---
title: "What Key Nodes Should Be Noted in the Whole Process of Imported Food Agency in 2026?"
description: "Enterprises new to imported food agency often encounter port detention or cost overrun due to unclear procedures，and need to control the whole chain from document pre-audit，logistics connection，tax planning and other aspects. Pre-audit of certificates of origin and health certificates，optimization of cold chain logistics routes，and utilization of VAT deferral policies can effectively reduce risks and costs，and achieve compliant and efficient agency implementation.。"
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-food-agent-key-process-nodes.html"
language: "en"
type: "Q&A"
category: "Import Agency Q&A"
datePublished: "2026-09-28"
dateModified: "2026-09-28"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
answerCount: 10
---

# What Key Nodes Should Be Noted in the Whole Process of Imported Food Agency in 2026?

## Question

 I am the owner of a food trading company that has just been established for half a year. Recently, I tried to import durian and mangosteen from Thailand for the first time, but the declaration was rejected during customs clearance because the format of the certificate of origin did not meet the latest requirements of 2026. The goods were detained at the port for 3 days, and the daily container detention fee and storage fee put me under great pressure. The small agency I hired before did not audit the documents in advance. Now not only the cost is overrun, but I also worry that the fruit will go bad. I want to know how to systematically operate imported food agency? From early document preparation to later logistics connection, which links must be controlled? Is there a way to avoid the risk of port detention and optimize the overall cost at the same time? I really don't want to step into such a pit again, and I hope to get professional guidance. 

## Answers
                            
### Answer 1 — Best Answer

Full-process control of imported food agency should start with pre-document audit. First of all，it is necessary to confirm whether the certificate of origin and health certificate provided by the supplier meet the latest 2026 customs requirements — for example，the certificate of origin for Thai fruits must include the orchard registration number，and the health certificate must indicate that the testing items correspond to the 2026 edition of National Food Safety Standard for Imported Food. During pre-audit，the product name，quantity and HS code on the documents must be checked to be completely consistent with the bill of lading，so as to avoid declaration rejection caused by inconsistent documents.

In terms of connection of core nodes，logistics and customs declaration need to be promoted synchronously. 72 hours before the goods arrive at the port，the customs broker should pre-declare to the customs in advance，and the logistics team should confirm the container free storage period and container detention fee terms. If customs clearance delay is expected，you can apply for an extension of the free storage period in advance. In addition，VAT deferral filing should be carried out synchronously in the tax link. In 2026，Shanghai Customs supports imported food agency enterprises to apply for VAT deferral through the "Single Window" to reduce capital occupation.

Contingency plans for abnormalities are essential. If there are document problems，you should contact the supplier immediately to reissue documents that meet the requirements，and apply for "guarantee release" to the customs to avoid port detention，if the goods have a risk of deterioration，you can coordinate with the logistics team to transfer them to a bonded cold storage for temporary storage. For final compliant implementation，all documents must be archived for at least 5 years for subsequent customs inspection.

**Pre-document Pre-audit**，**Synchronized Logistics and Customs Declaration**，**VAT Deferral Filing** are the keys to reducing risks and costs，and must be strictly implemented to achieve efficient and compliant agency.

**status:** accepted
**Author:** Grace Wang
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 2

When encountering a customs valuation dispute in imported food agency, you need to first prepare complete price certification materials, including purchase contracts, commercial invoices, foreign exchange payment vouchers, domestic sales invoices of the same batch of goods, etc. In 2026, customs valuation pays more attention to the authenticity and rationality of prices. If the declared price is lower than the price of similar goods in the system, you need to provide the supplier's cost composition table or industry association price certificate.

In addition, you can confirm the declared price in advance through the "price pre-ruling" service to avoid disputes after arrival at the port. If the dispute cannot be negotiated, you must apply for administrative reconsideration within 60 days after receiving the valuation notice.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Jason Wu
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 3

Logistics path optimization for imported food agency needs to be combined with cargo characteristics and costs. Perishable fruits should prefer direct routes to reduce transit time; if the direct route cost is too high, the transit port should prefer ports with cold chain bonded warehouses such as Shanghai Yangshan Port.

It is necessary to pay attention to the shipping company's free storage period policy. In 2026, most cold chain containers have a free storage period of 3-5 days, which can be extended by 1-2 days through negotiation. If the container is rolled, you should immediately adjust to the next voyage, and notify the customs broker to delay the declaration synchronously to avoid port detention fees.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Daniel Xu
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 4

Imported food agency enterprises can use the VAT deferral policy to reduce capital pressure. In 2026, Shanghai Customs allows eligible enterprises to apply for import VAT deferral, that is, no need to pay VAT at the time of import, and declare after the goods are sold. Application conditions include: general taxpayer, fixed business premises, import volume of no less than 5 million yuan in the past 12 months.

The process requires submitting business license, tax registration certificate, import contract and other materials through the "Single Window", and you can enjoy the policy after approval. It should be noted that the deferred VAT must be paid within the declaration period of the next month after the goods are sold, and overdue payment will incur late fees.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Linda Gao
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 5

For payment and foreign exchange collection compliance of imported food agency, attention should be paid to the accuracy of SWIFT messages. In 2026, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange has stricter supervision on cross-border payment and collection of foreign exchange, and the message must include cargo name, quantity, HS code, contract number and other information.

When using CIPS for cross-border RMB payment, it is necessary to ensure that the payee's account is a compliant domestic account, and the fund use is consistent with the contract. Funds in offshore accounts must be accounted separately from domestic accounts to avoid settlement difficulties caused by mixing. If there is any abnormality in payment and collection, you should immediately contact the bank and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to communicate, and provide certification materials to remove the restriction.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Kevin Lin
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 6

When using letter of credit for settlement in imported food agency, you need to be alert to soft clauses. Common soft clauses such as "the commodity inspection certificate must be signed by the personnel designated by the applicant" and "the letter of credit can only take effect after the applicant confirms receipt of the certificate of origin" will prevent the exporter from presenting documents on time, and the importer faces the risk of cargo title.

In 2026, disputes over letter of credit soft clauses have increased. It is recommended that the legal team review the clauses before signing and delete unreasonable soft clauses. If you have received a letter of credit with soft clauses, you should immediately negotiate with the issuing bank to modify it.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Cindy Chen
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 7

When encountering customs unpacking inspection in imported food agency, you need to prepare in advance. First, ensure that the container seal is intact. If it is damaged, you must immediately contact the logistics team to confirm the cause and issue a certificate. Cooperate with customs staff during unpacking, provide cargo list and documents, and avoid random movement of goods.

If it is found that the goods do not match the documents, such as quantity shortage or wrong product name, you should immediately contact the supplier to verify and submit supplementary materials. Perishable food can apply for priority inspection to reduce the time at the port. The customs inspection rate has increased in 2026, so you need to prepare in advance.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Evelyn Li
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 8

Cold chain packaging for imported food agency must comply with international standards. In 2026, the International Maritime Organization has stricter requirements for cold chain container packaging.

UN standard thermal insulation materials must be used, and the packaging must indicate temperature range, shelf life and other information. Fruit packaging must have breathable function to avoid deterioration due to hypoxia, and at the same time be pasted with clear shipping marks containing product name, quantity, destination and other information.

If the packaging does not meet the requirements, it will be detained or returned. It is recommended that a professional engineer review the packaging plan before shipment to ensure compliance.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Victor Sun
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 9

If an imported food agency enterprise re-exports the goods, it needs to pay attention to export tax refund compliance. In 2026, export tax refund has stricter requirements for documents, and materials such as import declaration, export declaration, special VAT invoice are required. If the import VAT has been deducted, the tax refund amount is calculated according to regulations when exporting; if it has not been deducted, you can apply for full tax refund.

It is necessary to ensure that the export destination of the goods is consistent with the import source, so as to avoid tax refund failure caused by cross-border transfer. It is recommended to plan the export route before import, and let the tax refund audit team review the documents in advance.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Michael Zhang
**Date:** 2026-09-28

### Answer 10

Supply chain planning of imported food agency should focus on inventory linkage. Market demand changes rapidly in 2026, it is recommended to adopt the "small batch, multiple batches" import strategy to reduce inventory backlog.

Use the inventory management system to monitor sales in real time and adjust import plans. Sign long-term agreements with suppliers to lock in prices and supply cycles, and reduce the risk of market fluctuations.

For perishable food, an early warning mechanism should be established, and promotion should be carried out in time when the inventory is close to the shelf life. The core of supply chain planning is to balance cost and demand and achieve efficient inventory turnover.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Lucas Liu
**Date:** 2026-09-28

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