--- title: "What Are the Core Points of Full-process Compliance Operation and Risk Prevention and Control for Fruit Import and Export Foreign Trade Agency?" description: "Practitioners new to fruit import and export often face problems such as port detention，customs hold，quality loss and compliance risks due to unfamiliarity with document review，cold chain connection，abnormal response and other links. By pre-reviewing core documents，strengthening connection between cold chain and customs clearance nodes，and formulating special abnormal contingency plans，full-link compliance can be realized，ensuring efficient and smooth fruit import and export，and reducing overall..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "General Trade Q&A" datePublished: "2026-09-27" dateModified: "2026-09-27" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 9 --- # What Are the Core Points of Full-process Compliance Operation and Risk Prevention and Control for Fruit Import and Export Foreign Trade Agency? ## Question I have been engaged in domestic tropical fruit wholesale for 5 years, and I plan to expand the import business of Thai mangosteens this year. This is my first time contacting foreign trade import and export, and I have no idea how to start. Last week when I had dinner with a peer, I heard that the small agency he hired last year missed an entry animal and plant quarantine approval document, which led to the whole container of mangosteens being detained at Shanghai Port for 3 days. Combined with high temperature at that time and a small malfunction of the cold chain, nearly 30% of the goods rotted, resulting in a direct loss of more than 200,000 RMB. I am very anxious now and afraid of falling into the same trap. I would like to consult what is the specific operation process of fruit import and export foreign trade agency? What core risks can the agency help me control? Are there any specific operation requirements to ensure compliance customs clearance and avoid quality loss? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First of all，detailed review of core documents should be completed in advance，with key check on **Import Quarantine Permit for Animals and Plants** (which shall clearly indicate fruit type，origin，approved orchard number)，certificate of origin (which shall mark orchard registration code)，phytosanitary certificate (which shall meet the quarantine requirements of China Customs for Thai mangosteens). Check document number，validity period and issuing institution qualification one by one，strictly prohibit the use of altered or forged documents，so as to avoid customs hold triggered by inconsistent documents from the source. Core operation nodes need to strengthen cross-link connection: For cold chain logistics，lock cold chain yards with fruit import qualification in advance，ensure container temperature is stable at 10-12℃ (suitable storage temperature for mangosteens)，sign a real-time cold chain temperature monitoring agreement with the agency，and synchronize container temperature data every 2 hours，For customs clearance，complete customs pre-declaration 24 hours before arrival at the port，realize seamless connection of "direct pickup alongside" and reduce the residence time of goods at the port. Two types of core abnormal contingency plans need to be formulated in advance: First，document abnormality plan: if there is wrong certificate information，immediately coordinate with overseas suppliers to reissue corrected electronic documents within 4 hours and synchronize to Customs，Second，quality and valuation abnormality plan: if cold chain container temperature is abnormal upon arrival，apply to Customs for priority inspection immediately and arrange transshipment to designated constant temperature yard，if there is a valuation dispute，submit supporting materials such as purchase contract and payment slip within 3 working days. For final compliance implementation，two key actions need to be completed: First，when cooperating with Customs on-site inspection，provide complete document chain and full-process cold chain temperature control records，Second，ensure information linkage between importer filing and fruit quarantine approval，strictly comply with the requirements of the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported Fruits，and realize rapid customs clearance and compliance release. **status:** accepted **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-09-27 ### Answer 2 In the customs declaration link of fruit import, we need to focus on the closed loop of valuation logic. Customs will conduct valuation based on overseas purchase contracts, payment slips, overseas invoices and import price database of similar fruits. If the deviation between declared price and Customs guidance price exceeds 10%, a valuation dispute will be triggered. At this time, complete price supporting materials shall be submitted within 3 working days, including cost calculation sheet from overseas supplier, transportation expense details, insurance certificate, etc., to avoid cargo detention caused by valuation delay. If cancellation and re-declaration is required due to document entry error, ensure that the modified document information is logically consistent with the original customs declaration, key fields such as certificate of origin number and license number shall be completely matched, otherwise it will be identified as illegal declaration and trigger deduction of Customs credit rating. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-09-27 ### Answer 3 For fruit import and export cold chain logistics, direct routes shall be preferred. If transshipment is required, confirm that the transshipment port has constant temperature yard qualification to avoid goods leaving the cold chain during transshipment. Confirm the free storage period with the shipping company in advance (the free storage period for imported Thai mangosteens is usually 7 days). If it is expected to exceed the free storage period, apply to the shipping company for extension 3 days in advance, otherwise high container detention fee will be incurred. In terms of cargo title control, the mode of "telex release bill of lading + special endorsement" shall be adopted to ensure that only the designated consignee can pick up the goods and avoid illegal transfer of cargo title. At the same time, cold chain temperature control responsibility shall be clearly defined in the transportation contract. If fruit deterioration is caused by temperature control error of shipping company or freight forwarder, keep full-process temperature control records as the basis for claim. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-09-27 ### Answer 4 Fruit import and export foreign trade agencies can reduce capital occupation cost through VAT deferral policy. Qualified import enterprises can temporarily not pay value-added tax in the import link, and file tax declaration after the goods are sold, so as to ease cash flow pressure. In terms of cross-border tax planning, it is necessary to rationally use the tariff preference of China-Thailand Free Trade Agreement, ensure that the certificate of origin complies with the "direct transportation" rule (that is, goods are directly transported from Thailand to China, without processing or reloading in a third country), and can enjoy 0-5% tariff preference. It should be noted to avoid pricing of cross-border related party transactions deviating from market price, otherwise it will trigger transfer pricing investigation by tax authorities, and materials such as purchase contracts and pricing basis shall be kept for inspection. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-09-27 ### Answer 5 Foreign exchange receipt and payment for fruit import and export shall strictly comply with cross-border payment compliance requirements. If RMB settlement is adopted, payment can be completed through CIPS system, which improves settlement efficiency and reduces exchange rate risk. Complete document chain including import customs declaration, overseas invoice, payment slip, etc. shall be provided during settlement to ensure the consistency of "goods flow, capital flow, document flow". If deduction occurs due to fruit quality problems, submit the deduction agreement confirmed by both parties to the bank before settlement to avoid being identified as abnormal capital flow. In terms of offshore account management, sort out account flow regularly to ensure that all foreign exchange receipt and payment transactions are consistent with the actual trade background, so as to avoid the account being frozen by the bank. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-09-27 ### Answer 6 When signing fruit purchase contracts with overseas suppliers, it is necessary to avoid soft clauses of letter of credit, such as "inspection certificate shall be issued by the institution designated by the buyer" and other clauses, to prevent malicious refusal of payment by the buyer. The force majeure clause shall be clearly defined. If delayed delivery or quality damage is caused by force majeure such as floods in Thailand and epidemic, the division of responsibilities and claim procedures shall be agreed. In terms of cargo title transfer, the specific requirements for bill of lading endorsement shall be clearly specified in the contract, blank endorsement is prohibited, to ensure that cargo title is only transferred between designated subjects. At the same time, it is necessary to complete intellectual property customs protection filing. If imported fruits involve brand authorization, complete authorization documents shall be provided to avoid goods being detained due to infringement. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-09-27 ### Answer 7 During on-site inspection of imported fruits, if Customs requires container unpacking inspection, coordinate with the yard in advance to arrange a constant temperature unpacking station, to avoid fruits being exposed to room temperature for more than 30 minutes. In terms of X-ray inspection skills, inform the freight forwarder in advance to place the fruit container in the middle of the inspection equipment to avoid secondary inspection caused by scanning blind area. If Customs requires laboratory inspection and identification, cooperate to provide fruit samples and origin information. The inspection period is usually 3-5 days, so apply for extending the free storage period in advance. Pay attention to the authenticity identification of container seal. When picking up the container, check whether the seal number is consistent with that marked on the bill of lading. If the seal is found damaged, take photos immediately for record and report to the shipping company and Customs. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-09-27 ### Answer 8 Cold chain packaging for fruit import and export shall adopt the structure of "constant temperature insulation layer + buffer material". For mangosteens, polyurethane insulation layer with thickness of no less than 5cm shall be used, and the interior shall be filled with food-grade foam buffer material to avoid collision damage during transportation. For moisture protection and reinforcement, place a water absorption pad at the bottom of the insulation box to prevent fruit deterioration caused by condensed water soaking. The preparation of MSDS shall comply with China Customs and international transportation standards, and clearly indicate storage temperature, transportation requirements, emergency treatment measures and other information. If container cold chain transportation is adopted, check the refrigeration system and sealing performance of the container before loading, to ensure that container temperature fluctuation does not exceed ±1℃. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-09-27 ### Answer 9 If it involves fruit export foreign trade agency, it is necessary to strictly comply with the compliance requirements of export tax rebate, and ensure the consistency of "goods flow, capital flow, invoice flow, contract flow". During pre-declaration of export tax rebate, check the information consistency between customs declaration and value-added tax special invoice in advance, fields such as commodity name, quantity and unit shall be completely matched. In terms of foreign exchange collection verification, complete foreign exchange collection within 180 days after goods export. If foreign exchange cannot be collected on time due to special circumstances, apply to the tax authority for extension in advance. For document filing, materials such as export customs declaration, contract, invoice, transportation documents shall be kept for 5 years, for the tax authority's correspondence inspection and verification. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-09-27 ## Related Categories - [Import Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/) - [Export Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-agency/) - [Export Tax Rebate Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-tax-rebate/) - [Customs Declaration Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/) - [Freight Forwarding Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-freight-forwarding/) - [Forex Settlement Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-forex-settlement/) - [Entrepôt Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-entrepot-trade/) ## Related Resources - [Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/services/) - [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/) - [Trade Wiki](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/wiki/) - [Trade Class](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/guide/) - [Global Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/country/) ## Structured Data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage":"en", "isPartOf": { "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#website" }, "publisher":{ "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#organization" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "What Are the Core Points of Full-process Compliance Operation and Risk Prevention and Control for Fruit Import and Export Foreign Trade Agency?", "text": "I have been engaged in domestic tropical fruit wholesale for 5 years, and I plan to expand the import business of Thai mangosteens this year. This is my first time contacting foreign trade import and export, and I have no idea how to start. Last week when I had dinner with a peer, I heard that the small agency he hired last year missed an entry animal and plant quarantine approval document, which led to the whole container of mangosteens being detained at Shanghai Port for 3 days. Combined with high temperature at that time and a small malfunction of the cold chain, nearly 30% of the goods rotted, resulting in a direct loss of more than 200,000 RMB. I am very anxious now and afraid of falling into the same trap. I would like to consult what is the specific operation process of fruit import and export foreign trade agency? What core risks can the agency help me control? Are there any specific operation requirements to ensure compliance customs clearance and avoid quality loss?", "answerCount": 9, "upvoteCount": 7, "datePublished": "2026-09-27T18:11:11Z", "dateModified": "2026-09-27T18:21:19Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First of all，detailed review of core documents should be completed in advance，with key check on Import Quarantine Permit for Animals and Plants (which shall clearly indicate fruit type，origin，approved orchard number)，certificate of origin (which shall mark orchard registration code)，phytosanitary certificate (which shall meet the quarantine requirements of China Customs for Thai mangosteens). Check document number，validity period and issuing institution qualification one by one，strictly prohibit the use of altered or forged documents，so as to avoid customs hold triggered by inconsistent documents from the source. Core operation nodes need to strengthen cross-link connection: For cold chain logistics，lock cold chain yards with fruit import qualification in advance，ensure container temperature is stable at 10-12℃ (suitable storage temperature for mangosteens)，sign a real-time cold chain temperature monitoring agreement with the agency，and synchronize container temperature data every 2 hours，For customs clearance，complete customs pre-declaration 24 hours before arrival at the port，realize seamless connection of "direct pickup alongside" and reduce the residence time of goods at the port. Two types of core abnormal contingency plans need to be formulated in advance: First，document abnormality plan: if there is wrong certificate information，immediately coordinate with overseas suppliers to reissue corrected electronic documents within 4 hours and synchronize to Customs，Second，quality and valuation abnormality plan: if cold chain container temperature is abnormal upon arrival，apply to Customs for priority inspection immediately and arrange transshipment to designated constant temperature yard，if there is a valuation dispute，submit supporting materials such as purchase contract and payment slip within 3 working days. For final compliance implementation，two key actions need to be completed: First，when cooperating with Customs on-site inspection，provide complete document chain and full-process cold chain temperature control records，Second，ensure information linkage between importer filing and fruit quarantine approval，strictly comply with the requirements of the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported Fruits，and realize rapid customs clearance and compliance release.", "upvoteCount": 7, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T19:12:24Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the customs declaration link of fruit import, we need to focus on the closed loop of valuation logic. Customs will conduct valuation based on overseas purchase contracts, payment slips, overseas invoices and import price database of similar fruits. If the deviation between declared price and Customs guidance price exceeds 10%, a valuation dispute will be triggered. At this time, complete price supporting materials shall be submitted within 3 working days, including cost calculation sheet from overseas supplier, transportation expense details, insurance certificate, etc., to avoid cargo detention caused by valuation delay. If cancellation and re-declaration is required due to document entry error, ensure that the modified document information is logically consistent with the original customs declaration, key fields such as certificate of origin number and license number shall be completely matched, otherwise it will be identified as illegal declaration and trigger deduction of Customs credit rating.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T19:11:59Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For fruit import and export cold chain logistics, direct routes shall be preferred. If transshipment is required, confirm that the transshipment port has constant temperature yard qualification to avoid goods leaving the cold chain during transshipment. Confirm the free storage period with the shipping company in advance (the free storage period for imported Thai mangosteens is usually 7 days). If it is expected to exceed the free storage period, apply to the shipping company for extension 3 days in advance, otherwise high container detention fee will be incurred. In terms of cargo title control, the mode of "telex release bill of lading + special endorsement" shall be adopted to ensure that only the designated consignee can pick up the goods and avoid illegal transfer of cargo title. At the same time, cold chain temperature control responsibility shall be clearly defined in the transportation contract. If fruit deterioration is caused by temperature control error of shipping company or freight forwarder, keep full-process temperature control records as the basis for claim.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T18:56:36Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Fruit import and export foreign trade agencies can reduce capital occupation cost through VAT deferral policy. Qualified import enterprises can temporarily not pay value-added tax in the import link, and file tax declaration after the goods are sold, so as to ease cash flow pressure. In terms of cross-border tax planning, it is necessary to rationally use the tariff preference of China-Thailand Free Trade Agreement, ensure that the certificate of origin complies with the "direct transportation" rule (that is, goods are directly transported from Thailand to China, without processing or reloading in a third country), and can enjoy 0-5% tariff preference. It should be noted to avoid pricing of cross-border related party transactions deviating from market price, otherwise it will trigger transfer pricing investigation by tax authorities, and materials such as purchase contracts and pricing basis shall be kept for inspection.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T18:56:28Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Foreign exchange receipt and payment for fruit import and export shall strictly comply with cross-border payment compliance requirements. If RMB settlement is adopted, payment can be completed through CIPS system, which improves settlement efficiency and reduces exchange rate risk. Complete document chain including import customs declaration, overseas invoice, payment slip, etc. shall be provided during settlement to ensure the consistency of "goods flow, capital flow, document flow". If deduction occurs due to fruit quality problems, submit the deduction agreement confirmed by both parties to the bank before settlement to avoid being identified as abnormal capital flow. In terms of offshore account management, sort out account flow regularly to ensure that all foreign exchange receipt and payment transactions are consistent with the actual trade background, so as to avoid the account being frozen by the bank.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T18:50:50Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When signing fruit purchase contracts with overseas suppliers, it is necessary to avoid soft clauses of letter of credit, such as "inspection certificate shall be issued by the institution designated by the buyer" and other clauses, to prevent malicious refusal of payment by the buyer. The force majeure clause shall be clearly defined. If delayed delivery or quality damage is caused by force majeure such as floods in Thailand and epidemic, the division of responsibilities and claim procedures shall be agreed. In terms of cargo title transfer, the specific requirements for bill of lading endorsement shall be clearly specified in the contract, blank endorsement is prohibited, to ensure that cargo title is only transferred between designated subjects. At the same time, it is necessary to complete intellectual property customs protection filing. If imported fruits involve brand authorization, complete authorization documents shall be provided to avoid goods being detained due to infringement.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T18:44:28Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "During on-site inspection of imported fruits, if Customs requires container unpacking inspection, coordinate with the yard in advance to arrange a constant temperature unpacking station, to avoid fruits being exposed to room temperature for more than 30 minutes. In terms of X-ray inspection skills, inform the freight forwarder in advance to place the fruit container in the middle of the inspection equipment to avoid secondary inspection caused by scanning blind area. If Customs requires laboratory inspection and identification, cooperate to provide fruit samples and origin information. The inspection period is usually 3-5 days, so apply for extending the free storage period in advance. Pay attention to the authenticity identification of container seal. When picking up the container, check whether the seal number is consistent with that marked on the bill of lading. If the seal is found damaged, take photos immediately for record and report to the shipping company and Customs.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T18:39:59Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Cold chain packaging for fruit import and export shall adopt the structure of "constant temperature insulation layer + buffer material". For mangosteens, polyurethane insulation layer with thickness of no less than 5cm shall be used, and the interior shall be filled with food-grade foam buffer material to avoid collision damage during transportation. For moisture protection and reinforcement, place a water absorption pad at the bottom of the insulation box to prevent fruit deterioration caused by condensed water soaking. The preparation of MSDS shall comply with China Customs and international transportation standards, and clearly indicate storage temperature, transportation requirements, emergency treatment measures and other information. If container cold chain transportation is adopted, check the refrigeration system and sealing performance of the container before loading, to ensure that container temperature fluctuation does not exceed ±1℃.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T18:36:20Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If it involves fruit export foreign trade agency, it is necessary to strictly comply with the compliance requirements of export tax rebate, and ensure the consistency of "goods flow, capital flow, invoice flow, contract flow". During pre-declaration of export tax rebate, check the information consistency between customs declaration and value-added tax special invoice in advance, fields such as commodity name, quantity and unit shall be completely matched. In terms of foreign exchange collection verification, complete foreign exchange collection within 180 days after goods export. If foreign exchange cannot be collected on time due to special circumstances, apply to the tax authority for extension in advance. For document filing, materials such as export customs declaration, contract, invoice, transportation documents shall be kept for 5 years, for the tax authority's correspondence inspection and verification.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/fresh-import-export-trade-agent-compliance-operation-risk-control-key-points.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-09-27T18:21:19Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "General Trade Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-general-trade/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What Are the Core Points of Full-process Compliance Operation and Risk Prevention and Control for Fruit Import and Export Foreign Trade Agency?"} ] } ] ```