Ship Frozen Fruit from China: Complete Import & Cold Chain Guide
The global frozen fruit market has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with China emerging as one of the world's leading suppliers of IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) products. From premium blueberries and strawberries to tropical mango chunks and specialty berries, Chinese exporters now serve markets across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific with consistently high-quality frozen fruit.
But shipping frozen fruit from China isn't as straightforward as booking a container and waiting for arrival. The success of your shipment, and ultimately your business, depends on:
Maintaining strict temperature control throughout transit
Navigating complex documentation requirements
Working with partners who understand cold chain logistics nuances
Whether you're a food distributor sourcing IQF strawberries for the bakery industry, a retailer developing a private-label frozen fruit line, or a food manufacturer seeking reliable mango dice suppliers, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping frozen fruit from China.
Why Buy and Ship Frozen Fruit from China?
Competitive Advantages of Chinese Frozen Fruit Suppliers
China's frozen fruit industry has matured significantly, combining scale, quality certifications, and competitive pricing that makes it an attractive sourcing destination.
Cost efficiency without compromising quality
Vertical integration: many suppliers operate their own farms or maintain direct grower relationships in major production regions like Shandong and Yunnan (berries, stone fruits), Liaoning (strawberries), Guangxi and Hainan (tropical fruits)
Better pricing for high-volume buyers ordering full container loads
Reduced intermediary costs compared to competing origins
Advanced processing capabilities
Modern IQF tunnel freezers and automated sorting lines
Optical sorters that grade berries by size and color
Metal detectors and quality control laboratories
Climate-controlled storage maintaining product integrity from harvest to container loading
Comprehensive certification coverage
HACCP certification as industry standard
BRC (British Retail Consortium) or IFS (International Featured Standards) for European buyers
ISO 22000 for food safety management
Halal, Kosher, and organic certifications (EU and USDA) for specialty markets
Product Range and Customization Options
Chinese suppliers offer remarkable product diversity:
Berry varieties: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mixed berries
Tropical fruits: mango chunks/slices, pineapple chunks, lychee
Stone fruits: yellow peach slices, apricot halves
Specialty items: kiwi slices, ginkgo nuts, seabuckthorn berries
Customization options include:
Cut specifications (whole, sliced, diced, halved)
Packaging formats (bulk 10kg cartons for food service, retail-ready 500g or 1kg bags)
Private labeling with custom artwork and multilingual labels
Mixed SKU container consolidation (ship strawberries, blueberries, and mango in one reefer)
Why Shipping Frozen Fruit from China Requires Specialized Cold Chain Management
The Science Behind Temperature Sensitivity
Frozen fruit quality depends on maintaining cellular structure:
Proper IQF freezing: Water inside cells forms small ice crystals quickly, minimizing cell wall damage and preserving texture, color, nutritional value, and flavor
Temperature abuse consequences: Temperatures above -18°C cause ice crystals to melt and refreeze into larger crystals, rupturing cell walls
Quality degradation: Results in mushy texture, excessive drip loss, color bleeding in berries, and accelerated browning in mango and peach
Commercial impact: Containers showing temperature excursions above -15°C may face rejection, claims, or mandatory discounting at receiving.
Infrastructure Challenges in Long-Distance Shipping
Typical transit from China to Europe or North America involves 30-40 days of ocean transit, plus inland transport on both ends. Your product passes through multiple handover points:
Supplier's cold store → Loading docks → Reefer container → Vessel holds → Transshipment ports → Destination terminals
Risk factors at each transition:
Power interruptions at container terminals
Delays in connecting reefer units to shore power
Inadequate pre-cooling of containers before loading
Equipment failures during long ocean voyages
Modern reefer containers maintain precise temperatures but require continuous power supply and proper setup, making experienced cold chain logistics providers essential.
The Temperature & Handling Requirements for Frozen Fruit Reefer Shipping
Standard Temperature Specifications
Why -18°C?
Microbial growth essentially stops
Enzymatic reactions slow dramatically
Ice crystal growth stabilizes
Product maintains commercial quality for 18-24 months
Reefer Container Set Points and Airflow
Container configuration:
Set point: -18°C (or -20°C for extra protection)
Airflow design: Bottom-air delivery through T-floor
Cold air pushed under cargo floor, rises through pallets, returns to refrigeration unit
Critical airflow requirements:
Pallets must allow air circulation underneath and between boxes
Cargo must never block return air channels at container front
Poor stacking creates dead spots where temperature may reach -12°C or higher
Maintain 10cm gap from walls and ceiling
Pre-Cooling and Loading Protocols
Before loading:
Pre-cool reefer containers to target temperature (2-4 hours)
Verify container is at -18°C before product entry
Prevents condensation and temperature shock
During loading:
Complete 40-foot reefer loading in under 90 minutes
Use insulated loading bays and airlocks
Minimize exposure to ambient temperatures
Product core temperature must be -18°C or lower at loading
Temperature Monitoring Technology
Datalogger implementation:
Independent temperature recording devices placed inside cargo space
Record temperature every 15-60 minutes throughout transit
Create unalterable records protecting both buyer and supplier
Download data upon arrival to verify continuous compliance
Advanced monitoring options:
GPS-enabled dataloggers transmitting via satellite
Real-time remote monitoring while shipment is at sea
Immediate alerts if temperature deviations occur
Increasingly mandatory for major retailers
Real-World Case: Mixed Berry Shipment Success
Example: A 40' mixed-berry reefer from Qingdao to Rotterdam
Product mix: IQF strawberries (40%), blueberries (35%), raspberries (15%), blackberries (10%)
Set-point: -18°C maintained throughout journey
Transit time: 34 days port-to-port
Critical incident: 8-hour unplugged period at Singapore transshipment port during vessel transfer
Risk mitigation: Independent dataloggers placed in three locations (front, middle, rear of container) plus one deep inside pallet core
Outcome: Product accepted without claims because dataloggers showed product never warmed above -17.5°C inside the pallet core, even during the unplugged period. Container insulation and pre-cooling provided sufficient thermal mass protection.
Lesson learned: Investment in multiple dataloggers (cost: approximately $150-300 total) protected a $28,000 shipment value and preserved buyer relationship.
This case demonstrates why temperature monitoring is not an optional extra, it's essential insurance for your investment and proof of proper cold chain management when incidents occur.
Packing & Palletizing Standards for Frozen Fruit Shipping from China
Primary Packaging: Cartons and Inner Liners
Carton specifications:
Material: Corrugated cardboard with polyethylene inner liners
B2B bulk packs: 10kg or 20kg (sometimes 25lb for US markets)
Retail formats: 300g to 1kg pouches or bags
Construction: Wax-coated or poly-laminated for moisture resistance
Compression strength: Must support 1,000+ kg stacking weight
Inner liner requirements:
Food-grade PE (polyethylene), 60-100 microns thick
Prevents freezer burn and moisture migration
Sealed after filling to contain product if carton damaged
Palletizing Configuration to Ship Frozen Fruit
A typical palletized unit load for frozen fruit is around 1.0–1.5 t per pallet, depending on pallet design and stacking height.
Pallet height: 1.2m to 1.5m (limited by reefer container internal height)
Securing method:
Interlocking pattern (columnar or brick-style)
4-6 layers of stretch film
Corner boards for stability and top-layer protection
Load Distribution and Airflow Considerations
Critical principles for effective refrigeration:
Maintain T-floor gap: Pallets must sit on raised channels without blocking airflow underneath
Leave ventilation space: 10cm gap around perimeter; 10-15cm clearance at front wall
Uniform loading: Avoid mixed pallet heights; place shorter pallets near door if necessary
Proper weight distribution: Never exceed container weight limits or stuff cargo against ceiling
Labeling and Traceability
Mandatory carton information:
Product name and net weight
Production date and batch/lot number
Expiry date (if applicable)
Multilingual labels (Chinese + destination language)
Advanced traceability features:
Time–temperature indicator labels that change colour only if the product has been above the critical temperature (e.g. -18°C) for a defined period, giving a more realistic indication of potential cold chain breaks.
QR codes or barcodes linking to production records
Verification of origin, certification status, and test results
EU and US food safety regulation compliance
Understanding HS Codes and Documentation for Frozen Fruit Shipping
Key HS Codes for Frozen Fruit from China
Understanding proper HS (Harmonized System) codes is critical for accurate customs declarations, tariff calculations, and regulatory compliance.
Important notes:
HS codes may have additional digits (8-10 digits) depending on destination country
Tariff rates vary significantly by destination and trade agreements
Misclassification can result in penalties, shipment delays, or incorrect duty payments
Always verify current HS codes with your customs broker before shipping
Essential Documentation Checklist
Mandatory documents for all frozen fruit shipments:
Commercial Invoice - Detailed product description, HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, supplier and buyer information, payment terms and Incoterms
Packing List - Carton count, net/gross weight per carton, pallet configuration and total shipment weight, container number and seal number
Bill of Lading (B/L) - Contract of carriage and proof of shipment, must note reefer set point temperature, consignee and notify party details
Health/Sanitary Certificate - Issued by General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), certifies product meets health standards, confirms supplier facility is approved for export
Certificate of Origin - Form E (ASEAN FTA), RCEP certificate, or standard CO, determines preferential tariff treatment
Additional documentation for specific markets:
EU imports: TRACES-NT pre-notification, phytosanitary certificate for plant products
US imports: FDA Prior Notice must be filed well in advance of arrival , typically at least 8 hours before arrival for sea freight and 4 hours for air freight. Work with your customs broker to make sure timings match your specific route and mode.
Organic products: Valid organic certificate from EU/USDA-recognized certification body
Test certificates: Pesticide residue screening, microbiological analysis, heavy metals testing
To ensure seamless customs clearance, importers should:
Submit all documents electronically in advance when possible
Verify exact name/address matching across all documents
Keep digital copies accessible for quick sharing with authorities
Work with customs brokers experienced in frozen food imports
Maintain certificate validity tracking systems to avoid expired documents
Explore documentation checklist and clearance strategy when shipping refeers from China
Best Practices for Safe & Compliant Frozen Fruit Shipping from China
1. Select Reliable Reefer Carriers
Evaluate carriers based on key criteria:
Modern reefer equipment: Newer containers (less than 5 years old) with better insulation, precise digital temperature control, and backup systems
Dedicated reefer operations teams: Specialized staff conducting regular container pre-trip inspections (PTI), guaranteed plug-in times at terminals, and 24/7 monitoring
Route suitability: Direct services minimize transshipment risk; verify intermediate port facilities if transshipment necessary
2. Implement Comprehensive Quality Assurance Programs
Supplier verification process:
Request current factory certifications: HACCP (baseline), BRC/IFS (European markets), ISO 22000; verify certificates are within validity period
Review recent test reports: Pesticide residues (compare to destination MRLs), microbiological tests, heavy metals analysis
Conduct factory audits: Evaluate cold storage conditions, processing hygiene, pest control programs, and traceability systems
Order pre-shipment samples: Test in your market for quality, taste, texture after thawing, and specification compliance
Ongoing monitoring should include batch-specific test certificates with each shipment and third-party inspection at loading (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas) for initial shipments or random audits.
3. Optimize Transit Time and Route Planning
Typical sea freight transit times from major Chinese ports:
Air freight considerations: Cost is 5-8 times higher than sea freight per kilogram. Best use: initial samples (50-200kg), urgent top-up shipments, or high-value organic products. Standard strategy: trial by air → scale by reefer FCL once demand validated.
Learn how to book refeer containers for your frozen shipment
4. Manage Incoterms Strategically
Common Incoterms and recommendations:
FOB (Free On Board) Chinese port: You arrange ocean freight and insurance. Best control over carrier selection and logistics management. Recommended for buyers with established freight forwarder relationships.
CIF/CFR (Cost Insurance Freight / Cost and Freight): Supplier arranges ocean freight. Convenient but less control over carrier and routing. Suitable for smaller buyers without logistics expertise.
DAP/DDP (Delivered at Place / Delivered Duty Paid): Supplier handles everything including customs clearance. Highest cost but maximum convenience. Less common for frozen fruit due to complexity.
Payment term considerations: New suppliers typically require 30% deposit + 70% against documents. Established relationships may shift to L/C (Letter of Credit) or 30-60 day payment terms.
5. Establish Cold Chain Contingency Plans
Prepare for potential disruptions:
Equipment failure backup: Know carrier's procedures for reefer malfunctions at sea (backup units, emergency protocols, nearest port options)
Port congestion protocols: Understand costs if container sits unplugged beyond free time; some terminals charge $50-150/day after grace period
Insurance coverage: Ensure marine cargo insurance covers temperature-related spoilage, not just physical damage; typical premium 0.3-0.8% of cargo value
Documentation for claims: Maintain complete temperature records from origin to destination, photograph container condition at loading and discharge, and obtain independent surveyor reports immediately if quality issues suspected (within 24-48 hours).
Why Choose Gerudo Logistics for Your Frozen Fruit Shipments
Gerudo Logistics specializes in temperature-controlled cargo from China, with extensive experience managing frozen fruit shipments to global markets. Our team understands the critical touchpoints in frozen logistics, from factory cold store audits and container pre-cooling verification to reefer booking with reliable shipping lines and coordinating seamless customs clearance.
Our frozen fruit shipping expertise includes:
Supplier network access: Working with certified Chinese frozen fruit suppliers across major production regions (Shandong, Liaoning, Guangxi, Fujian) with verified HACCP, BRC/IFS, and organic certifications
Temperature integrity assurance: Implementing comprehensive temperature monitoring protocols with datalogger services, real-time tracking options, and detailed reporting for your quality team
Regulatory compliance support: Providing detailed shipment documentation that satisfies regulatory requirements in Europe (TRACES-NT, health certificates), North America (FDA Prior Notice, customs compliance), Middle East (Halal certification coordination), and Asia-Pacific markets
Flexible shipping solutions: Managing both trial shipments (LCL reefer consolidation or air freight for 100-500kg samples) and high-volume container programs (multiple 40' reefer FCL monthly)
End-to-end visibility: Online tracking portals showing container location, temperature status, and estimated arrival times
Whether you're shipping your first trial order of IQF strawberries or scaling to multiple containers monthly of mixed berry SKUs, our cold chain expertise ensures your frozen fruit arrives in optimal condition, meeting quality standards and protecting your investment.
Ready to start importing frozen fruit from China? Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Fruit Shipping from China
What temperature should frozen fruit be shipped at from China?
Frozen fruit should be maintained at -18°C or below throughout the entire shipping process. Some buyers specify -20°C for additional safety margin. This temperature ensures product quality, texture, and flavor remain stable during long ocean voyages.
Is sea freight or air freight better for frozen fruit from China?
For bulk commercial shipments, reefer sea freight is the standard choice due to cost efficiency. Air freight is used for urgent orders, small sample shipments, or very high-value products like organic wild berries. Most businesses start with air freight for initial trials, then shift to full container loads by sea once demand is confirmed.
How long does frozen fruit shipping take from China to major markets?
Transit times vary by destination: approximately 30-40 days to Northern Europe, 14-20 days to the US West Coast, and 25-35 days to the US East Coast. These are port-to-port times, add several days for inland transport, customs clearance, and final delivery.
What certifications should Chinese frozen fruit suppliers have?
Reputable exporters typically hold HACCP certification as a baseline. For European markets, BRC or IFS certification is increasingly important. Additional certifications include ISO 22000 (food safety management), and for specialty products, organic (EU/USDA), Halal, or Kosher certification depending on your market requirements.
Can I consolidate different frozen fruits in one container?
Yes, consolidation is common and economical. You can combine strawberries, blueberries, mango, and other fruits in a single reefer container as long as they share the same temperature requirement (-18°C) and your packaging and labeling clearly differentiate each SKU.
What are the main risks when shipping frozen fruit?
Temperature abuse during loading, terminal delays causing extended power disconnection, poor container stacking blocking airflow, and freeze-thaw cycles during transshipment are the primary risks. Using experienced logistics providers, implementing temperature monitoring, and following proper loading protocols significantly reduces these risks.
Do I need special import permits for frozen fruit?
Requirements vary by destination. The EU requires health certificates and TRACES-NT notification. The US requires FDA prior notice and supplier facility compliance. Many countries require phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin for tariff benefits, and laboratory test certificates. Consult with a customs broker familiar with your market's specific requirements.
