How to Choose Reliable Lotus LeavesExport agentThe company?

When selecting a proxy company, it is essential to focus on four key factors:

• Qualification review: Verification of enterprise import-export rights, Customs AEO certification, and ISO quality management system certificates
• Industry Experience: Request to provide at least 3 export cases of plant-based products, with special focus on operational experience in the Southeast Asia/EU markets.
• Service networks: Verify the qualifications of the customs clearance partner at the destination port and their cold chain transportation capabilities.
• Compliance Capacity: Familiarize with the amendments to the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) effective in 2025.

What special certifications are required for exporting lotus leaves?

Certification requirements vary depending on the target market:

• Basic certifications:
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (must indicate the latitude and longitude of the collection site)
  • Non-GMO Certification
• High Standard Certification:
  • EU Organic Certification (EC 834/2007)
  • U.S. FDA Food Contact Material Certification
• New requirement for 2025: Exports to Japan must submit a 62-item pesticide residue test report (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Ordinance No. 34).

What are the common risk points in export customs clearance?

In recent years, cases of rejected shipments due to quarantine issues have increased by 12%. The main risks include:

• Moisture content exceeds the standard (EU standard ≤13%)
• Soil residue inclusion (Limit: 50mg/kg)
• The packaging materials do not comply with ISPM 15 standards.
• Incorrect origin labeling (requires precision to the county-level administrative division)

International logisticsHow to optimize costs?

It is recommended to adopt a tiered transportation solution:

• Bulk cargo：Full container shipping + vacuum packaging (saves 35% on shipping costs)
• High-value products: Air freight + temperature-controlled container (maintained at 18-22℃ throughout the entire journey)
• Emerging Markets：The China-Europe Railway Express prioritizes the selection of "green channel" train services.

The "Advance Declaration" model to be implemented by the General Administration of Customs in 2025 is expected to reduce customs clearance time by 2–3 days.

How to Deal with Foreign Technical Barriers to Trade?

Focus on three key areas:

• Proper use of the Little Golden Shield mark (for products manufactured after May 2023): According to EU Regulation EC 2073/2005, Salmonella must not be detected.
• Additive Restrictions: South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety adds 7 banned preservatives
• Traceability requirements: The U.S. FSMA requires documenting the entire process data from planting to export.

Export tax refundHow to maximize returns?

Master the Key Points of the 2025 New Policies:

• The tax refund rate for dried lotus leaves remains at 13%.
• When categorizing lotus leaf extract, please note:
  • Unmodified extracts are classified under 13021900.
  • Modified extracts are classified under 33012990.
• Cross-border B2B e-commerce exports are eligible for an additional 3% subsidy.

How to establish a compliant quality management system?

It is recommended to implement a three-tier monitoring system:

• Raw materials: Heavy Metal Content Quarterly Submission for Testing
• Processing EndOnline Water Activity Monitoring (≤0.65)
• Finished End: Each batch of retained samples must be kept for at least 6 months beyond the expiration date.

What are the special requirements for emerging markets?

Focus on three key areas:

• Middle Eastern countries: Requires Halal Certification (HCCP)
• The ASEAN countries: Accept China-ASEAN Certificate of Origin (FORM E)
• African countries: COC Certification Pre-shipment Inspection (Pre-shipment Verification)