Importers in Spain and across Latin America increasingly buy disposable food packaging directly from Chinese factories to improve cost and choice. The process is straightforward when you break it into stages, but mistakes in documents, Incoterms or labelling can cause delays and extra cost. This guide walks through the stages from product selection to receiving goods.
This is general information, not legal or customs advice. Import rules differ by country and change often, so confirm them with your customs broker.
Step 1: Define the Product and the Market
Start with the food, the temperature range, the shelf life and the destination country. A tray for fresh meat sold in a Spanish supermarket has different requirements than a cup for iced drinks in Mexico. Use the product guides to narrow the choice: meat trays, salad and deli containers, cups and fast-food boxes.
Step 2: Check Food-Contact Compliance for Your Country
Spain follows the EU framework for materials in contact with food, including Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and, for plastics, Regulation (EU) 10/2011. Latin American countries have their own rules, and several refer to the Mercosur technical regulations or to FDA or EU standards. Ask your customs broker or a local regulator which standard your country applies, then request the matching declaration of compliance and migration test reports from the supplier. Our EU guide and FDA guide explain the basics.
Step 3: Request Quotations on a Comparable Basis
Ask for quotes in the same Incoterm, with gram weight, material and carton size stated. Compare landed cost, not only unit price; see the landed cost guide. Check minimum order quantities and lead times with the MOQ and lead-time guide.
Step 4: Choose the Incoterm
- FOB (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen or Guangzhou): common for repeat buyers with a freight forwarder.
- CIF (your port): convenient for first orders; the seller arranges freight and minimum insurance to your port.
- DAP or DDP: door delivery; verify who is the importer of record and who pays VAT and duties.
Step 5: Samples, Approval and Payment
Test samples with your real food and your sealing equipment. Confirm specifications in writing on a proforma invoice or purchase order, including material, gram weight, dimensions and packing. A common payment structure is a deposit before production and the balance against shipping documents, but terms are negotiable. Run an incoming check on arrival using the AQL inspection guide.
Step 6: Shipping Documents
The typical set includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin where applicable, and the compliance declarations. Your customs broker will tell you which additional documents your country requires. Make sure the product description and HS code are consistent across all documents, because mismatches cause inspection delays.
Step 7: Customs, Duties and Taxes
Import duty and VAT depend on the HS classification and country. Packaging made of plastic, paper or aluminium each fall under different headings, and trade measures such as anti-dumping duties may apply to some products. Ask your broker to confirm the classification and the duty rate before you order, so that the landed cost is accurate.
Step 8: Labelling and Language
Packaging that is sold empty to food businesses generally needs less consumer labelling than packaged food, but your customer may require product identification, a lot number and compliance marks on cartons. If you print consumer-facing text on the pack, it will normally need to be in the local language, with the correct symbols for use, such as microwave or recycling marks. Read the packaging claims guide before printing environmental statements.
Step 9: Receiving and Storage
Check cartons for damage, count against the packing list and take photos before signing. Store food packaging dry, off the floor and away from strong odours. Keep lot numbers and documents for traceability.
Common Mistakes
- Comparing quotes with different gram weights or Incoterms.
- Skipping a sample test with the real food.
- Ordering without confirming the HS code and duty rate.
- Printing claims without evidence.
Our factory operates under ISO 9001:2015 and BRCGS Packaging, and SGS third-party test reports can be supplied. Tell us your product, country and volume through our contact page.
Buyer FAQ
Which regulation applies in Spain?
Is FOB or CIF better for a first order?
Do I need a customs broker?
What documents will I receive with the shipment?
Can I order samples before a container?
Questions about this guide?
Tell us your product, quantity and target market — our engineers will help you apply it to your project.
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