Shipping Food Additives and Preservatives from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Bergamo Port, Italy via Sea Freight
Shipping food additives and preservatives from China to Italy requires careful planning, considering both the nature of the products and the logistics involved. In this article, we’ll explore the process of shipping these goods from China’s ports of Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Bergamo Port, Italy, and discuss packaging solutions to ensure the products arrive safely.
1. Shipping Options: Full Container Load (FCL) vs. Less than Container Load (LCL)
There are two primary shipping options available for transporting food additives and preservatives: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).
FCL (Full Container Load): Shipping in a 20FT or 40FT container ensures that your goods are transported without sharing space with other shipments. This option is ideal if you have large quantities of goods to ship. The CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) term means that the seller is responsible for the cost of shipping, insurance, and freight to the port of arrival in Italy, while the buyer takes responsibility for import duties and inland transportation from the port to the final destination.
LCL (Less than Container Load): If you don’t have enough cargo to fill a full container, LCL shipping is a cost-effective alternative. In this case, your goods will share container space with other consignments. It is crucial to ensure that your products are securely packaged to prevent any damage during transit, as the goods will be handled more frequently.
2. Sea Freight Transit Time:
The typical sea freight transit time from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Bergamo Port is approximately 30 days. The duration of the journey may vary depending on the specific shipping route, weather conditions, and port operations. It is essential to plan accordingly to ensure timely delivery and to account for any possible delays in the shipping schedule.
3. Packaging of Food Additives and Preservatives:
Proper packaging is critical to ensure the safety and quality of food additives and preservatives during transit. These goods often require careful handling, especially since they are sensitive to temperature, humidity, and contamination. Below are some recommended packaging methods:
Sealed Bags or Pouches: Food additives and preservatives are typically packed in sealed plastic bags or pouches to protect them from moisture and air. For powder-based additives, high-quality laminated bags or foil-lined pouches are commonly used.
Plastic Drums or Buckets: For larger quantities or liquid additives, plastic drums or buckets provide a secure and durable container. These containers should be tightly sealed and clearly labeled with the necessary hazard and handling instructions.
Inner Packaging: In some cases, moisture-absorbing packets (such as silica gel) may be included inside the packaging to ensure that the additives remain dry throughout the journey.
Outer Packaging: The products should be packed in cardboard cartons or wooden pallets to ensure structural integrity during handling and transport. Palletizing the cargo helps prevent damage caused by rough handling during loading and unloading at ports.
4. Customs and Import Documentation:
When shipping food additives and preservatives internationally, ensuring all the correct customs documentation is in order is essential. This includes:
- A commercial invoice outlining the description and value of the goods.
- A bill of lading confirming the shipment.
- Certificates of origin and health certificates (if required) to comply with European regulations on food safety.
- Packing list to ensure transparency in the shipment’s contents.
5. Destination Port: Bergamo Port (Italy)
Although Bergamo is an inland city, the nearest seaport for international shipping is Port of Genoa, approximately 150 km away. Once the cargo arrives at Genoa Port, it will be handled by a local transport company to ensure it reaches Bergamo via road.
