Quick transit times and transparent rates for your Chilled Food cargo
Sri Lanka
Argentina
The ocean route from Colombo to Buenos Aires offers an efficient and reliable means of transporting fresh produce and frozen food. The long-distance maritime journey ensures that temperature-controlled containers maintain the optimal conditions necessary for preserving the quality of chilled and refrigerated goods. Additionally, this route is well-established, providing access to a diverse market that appreciates high-quality fresh food options. The combination of reliable shipping schedules and minimal handling reduces the risk of spoilage during transit.
Colombo's port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to handle temperature-sensitive cargo, ensuring that fresh and frozen items are loaded and stored under ideal conditions. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, the port boasts advanced infrastructure, including specialized refrigerated warehouses and efficient customs processing, which facilitate smooth transitions for perishable goods. Both locations offer robust logistical support, allowing for seamless distribution to local markets and consumers. This infrastructure ensures that the integrity of the products is maintained from departure to arrival.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Sri Lanka Customs regulations, including accurate HS classification and valuation.
Imports may require prior import licenses and registrations with Argentine authorities, especially for chemicals.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Buenos Aires, Argentina, anticipate significant delays due to the Indian Ocean cyclone season (April-June and October-December) and the southwest monsoon (June-September). Add extra buffer days to your schedules and secure flexible ETAs/ETDs to accommodate potential disruptions. During the peak of the northeast monsoon (December-February), prioritize sheltered routings and avoid tight transshipment connections. Additionally, increase oversight on weather conditions and adjust your plans accordingly to mitigate risks associated with the South Atlantic cyclone risk (November-April).
When shipping Fresh food, robust packaging Is essential to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using thermal liners with phase-change packs for refrigerated food and dry...
Maintaining the cold chain for fresh produce Requires tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so frozen goods does not warm or condense. I...
For larger volumes of Perishable goods, booking the correct container type is Essential. We recommend refrigerated ISO containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and frozen fo...
Shipping refrigerated food often Requires additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-con...
Before pickup, Store perishable goods at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for Refrigerated food and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing fresh food directly on the...
Shipping perishable goods successfully Requires a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a expedited service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.
Yes, Frozen food can in many cases be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines Set limits on how much dry ice is allowed per package and per shipment, and labels must show the net weight of dry ice and UN1845 markings. We recommend checking carrier and destination rules in advance and combining dry ice with insulated packaging to keep reefer cargo at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may Exclude coverage for temperature-related loss on chilled food and Frozen goods. We recommend arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your refrigerated food shipment. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that correct handling was used before honoring claims.
Most Chilled food should stay between 0–4°C, while many frozen goods products must remain at −18°C or colder. Exact ranges depend on the product type and local regulations. Always Confirm requirements for each item and specify the target range on booking instructions and labels so your Reefer cargo is set correctly.
You can sometimes mix Fresh produce and frozen goods in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Fresh produce typically needs temperatures above freezing, while Frozen goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, most logistics providers recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food require temperature-controlled environments throughout the shipping process. Special care must be taken to maintain the cold chain, including the use of refrigerated containers (reefers) during ocean transit, to prevent spoilage and ensure product quality.
Exporters must comply with both Sri Lankan export regulations and Argentine import regulations, which include obtaining necessary health certificates, ensuring proper documentation for customs clearance, and adhering to specific food safety standards set by Argentine authorities for perishable goods.
You can take the “One Test Run Challenge” by giving us a single shipment, which we use to demonstrate what visibility, reliability, and real partnership feel like, with a dedicated page available to get started.
SAMMIE is included with every ocean, air, land, and customs service at no extra cost.
We use SAMMIE’s AI-driven rate and route optimization to recommend optimal carriers and lanes based on current conditions and prices.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Colombo → Buenos Aires shipping needs.
Talk to a logistics expert
Our team specializes in the Colombo to Buenos Aires trade lane.
1-786-949-7330Join hundreds of companies who trust DNA Supply Chain for their logistics needs. Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and dedicated support.