Considerations when exporting premixes for animal feed

Export is a complex business, especially when premix for animal feed is involved. We can safely say the complexity, in this case, is actually even greater than for human food, and also that our own knowledge of and experience with export formalities and shipping can be a tremendous asset to our customers. This blog post discusses the many obligations you must take into account as a customer.

In Belgium as well as the rest of Europe, animal feed production is strictly regulated, with multiple organisations closely monitoring compliance. That isn’t always enough, however. Many countries have their own supplementary rules that must also be met for a premix product to be allowed on the market. These may range from prior registration and the accompanying requirements for certified documents and forms to analyses by customs officers and veterinary border controls for every product imported. We make every effort to respond flexibly to our customers’ documentation and logistics needs. Certain countries may also require external quality checks on departure by partners such as SGS or Bureau Veritas. In these cases, specific requirements in terms of documentation will, of course, apply.

In addition to premix products, VDS also supplies feed mills and farms with various goods and spare parts. We supply these to customers in European countries or purchase them independently in Europe to sell on to end customers outside European borders. This can make keeping track of all the various VAT obligations quite tricky, both for ourselves and for the suppliers and traders. Here again, we ensure that everything proceeds smoothly. Up-to-date VAT knowledge is another of our many valuable assets.

International payments hold no secrets for us. We read through documentary credit as easily as most people go through an ordinary letter. Years of experience have familiarised us with the jargon, the banking practices and the pitfalls. We know what it all means and can help our customers avoid costly errors. We’re also familiar with payment delays that can, in frequent cases, be attributed to a central bank rather than the customer, and will not lose confidence in our customers in the face of such setbacks.

Bills of exchange, documentary collections, standby letters of credit, bank guarantees: you name it, we know what to do. Are blockchain payments the future? VDS will be ready.

Products intended for export must comply with strict labelling and packaging requirements. We believe it is our duty to support our customers in such matters, for example if you ask for white label and supply your own packaging materials to be filled with our premixes and additives. We will look into ways to optimise the container load together with you. We are happy to guide you through the various rules and regulations and ensure a smooth shipping process.

VDS Premix was founded in 1966 and became involved in export soon after. We have built up extensive experience thanks to years of exports to all corners of the globe. We are fully aware of all the latest legislation and have shipped entire machines, warehouses, tower cranes, lorries and parts of all kinds. We even delivered 100 tonnes of premix by chartered plane once. As you see, we appreciate a challenge. We are eager to share the benefits of our wealth of experience with you.