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West Coast Backlog: Guidance for Freezing Product in Containers

Published: Feb 19, 2015

Due to shipping delays caused by the ongoing congestion in West Coast ports, many exporters are finding the need to freeze chilled product in its existing container in order to lengthen its shelf life.

USMEF has contacted USDA/FAS staff and foreign governments across the Asia Pacific region to determine each country’s requirements for product that must be frozen in transit.

  • South Korea and Singapore do not allow freezing in containers. Product must be frozen in a cold storage facility.
  • Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam require in lieu-of certificates to show that the product is now frozen rather than fresh. China also requires an in lieu-of certificate for this purpose, but please note that effective March 1, China will no longer accept in-lieu-of certificates.
  • Japan will allow original documentation as long as it is accompanied by a detailed explanation from the exporter showing that the product’s condition was changed due to the backlog in the West Coast ports.

Exporters with questions about these requirements may email Travis Arp or call 303-623-6328.