Imported Biscuits: Embark on a Delicious Trade Journey

In global food trade, imported biscuits are favored by many consumers for their diverse flavors and rich variety. For businesses looking to enter the imported biscuit market, understanding professionalImport and exportProcesses and responses are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the international trade landscape.Zhong Shen International Trade Co., Ltd.As a professional specializing in import process services,foreign tradeWith deep expertise in documentation handling and logistics services, the agency safeguards your imported biscuit business every step of the way.

Document Handling: Precise Control of Trade Essentials

1. Commercial Invoice: This is one of the core documents in imported biscuit trade. The invoice must specify in detail the product name, specifications, quantity, unit price, and total price of the biscuits. For instance, for specialty biscuits from different countries—such as Russian sweet biscuits or durian-flavored biscuits from Southeast Asia—their unique flavor and packaging specifications must be accurately described. Ensure that the invoice information is consistent with other documents like the contract and bill of lading to avoid discrepancies, which is crucial for smooth customs clearance andConvert foreign exchange into RMBExtremely crucial.
2. B/L: A bill of lading is a document of title to the goods. When importing biscuits, choose the appropriate type of bill of lading, such asMaritime transportOcean Bill of Lading. For large quantities of biscuits with a relatively long shelf life, ocean freight is the common choice. Ensure the shipper, consignee, and notify party details on the bill of lading are accurate, and that the cargo description and package count match the actual goods. Also, closely monitor the signing and endorsement of the bill of lading to safeguard the security of cargo transport and delivery.
3. Packing list: Record the detailed contents of each carton of biscuits, including net and gross weight, quantity, specifications, etc. With the packing list, the importer can clearly understand how the goods are packed, facilitating inspection and tallying at the destination port. For biscuits in different packaging specifications—such as tins or boxes—the packing list must list them separately in detail so that all cargo information is immediately clear.
   

   Logistics Arrangement: Efficiently Ensuring On-Time Delivery

4. Selection of transportation methods
   • Maritime transport: When importing biscuits from Southeast Asia, sea freight is the primary mode of transport due to its low cost and large capacity. For example, shipments from Malaysia and Thailand usually rely on scheduled liner services. When booking space, communicate with the carrier well in advance—especially during peak season—to reserve sufficient slots for the cargo. At the same time, monitor sailing schedules and transit times, plan delivery dates carefully, and prevent delays that could push the biscuits close to their expiry date.
   • Air freight: For the Russian market, if importing premium specialty cookies with high freshness requirements, air freight may be the better option. Although the cost is higher, the fast transit time best preserves the cookies’ freshness and quality. When choosing air freight, confirm the cargo’s size and weight limits as well as any special packaging requirements with the airline or freight forwarder to ensure smooth loading and transport.
5. Warehousing and Distribution: At the destination port, selecting the right warehousing facility is crucial. For food items like biscuits, the warehouse must offer proper ventilation, moisture-proofing, and pest control. During distribution, a sound delivery plan should be tailored to customer requirements to ensure biscuits reach clients promptly and accurately. Biscuits with a short shelf life should be prioritized in dispatch to safeguard product quality.
   

   Russian Market: VTB's Foreign Exchange Settlement Advantages Shine Through

   When importing biscuits from Russia, the foreign-exchange settlement stage is crucial. Zhongshen International Trade enjoys VTB settlement privileges for the Russian market. VTB is one of Russia’s leading banks; by partnering with VTB, we can offer our clients faster, more efficient settlement services.

6. Foreign exchange settlement process: First, after the importer completes the purchase of the biscuits and receives the goods, it provides us with the relevant documents—such as the commercial invoice and bill of lading. We submit these documents to VTB Bank for review. Once the bank approves them, it converts the foreign currency into RMB at the prevailing exchange rate and remits the proceeds to the importer. Throughout this process, VTB Bank leverages its professional risk-control framework and extensive experience in international settlement to ensure the exchange settlement is both secure and swift. Compared with other banks, VTB offers simpler procedures and shorter settlement times for Russia-related trade, enabling importers to recover funds faster and reduce capital-occupancy costs.
   

   Southeast Asia Market: A Comprehensive Analysis of Import-Export Processes and Solutions

7. Import Process
   • Market research and supplier selection: Before deciding to import biscuits from Southeast Asia, conduct thorough market research to understand the local biscuit landscape—categories, prices, and quality. Identifying reliable suppliers is critical; source them through food expos, industry websites, and similar channels. For instance, Thailand’s “Tao Kae Noi” seaweed biscuits and Malaysia’s white-coffee biscuits are well-known local brands; partner only with suppliers that hold solid production credentials and a strong reputation.
   • Sign the Contract: After reaching a cooperation intention with the supplier, sign a detailed import contract. The contract must specify clauses such as product quality, quantity, price, delivery time, and payment method. For biscuit quality standards, reference should be made to international food standards or relevant Chinese national standards to avoid future quality disputes.
   • Apply for an import license: Some biscuit products may require an import license, and the specific requirements vary by product category. Importers must submit an application to the relevant authority and provide the necessary documents, such as a business license and product description. Throughout the process, they must strictly follow the prescribed procedures and deadlines to ensure the license is obtained in time and does not delay the import of the goods.
   • Cargo Transportation and Customs Clearance: After production is completed, arrange shipment. Before the goods arrive at the port of destination, prepare the required customs-clearance documents in advance, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.Origin CertificateBooks, etc. When declaring to customs, you must truthfully fill in the cargo information and cooperate with customs inspection. For goods that meet the requirements, customs will release them.
8. Solution
   • Quality Control: To ensure the quality of imported biscuits, a third-party inspection agency can be arranged to inspect the goods before shipment. For products that fail the inspection, promptly communicate with the supplier about a resolution, such as replacement or replenishment. At the same time, clearly define quality liability and breach-of-contract clauses in the contract to obligate the supplier to guarantee product quality.
   • Addressing trade barriers: In recent years, the international trade landscape has become increasingly complex and volatile, and Southeast Asian countries may introduce certain trade-protection measures. Importers should keep a close eye on shifts in local trade policy and prepare in advance. For instance, when tariff adjustments occur, plan procurement costs rationally; when confronted with technical barriers to trade, work proactively with suppliers to upgrade product quality and packaging as required so as to meet import criteria.
     

     The Landscape of International Trade: Challenges and Opportunities Coexist

9. Challenges
   • The rise of trade protectionism: Globally, the trend toward trade protectionism has intensified. Some countries are raising tariffs and erecting trade barriers to restrict imports. For instance, certain nations may impose steep tariffs on imported biscuits, driving up import costs. Importers must therefore keep a close eye on shifting trade policies and promptly adjust their sourcing strategies and market positioning.
   • Exchange rate fluctuations: Exchange-rate instability poses significant risks to imported-cookie trade. Fluctuations between the renminbi and currencies such as the U.S. dollar or the ruble can drive up import costs or squeeze profit margins. Importers can hedge this exposure with forward-exchange contracts, currency options, and other financial instruments to lock in rates and mitigate currency risk.
10. ?Opportunities?
    • Consumption Upgrade: As global consumers’ living standards rise, demand for imported biscuits keeps growing—especially for high-quality, distinctive varieties. This creates vast market space for importers, who can introduce more novel, premium products to satisfy consumer needs and secure higher profits.
    • E-commerce development: The booming development of e-commerce has created new opportunities for imported biscuit trade. Through e-commerce platforms, importers can reach consumers more directly, expand sales channels, and reduce marketing costs. At the same time, the data analytics features of e-commerce platforms help importers understand consumer demand and market trends, enabling them to formulate marketing strategies with precision.
      

      Product Certification Services: Facilitating Compliance Operations

      When importing biscuits, product certification is an indispensable step. Different countries and regions impose varying certification requirements on food products. For instance, biscuits imported into China must generally comply with China’s national food-safety standards and may require certifications such as a Food Production License and a Food Business License. Although Zhongshen International Trade does not directly handle certification services, we assist clients in understanding the required certifications and provide professional guidance and advice. We inform clients of the certification procedures, the documents needed, and the points for attention, helping them complete the certification process smoothly and ensuring that their products enter the market in full compliance. Likewise, when exporting biscuits to markets such as Southeast Asia or Russia, we offer corresponding certification consulting services based on local regulatory requirements, safeguarding the legality and smooth progress of trade activities.

      In short, the imported-biscuit trade involves multiple stages—from document processing and logistics coordination to navigating shifting international trade conditions and securing product certifications—each demanding specialized knowledge and meticulous execution. With proven expertise in documentation and logistics services, plus in-depth insight into diverse markets, Zhongshen International Trade provides end-to-end support for your biscuit-import operations, helping you succeed in global commerce.