FOOD & BEVERAGE
Tinned Food
Tinned and canned food is one of the most common food commodities moved by sea. Products range from canned vegetables and fruit to fish, meat, and ready meals. Food-grade container compliance, correct labelling for the destination market, and shelf-life documentation are essential for smooth border clearance. GoodFreight arranges sea freight for tinned food with the food safety and documentation support that importers and retailers require.
Major trade lanes include Spain and Italy to the UK, Thailand and China to Europe, and South America to the UK and EU. We handle FCL and LCL shipments and advise on labelling and food safety requirements for your destination market.
JOURNEY
How This Shipment Works
Product and destination compliance confirmed
Food-grade container and loading
Documentation prepared
Export clearance and departure
In transit
Destination customs clearance and delivery
Step 01
Product and destination compliance confirmed
We confirm product type, origin, destination, and labelling and food safety requirements for the destination market.
WATCH OUT
Common Pitfalls and How We Avoid Them
Container prior cargo contamination
Tinned food must be shipped in containers that have not carried non-food or incompatible prior cargo. We require certificates of cleanliness and prior cargo history for food-grade bookings.
Labelling and shelf-life non-compliance
Destination markets have specific labelling and shelf-life requirements. Incorrect or missing information leads to border delays or rejection. We advise on the documentation set required for your destination.
Denting and damage
Cans are vulnerable to denting and damage during handling and transit. Correct stowage and securing reduce the risk. We specify handling and stowage requirements for tin shipments.
TRADE LANES
Routes We Handle
We regularly handle this cargo on the following routes:
| Origin | Destination | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | United Kingdom | 5 to 10 days |
| Thailand | Netherlands | 22 to 28 days |
| Italy | United States | 14 to 20 days |
| China | United Kingdom | 25 to 32 days |
| Brazil | Germany | 18 to 24 days |
RELATED
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is required for tinned food imports into the EU?
Tinned food imports into the EU require a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and a health certificate or equivalent from the competent authority in the country of origin, confirming the product meets EU food safety requirements. The consignment must come from an approved establishment where applicable. Pre-notification via TRACES may be required. Labelling must comply with EU regulations including allergen and nutritional information. We advise on the full documentation set and any destination-specific requirements for your product and origin.
Can you arrange LCL consolidation for small tinned food shipments?
Yes. LCL consolidation is suitable for smaller volumes of tinned food where a full container is not required. We consolidate with other food-grade or compatible cargo and ensure the container used is food-grade and compliant with prior cargo requirements. Transit times are longer than FCL due to consolidation and deconsolidation, but cost-effective for smaller consignments.
How do you ensure containers are food-grade for tinned food?
We specify food-grade container requirements at booking and obtain confirmation from the carrier or depot that the container has been cleaned and is free from prior cargo that could contaminate food. We can arrange a certificate of cleanliness or prior cargo declaration. For high-risk or high-value food shipments, we recommend containers that have been professionally cleaned and inspected before loading.
Shipping tinned food?
Tell us the product type, origin, volume, and destination. We will confirm food-grade options, documentation, and transit time.