Over 20 years of experience in global Fresh Produce shipping
China
Netherlands
The ocean route from Shekou to Rotterdam offers a reliable and efficient transportation option for chilled and frozen food products. This pathway ensures that fresh produce and refrigerated items maintain their quality through controlled temperature environments, crucial for perishable goods. Additionally, the extensive maritime network allows for significant cargo capacity, accommodating large shipments of fresh and frozen food in a single transit. The route also provides access to key markets in Europe, enhancing distribution opportunities for suppliers.
Shekou's port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to handle temperature-sensitive cargo, ensuring optimal conditions for fresh food during loading and unloading. In Rotterdam, the port boasts advanced cold storage capabilities, enabling seamless transfer and storage of chilled and frozen goods. Both locations feature robust logistics support, including customs services and efficient transportation links, facilitating smooth operations for the movement of perishable products. This infrastructure is vital for maintaining the integrity of food items throughout the supply chain.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Chinese customs regulations, including accurate Harmonized System classification and value declaration.
All imports are subject to European Union customs, safety, and product compliance rules, notably safety, health, and environmental standards
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
Very High - Requires Specialized Care
When shipping from Shekou, China to Rotterdam, Netherlands, anticipate significant disruptions during the rainy season (May-October) and typhoon season (June-November). Allow for additional buffer days for port operations and confirm flexible routing options to mitigate delays. Plan for peak holiday volumes during Golden Week (October 1-7) and the Christmas retail peak (October-December), as congestion can impact schedules. Engage with carriers to ensure timely pickups and adjust cut-off times to avoid rollovers and extended dwell times.
When shipping fresh produce, robust packaging is vital to control temperature and moisture. We recommend using Insulated cartons with phase-change packs for Chilled food and dry ic...
Keeping the cold chain for fresh produce necessitates tightly controlled handling. Minimize door-open time during loading and unloading so Reefer cargo does not warm or condense. I...
For larger volumes of fresh food, booking the correct container type is key. We recommend Integrated reefer containers for mixed loads of chilled beverages and Frozen goods that mu...
Exporting refrigerated food often involves additional documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice. Depending on destination, you may need Health certificates, temperature-co...
Before pickup, stage perishable goods 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 ...
Moving perishable goods 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 Fast transit 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 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 chilled 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 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 food 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, We recommend separating them into different temperature-controlled shipments to avoid freezing Fresh produce or partially thawing frozen items.
Fresh and frozen food require strict temperature control throughout the shipping process. Refrigerated containers must maintain specific temperatures to ensure product integrity, and proper ventilation is essential to prevent spoilage. Additionally, cargo must be loaded and unloaded quickly to minimize exposure to temperature fluctuations.
Regulatory requirements include compliance with both Chinese export regulations and Dutch import regulations. Necessary documentation typically includes health certificates, customs declarations, and proof of temperature control. Importers in the Netherlands must also ensure that the products meet EU food safety standards and may require inspections upon arrival.
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