1. What international certifications are required for exporting cat bowls and dishes?

According to the latest 2025 trade regulations, special attention must be paid to the following certification requirements for pet tableware exports:

• U.S. FDA Food Contact Material Certification: Suitable for plastic/silicone products and must pass the 21CFR 177.1520 test
• EU Regulation 1935/2004: Lead and cadmium migration levels for ceramic products must comply with the EN 1388 standard
• Japan JFSL Food Sanitation Act: The leaching amount of heavy metals must comply with the Ministry of Health and Welfare Notification No. 370 of 1959 (Showa 34).
• RoHS 3.0 Directive: Four additional phthalate restrictions to be introduced starting 2025

2. How to EvaluateExport agentIII. How Are Agency Export Costs Structured?

It is recommended to filter through three dimensions:

• Qualification verification:
  • Verify the customs AEO Advanced Certification qualification
  • Confirmed to hold membership in the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)
• Capacity of service:
  • Please provide export cases of similar products from the past three years.
  • Verify the network coverage capabilities of overseas customs clearance partners
• Wind control system:
  • Inquire about the scope of cargo insurance coverage (it is recommended to request the All Risks clause).
  • Confirm the dispute-resolution mechanism (prioritize agents that provide LC/CAD payment guarantees).

3. How can the HS code for cat bowls and dishes be accurately classified?

According to the 2025 HS Code revision proposal:

• Ceramic material: Classified under 6911.1010 (Other household ceramic articles)
• Plastic material: Classified under 3924.1000 (Tableware and kitchenware of plastics)
• Special Attention: Smart feeding bowls with electronic components should be classified under 8516.7990 (other electro-thermic appliances).

Request for Agent ProvisionPre-classification service, you can verify the accuracy of the code online through the General Administration of Customs' "Internet + Customs" platform.

IV. How to design optimal logistics solutions?

According to 2025International logisticsPrice Index, it is recommended to use:

• LCL Ocean Freight Solution:
  • A 20GP container can hold approximately 1,200 sets of standard-sized dishes.
  • LCL rate for the US West Coast route is approximately $85/CBM (including fuel surcharge)
• Economy Air Freight Solution:
  • Utilizing the ULD container loading optimization solution published by IATA
  • Hong Kong–Frankfurt route: special-rate cargo space as low as $3.2/kg
• Emerging channels：China-Europe Railway Expressanimal suppliesThe dedicated train service guarantees a stable transit time of 18 days and cuts freight costs by 40% compared to air freight.

5. How should you handle after-sales disputes?

Based on the 23 pet-supply dispute cases handled by our firm, we recommend:

• Prevention in advance:
  • Clearly define the quality dispute resolution process in the agency agreement
  • Require the Agent to ProvideThird-party inspection reports(Recommended: choose SGS or BV)
• Emergency Treatment:
  • Use the overseas warehouse of the agent for temporary storage and secondary quality inspection
  • Initiate expedited arbitration proceedings through the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Mediation Centre
• Loss control: Insured by China Export & Credit Insurance CorporationComprehensive Insurance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, covering up to 90% of the loan loss

VI. How to Seize the New Market Trends in 2025?

According to the latest data from Global Pet Expo:

• Smart Feeding Device: A compound annual growth rate of 17.3% suggests developing a smart bowl with integrated weighing functionality.
• Environmentally friendly materials：Bamboo-fiber tableware demand has surged 42%; biodegradability testing and certification must be secured in advance.
• Customized services: It is recommended to establish cooperation with an agentOverseas Cloud Warehouse, providing value-added services such as laser engraving