How to authenticate red wineExport Agent ServicesWhat are the vendor's professional qualifications?

When selecting an agency, focus on verifying three core qualifications:

• Import and exportEnterprises need to have legal import and export qualifications, including:: Verify the customs-registered import/export enterprise code (10-digit customs registration number)
• Food Circulation Qualification: Including Food Business License and Import-Export Food Filing Certificate
• Industry practical operation cases: Provide comparable products from the past three yearsExport ClearanceSingle (desensitized version)

It is recommended to request the distributor to provide a bank credit certificate and to conduct an on-site inspection of their storage facilities. I once handled a case for a French winery where substandard cold-chain warehousing by the distributor caused an entire container of red wine to spoil, resulting in a direct loss of USD 270,000.

What special documents are required for export customs clearance?

In addition to the standard commercial invoice and packing list, special attention should be paid to the following for red wine exports:

• Origin CertificateBook (must match the origin stated on the wine label)
• Proof of Wine-Grape Varieties (required by some countries)
• Alcohol Concentration Test Report (tolerance must not exceed ±0.5%)
• Chinese back-label filing certificate (to be applied for 6 months in advance)

Starting in 2025, the European Union will addOrganic Certification Traceability QR CodeRequirements: It is recommended to contact the certification body in advance. When declaring customs, be sure to verify the accuracy of the HS code; the tariff difference between ordinary red wine (22042100) and sparkling wine (22041011) can reach 12%.

What are the differences in tariff policies across different destination countries?

Current tariff policies in the primary markets:

• America: Taxed by alcohol content (below 14% at $1.07/liter, 14% and above at $3.15/liter)
• Australia: China-Australia FTA preferential tariff 5%; FORM S certificate required
• Southeast Asian countries: An ASEAN Certificate of Origin grants zero-tariff treatment, but requires a regional value content of ≥40%.

Please note that after Brexit, the UK has adopted the UKCA certification standard independently, and Germany requires its provision.VDP Alliance Certification(Certified by the Premium Wine Estates Association). It is recommended to conduct a compliance pre-check before export to avoid demurrage charges upon arrival at the port.

Maritime transportHow can the stability of red wine quality be ensured during the process?

Based on 20 years of operational experience, the following measures are recommended:

• Container selection: Must be usedconstant - temperature containers(Temperature setting: 12–18 °C)
• Shockproof packaging: Each bottle is individually wrapped in an air-column bag, with EPE pearl-cotton padding between layers.
• Humidity Control: Place a hygrometer inside the container (it is recommended to maintain 60–70%).
• Transport Insurance: Cover All Risks + Risk of Clash & Breakage; the insured amount is recommended to be 110% of the CIF value.

Handled a Chilean red-wine cargo claim in which 86 cases of loss could not be compensated because breakage insurance had not been taken out. It is recommended to choose a carrier with wine-shipping experience, such as Maersk’s Wine Carrier service.

How to cope with market-access restrictions in the destination country?

Key Risk Points and Solutions:

• Islamic countries: advance application requiredHalal Certification(HALAL Certification)
• US Market: TTB certification must include six mandatory label items, such as alcohol content and net volume.
• Japan market: must passJAS Organic CertificationReview
• Korean Market: RequiredViticulture Resume(traceable to the cultivation stage)

It is recommended to conduct a compliance pre-check before export; an Italian wine producer once had an entire shipment detained by the U.S. FDA for failing to label “contains sulfites,” resulting in a loss of $350,000.

How can tax risks be avoided under an agency sales model?

Special attention must be paid to two types of tax issues:

• Tax Rebates: The filing documents must include the agent's official seal.Export contract
• Transfer pricing: Related-party transaction prices must comply with the OECD arm’s length principle

In 2025, customs will strengthen the verification of the dutiable value of red wine; it is recommended to keep the completeProcurement Payment Voucher. One case revealed that an agent’s under-declaration of value triggered a customs price-query procedure, ultimately resulting in back taxes and late-payment penalties totaling 18% of the goods’ value.