These are some faults that commonly cause issues with importing countries.
Time line
Export documentation must be processed in time as per given importing country requirements which can vary. Here are some examples:
- EU health certificates have to be completed on or before departure date.
- Export documentation for product exported to Korea must be on hand when shipment is presented for inspection at the port of entry in Korea.
Trade description
It is essential to ensure that the trade description on the certificate matches that on the product otherwise the shipment may be delayed at import inspection.
Cut codes
Cut codes directly relate to line product descriptions and or carton labels and may interact with the country quota systems.
Selection of incorrect cut codes often cause extensive delays in product release and can result in significant quota charges being imposed on the importer.
An example of this is selecting grain fed high quality beef instead of high quality beef.
Port marks
Incorrect or missing port marks often cause delays for the US market.
Raising claims
- For the US market, if a product label raises a claim this claim must have label approval from the US.
- Inclusion of such marks or claims (which need to be acknowledged on the export documentation) without prior US label approval will lead to delayed entry/rejection of the consignment into the US. Other countries may have similar requirements.
Incorrect dates
Incorrect slaughter dates, packing dates, freezing dates and durability dates may cause outright rejection of a consignment of product (depending on the importing country involved).
Incorrect container number
Containers get scratched during transit which may obscure or deface the container number. "Repaired" numbers may be incorrectly replaced.
An incorrect container number will cause import delays, possibly leading to outright rejection if the matter is not resolved to the importing country's satisfaction.
Wrong seal number
Incorrect seal numbers (clash between the actual seal No. and the documentation) found overseas have caused significant delays and outright rejection may ensue.
The EXDOC system will not let you use a seal number previously allocated.
Department of Agriculture staff have to clarify seal allocation when discrepancies occur.