The European Union (EU) has long been one of Vietnam’s largest and most promising seafood export markets. However, it is also known for its stringent regulations on quarantine, food safety, and customs procedures.
To help businesses optimize their processes and avoid unnecessary risks, Songwin International Logistics is pleased to provide a comprehensive guide to exporting seafood to the EU below.
1. Conditions for Exporting Seafood to the EU
Not every business or shipment is eligible to enter the EU market. Before proceeding, companies must ensure the following key requirements are met:
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Approved exporter status: Processing facilities must be listed among Vietnamese enterprises authorized to export to the EU (approved by the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department – NAFIQAD and published on the EU website).
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Traceable origin: Seafood (wild-caught or farmed) must have clear traceability with a Certificate of Origin and must comply with regulations against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU).
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Food safety compliance: Products must meet international standards such as HACCP, ISO 22000, IFS, or BRC (depending on buyer requirements).
2. Customs Procedures and Required Documentation
Exporting seafood to the EU requires a strict and complete documentation set.
Mandatory export documents:
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Commercial Invoice
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Packing List
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Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
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Export Customs Declaration
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Certificate of Origin (C/O Form EUR.1) to benefit from EVFTA tariff preferences
Specialized documents for seafood:
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Health Certificate: Issued by the competent authority, certifying that the shipment meets food safety standards and is disease-free.
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Catch Certificate: Required for wild-caught seafood to prove compliance with IUU regulations.
3. Important Notes to Avoid Rejection at EU Borders
⚠️ Warning: EU inspections at Border Control Posts (BCPs) are extremely strict. Even minor errors may result in shipment rejection or destruction, causing significant losses.
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Control of chemical residues: The EU enforces very low Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for antibiotics and chemicals.
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Packaging and labeling requirements: Labels must clearly indicate species name (scientific and commercial), production method (wild-caught or farmed), FAO fishing area, and expiry date in the language of the importing country.
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Cold chain integrity: Frozen seafood must be maintained at standard temperatures (typically -18°C or lower) throughout the entire supply chain—from factory to the buyer’s warehouse.
Songwin International Logistics – Your Trusted Partner for Seafood Export to the EU
Handling seafood export procedures independently requires in-depth knowledge of international regulations, specialized documentation, and an optimized logistics network. Understanding these challenges, Songwin International Logistics Vietnam proudly offers professional, end-to-end logistics solutions tailored for the seafood industry.
Why choose Songwin International Logistics?
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Expertise in cold chain logistics: We implement strict temperature-controlled processes to ensure seafood quality is preserved throughout transportation.
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Fast customs clearance: Our experienced team thoroughly understands EU regulations and supports businesses in obtaining Health Certificates, Catch Certificates, and C/O Form EUR.1 quickly and accurately.
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Competitive freight rates: With strong partnerships with major shipping lines and airlines, we secure space and offer competitive pricing—even during peak seasons.
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End-to-end (Door-to-Door) services: From factory pickup, export procedures, international transportation to final delivery at the EU partner’s warehouse.
Don’t let complex procedures slow down your expansion into the EU market!
Contact Songwin International Logistics Vietnam today for a free consultation and the most optimized seafood export solution for your business.
SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO., LTD
📍 Address: 344 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline (24/7): +84 83 681 3969 - +84 373 262 105
📧 Email: Sales2@songwinlog.com
Songwin Logistics – Trust Builds the Brand, Professionalism Creates Success.
