Safe transport of your important Frozen Food cargo
Turkey
China
The ocean route from Istanbul to Xiamen is particularly advantageous for transporting fresh produce and chilled food, ensuring optimal temperature control throughout the journey. This pathway allows for efficient bulk shipping, minimizing the risk of spoilage and maintaining product quality. Moreover, the sea route provides an environmentally friendly option, reducing carbon emissions compared to air freight. The proximity of Istanbul's port facilities to major agricultural regions further enhances the freshness of the goods being shipped.
Istanbul boasts advanced port infrastructure with specialized cold storage facilities, enabling seamless handling of refrigerated and frozen food shipments. The city’s strategic location as a logistics hub allows for efficient loading and unloading processes, ensuring quick transition to vessels. In Xiamen, the port is equipped with state-of-the-art cold chain logistics, facilitating the swift distribution of perishable goods upon arrival. Both ports are supported by robust transportation networks, linking them to regional markets and enhancing the overall supply chain efficiency.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Turkish customs regulations, including accurate tariff classification and export declarations through the national single window system.
Imports are subject to Chinese customs, quarantine, and CIQ requirements, including timely submission of manifests.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Istanbul to Xiamen, expect delays due to Mediterranean winter storms (November-March) and Suez Canal congestion (January-March). Build in buffer days for transit times and secure flexible berthing windows to mitigate disruptions. During the Golden Week holiday in China (October 1-7), schedule critical sailings to depart well in advance to avoid rollovers. Additionally, consider the impact of the East Asia rainy season (May-October) on port operations and inland transport, ensuring that your logistics plans are adaptable to weather-related delays.
When shipping fresh produce, correct packing is vital to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using Insulated cartons with phase-change packs for chilled beverages and dr...
Keeping the cold chain for chilled food necessitates tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. In...
For larger volumes of fresh food, selecting the correct container type is key. We recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and frozen food that m...
Exporting fresh food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-control r...
Before pickup, stage fresh produce at the correct temperature: typically 0–4°C for chilled beverages and −18°C or below for Frozen food. Avoid storing Fresh produce directly on the...
Moving fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use Insulated packaging with the right amount of gel packs for Chilled food or dry ice for frozen goods, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a time‑definite service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.
Yes, frozen goods can often be shipped with dry ice by air, but dry ice is regulated as a dangerous good. Airlines impose 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 Frozen food at temperature while staying within dry‑ice limits.
Standard cargo policies may limit coverage for temperature-related loss on fresh food and frozen food. We recommend arranging a policy that specifically covers temperature deviation and spoilage, and declaring the full value of your Reefer cargo. Keep packing records and temperature logs; insurers often require proof that correct handling was used before honoring claims.
Most refrigerated food should stay between 0–4°C, while many Frozen food products must remain at −18°C or colder. Exact ranges depend on the product type and local regulations. Always check 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 food and Frozen food in the same load, but only if your container or vehicle can maintain separate temperature zones. Chilled food typically needs temperatures above freezing, while Frozen goods must stay well below zero. If only one temperature setpoint is available, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing perishable goods or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food must be transported in temperature-controlled containers to maintain the required refrigeration or freezing conditions throughout the journey. Proper insulation and monitoring systems are essential to prevent spoilage and ensure product integrity during the 8191 km ocean freight route.
Shipments of fresh and frozen food from Turkey to China must comply with both Turkish export regulations and Chinese import regulations, which include obtaining relevant health certificates, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and completing necessary customs documentation for perishable goods.
With our air solutions, you receive live alerts and 24/7 tracking for full shipment visibility.
Yes, DNA handles import and export clearance to keep your shipments moving and compliant.
Yes, DNA offers cross-docking and transloading capabilities.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Istanbul → Xiamen shipping needs.
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