Insurance included for seamless delivery
China
Panama
The ocean route from Nansha to Colon offers significant advantages for the transportation of packaged food. Utilizing this maritime pathway ensures that processed and dry foods maintain their quality during transit, thanks to temperature-controlled containers and efficient shipping methods. The long-distance journey is well-suited for shelf-stable groceries, allowing for bulk shipments that optimize supply chain efficiency. Additionally, this route connects major trade hubs, facilitating access to diverse markets and consumer bases.
Nansha is equipped with modern port facilities that support large cargo vessels, ensuring smooth loading and unloading processes for ambient food products. Advanced logistics infrastructure, including customs processing and warehousing, enhances operational efficiency at this starting point. Similarly, Colon boasts a strategic location with well-developed port capabilities, allowing for swift distribution of processed food into Central and South American markets. Both ports feature robust connectivity to inland transportation networks, further streamlining the supply chain for packaged groceries.
Comparative analysis of origin and destination capabilities.
Exporters must comply with Chinese customs regulations, including proper HS coding, valuation, and licensing.
All inbound cargo must undergo Panamanian customs clearance and possible inspection at the terminal.
DNA Expert Assessment
Very High - Complex Regulatory Environment
High - Fragile/Moisture Sensitive
When shipping from Nansha, China to Colon, Panama, anticipate potential delays during the East Asia Rainy Season (May-October) and Western Pacific Typhoon Season (June-November). Include buffer days for port operations and secure flexible routing options to mitigate disruptions. Avoid the Golden Week holiday (October 1-7) and Lunar New Year (late-January to mid-February) by scheduling shipments well in advance. Additionally, prepare for increased congestion during the Christmas retail peak (October-December) and the year-end inventory build (September-December), necessitating early bookings and additional lead times.
When shipping ambient food, robust packing Is essential for medium‑fragility items. We recommend using Double-walled cartons with compartment inserts for ambient food. For moisture...
Medium-weight cartons of packaged groceries are best handled as “this side up” freight, especially where Bottled drinks are packed with Dry food. Most shippers recommend clearly ma...
Using suitable shipping container for packaged groceries Helps product integrity and Regulatory compliance. For parcel shipments of Dry food and snacks, most logistics providers su...
Even for shelf-stable dry food, exporters must comply with Food safety regulations in both origin and destination markets. Ensure all Packaged groceries have accurate product label...
Before pickup and during cross-docking, stage processed food in Cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from Chemicals. Moisture-sensitive Dry food is best kept off the floor on shel...
Moisture-sensitive shelf-stable food necessitates A sealed inner barrier such as Foil pouches inside sturdy outer cartons. We recommend adding drying agents and using clear handling labels on all processed food shipments, especially when moving through humid or coastal routes.
You are allowed to ship shelf-stable food with drinks together if Each item is Individually protected and Liquids are placed at the bottom of the carton. Most carriers recommend using separate inner boxes for liquid items so that any leak does not contaminate surrounding dry food.
Most international shipments of packaged groceries typically need Commercial invoices listing full product descriptions, HS codes, and values. Depending on the destination and type of Food, you May also need free-sale certificates and origin documentation, especially for animal-derived ingredients.
For shelf-stable food with medium fragility and mixed ambient food and drinks, We recommend All-risk cargo insurance that includes Leakage, breakage, and contamination. Be sure to list realistic replacement values of your beverages and record how goods are packed, as insurers may evaluate packaging quality when processing claims.
Most processed food and standard snacks Can be shipped in Ambient conditions as long as you Avoid extreme heat and freezing. Most carriers recommend checking manufacturer guidelines on heat sensitivity, especially for sensitive beverages, and scheduling moves to minimize exposure to very hot or very cold environments.
Packaged food must be properly sealed and stored in a temperature-controlled environment during transit to prevent spoilage. It is important to ensure that the packaging is robust enough to withstand ocean freight conditions, including humidity and potential impacts.
Required documentation typically includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary health certificates or phytosanitary certificates to comply with Panamanian regulations on imported food products.
In practice, it means we serve people, not just packages, focusing on face-to-face communication, thoughtful support, and long-term trust rather than one-off transactions.
Shippers can join 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.
Access to SAMMIE comes with every ocean, air, land, and customs service at no extra cost.
Call or schedule a call with our sales team to discuss your Nansha → Colon shipping needs.
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