services

Tea beverage import and export involve various product certifications. For domestic exports, food production licenses and other certifications may be required. Requirements vary for exports to different countries and regions. For example, exports to the EU must comply with EU food safety regulations and may require relevant certification marks.
Although Zongdai Service does not directly handle certification business, based on years of experience, it accurately informs clients of required certifications and assists them in the process. The company team is familiar with certification processes and requirements in various countries, providing detailed guidance to clients, helping them prepare relevant materials, and coordinating with certification agencies to ensure smooth certification progress, facilitating tea beverages entry into target markets.

in conclusion

Tea beverage foreign trade import and export contain abundant opportunities but also face many challenges. Zongdai Service, with its professional capabilities in document processing and logistics arrangements, as well as its VTB settlement advantages in the Russian market and deep understanding of Southeast Asian markets, can provide comprehensive and professional services for tea beverage import and export enterprises. In the current international trade situation, working together to seize opportunities and address challenges will achieve the flourishing development of tea beverage foreign trade.