Shipping Refrigerated Food from Rotterdam to Shanghai via Air Freight

Shipping fresh produce successfully necessitates a continuous cold chain. Use thermal containers with the right amount of gel packs for refrigerated food or dry ice for Frozen food, pre‑chill products before packing, and choose a Fast transit service. Clearly mark boxes as “Perishable” and specify the required temperature so carriers handle them as Reefer cargo.

Yes, Frozen food 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. Our compliance team recommends 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 fresh food and frozen food. Insurance specialists generally 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 Proper packaging 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 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 produce and frozen goods 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, best practice is separating them into different Reefer cargo shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.

Fresh and frozen food must be maintained at specific temperature ranges throughout the air freight process. This includes using temperature-controlled containers and ensuring that the cargo is loaded and unloaded swiftly to minimize temperature fluctuations. Additionally, special handling procedures should be in place to prevent spoilage or contamination.

Shipping Fresh and Frozen Food from the Netherlands to China requires compliance with both EU and Chinese food safety regulations. This includes obtaining necessary export permits, adhering to import regulations set by the Chinese authorities, and ensuring that all products meet the required health and safety standards. Proper documentation must accompany the shipment, including health certificates and customs declarations.

DNA Supply Chain asks for just one test run because demonstrate the visibility, reliability, and partnership benefits it delivers.

The name DNA captures our belief that success in business, like in life, depends on a foundation built on strong bonds, shared values, and trust, which we bring to every client relationship.

SAMMIE was born after a high-stakes wake-up call in 2017, when a critical container for a client’s first shipment with Marriott was delayed by 10 days, prompting us to build a more accurate, visibility-focused solution.