1. What kind of lotus leavesExport agentWhat counts as professional?

Professional Agency Should PossessThree core competencies:

• Qualification certification system:
  • Hold the AEO advanced certification of the customs
  • Possessing special filing for agricultural product export
  • Be familiar with the organic certification conversion process in the target country (e.g., EU ECOCERT, US USDA).
• Risk control ability:
  • Real-time Updates on 2025 Phytosanitary Regulations for Various Countries (e.g., Revised Positive List System in Japan)
  • Establish a quality traceability system to comply with EU Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
• Value-added service network:
  • Pre-processing centers (cleaning, drying, grading) are established at major ports.
  • Establish strategic cooperation with customs clearance agents in the target country.

2. What new certifications are required for lotus leaf exports in 2025?

In addition to the traditional ISO 22000 certification, special attention should be paid to:

• Carbon Footprint Certification: Addressing the Second-Phase Implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• Biosafety Certification: Comply with the new regulations for imported plant products issued by DAFF Australia in 2024.
• Sustainable Packaging Certification: The German LUCID Packaging Registration System is mandatory.

III. How to Enhance Product Premium Pricing Through Proxy Services?

Professional agents should assist in completing the task.The Three-Step Process for Value Enhancement:

• Product Grading:
  • Grade and price based on diameter (Class A for >35cm), integrity (damage rate <3%), and dryness (moisture content ≤12%).
• Customized packaging:
  • Develop vacuum compression packaging that meets maritime shipping requirements (pressure resistance ≥200kg/m2).
  • Design biodegradable material packaging boxes (compliant with UK Plastic Packaging Tax exemption standards)
• Traceability Empowerment:
  • Deploy a blockchain traceability system (IBM Food Trust solution is recommended).

IV. How to Maintain the Quality of Lotus Leaves During Sea Transportation?

A professional agent should provideComprehensive Freshness Preservation Solution:

• The pre - treatment stage:
  • Adopt the combined microwave-hot air drying technology (with moisture content controlled at 9-11%).
• Container management:
  • Use CA containers (oxygen ≤3%, carbon dioxide ≥15%).
  • Equipped with a temperature and humidity recorder (must comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 certification).
• Emergency Treatment:
  • Establish an emergency transshipment network for Southeast Asian ports (set up emergency warehouses in Singapore and Port Klang).

V. How to Address Trade Barriers in Major Markets?

Recommendations for Key Markets in 2025:

• The European market:
  • Complete supplier due diligence in advance as required by the EU DRR Regulation ((EU) 2023/607).
• US Market:
  • Obtain USDA Process Verified Program certification to address FDA import alerts.
• ASEAN market:
  • Leverage RCEP's accumulation rules to obtain tariff preferences (regional value content ≥40%).

6. How can small and medium-sized exporters control agency costs?

Recommended to adoptTiered Service Plan:

• Basic Service Packages(Annual export volume < 20 containers):
  • Opt for Less than Container Load (LCL) service to reduce logistics costs.
  • Share third-party test reports (saving $300-500 per batch).
• Customized service packages(Annual export volume ≥50 containers):
  • Launch a dedicated shipping route (Shanghai-Rotterdam weekly express line).
  • Enjoy a 72-hour free demurrage period at the destination port.