China is one of the largest producers of garlic. It ships garlic worldwide. However, the shipping process isn’t as simple as you might think, as it involves complex customs processes and verifications through borders, with quality assessments.
Do you want a step-by-step guide on how to import garlic globally? This guide outlines the steps and provides tips for importing garlic into your country.
Let’s learn!
Step 1: Understand Garic Global Supply Chain
Garlic is a fresh and clean crop that requires proper storage and preservation throughout the shipping journey.
In China, there are a few regions with maximum productivity.
- Jinxiang County – High-quality fresh garlic
- Pizhou – Major dehydrated garlic production base
- Zhongmou – Large garlic planting and processing hub
Before you ship garlic from China, understand the following types imported worldwide.
- Fresh garlic
- Peeled garlic
- Frozen garlic
- Dehydrated garlic
- Garlic paste or puree
Step 2: Garlic Processing
The fresh garlic isn’t possible to import as it may sprout and be useless when shipped due to longer shipping times. Therefore, methods such as drying and processing can provide a long shelf life and maintain garlic’s freshness.
Cleaning and Processing
Cleaning and processing involve the following steps.
- Removal of soil, roots, and damaged layers
- Washing
- Trimming stems and roots
- Sorting by size and type
Grading
Export grading is necessary to deal with the different types. Here are a few grading types.
- Normal white garlic
- Pure white garlic
- Super-grade large bulbs
Drying
Finally, the drying process extends garlic’s shelf life and improves its freshness.
- Lower moisture content
- Longer storage life
- Reduced risk of mold
Step 3: Garic Packaging for Export
Before garlic is exported, it must be properly packaged. The packaging ensures the safe transport and avoids the sprouts and decay due to moisture.
Different types of parcels include the mesh bags, cartons, loose pack containers, and small retail packs for the small weight packages.
However, your package must have the following qualities.
- UV light-resistant and pest protection to avoid decay.
- It must be moisture-proof to prevent any water content entry and sprouting of bulbs.
- Branding for retail stores
Step 4: Cold Chain And Storage for Garic
If you are shipping through China, cold chains provide a safer and more protected way to avoid decay. Each step ensures a safe transit and provides a decay-free entry at and out of the borders.
For cold chain storage, there should be:
- A temperature of 2-4°C manages the storage and keeps bacteria miles away.
- 60-70% moisture content is ideal for storage and transport.
- Ventilated rooms can extend the shelf life of the garlic and make global shipping easier and safer.
Step 5: Available Shipping Options for Garic
There are three fundamental shipping options.
Air Freight
Air Freight is one of the fastest shipping options with express delivery and offers good value and safety for the premium garlic. It involves proper safety precautions but has a weight limit. For example, it is suitable for weights of 100kg to 500kg.
After that, shipping can be super expensive and kill your budget. The spoilage is less while delivery is on spot. Shipping time is 5-7 days from China to most countries.
Sea Freight
One of the slowest options is sea freight, but it offers the key advantages, such as higher weight capacity and lower prices.
It is suitable for properly packaged garlic products that have less value and need bulk shipping.
There are two options in sea freight.
- FCL containers
- LCL containers
Shipping is slow, taking 20-40 days to most countries when shipped from China.
Land Freight
Land freight occurs by standard methods, such as railway tracks or trucks. But this shipping method is possible for the following countries:
- Vietnam
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Kazakhstan
- Mongolia
- Russia
Shipping speed is intermediate, taking 1-2 weeks or more in a few cases, and offers good value and safety.
Step 6: Custom Documentation and Processing Outlook
Shipping from China is complicated only due to cross-border shipments. You have to grab the documents from manufacturers and suppliers for export customs clearance.
Even when you are importing products, your local regulations also apply and require you to have the necessary clearance documents.
The most crucial documents are:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Customs declaration
- Bill of lading
- Quality certificates
Since you are shipping garlic, there are additional regulations applied in your country.
For example:
- Europe has strict pesticide limits and requires garlic to comply with the rules.
- The Middle East prefers pure white garlic of premium quality.
- Southeast Asia & Africa often prefer larger bulbs.
- The USA ensures FDA registration and inspections for quality processing and clearance.
Significant Challenges When Shipping Garic from China
You have chosen your supplier and selected the correct shipping method. There is still more left for your business to hear.
Price Fluctuations
Prices change at every moment. For example, you are shipping in December. The prices will be high compared to those in September or before that. Changes also depend on the global costs and demands.
Storage Losses
Storage looks straightforward, but comes with additional risks. Weight loss occurs when stored for extended periods. Moreover, there is a possibility of color changes and sprouting if you don’t manage the garlic in a timely manner.
Shipping Delays
Shipping delays can occur due to sudden climate issues. Customs processing and delays can also cause late shipments.
Logistic Costs
Shipping costs vary by region and from time to time. Global fuel cost changes can increase or decrease it. Moreover, your shipping speed and safety can add more costs.
Conclusion
Garlic is a staple food with high significance, but requires optimal storage and preservation. Moisture, temperature, or ventilation can impact its lifespan and decrease the shelf life. Moreover, you have to find fresh and properly stored garlic supplies.
If you are looking for premium quality garlic with premium transport, search for the quality suppliers. Exporters like Fenduni Garlic suppliers fetch all the amenities at one step. You can store fresh and dry garlic with a longer shelf life and optimal storage temperatures. Contact us right away!