{"id":31709,"date":"2024-03-06T09:08:31","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T00:08:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/?p=31709"},"modified":"2026-03-26T12:43:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T05:43:37","slug":"how-to-import-pet-foods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/contents\/how-to-import-pet-foods\/","title":{"rendered":"Challenges and solutions for importing pet food from overseas \u2014 and the companies that can support you"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
As the pet food market continues to expand, importing products from overseas is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, there are many hidden hurdles in the process\u2014tariffs, transportation costs, and regulatory compliance, to name just a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At First Reach (Thailand) Co., Ltd.<\/strong>, we support companies facing these challenges by helping them select reliable OEM factories<\/strong>, arrange efficient export\/import agents<\/strong>, and provide advice and hands-on support<\/strong> required for overseas business development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we will analyze the key challenges involved in importing pet food from abroad and explain the solutions we offer in detail. We will also share practical tips for successfully running an overseas OEM business, with the goal of helping your company import pet food with confidence and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Challenges of importing pet food from overseas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Importing pet food from overseas can be an attractive business opportunity for many companies, but it also comes with a wide range of challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Costs associated with importing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When importing pet food from overseas, various costs arise\u2014not only product and packaging costs, but also the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
\n
\n
Tariffs (customs duties)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Import consumption tax<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Domestic and international transportation costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Accurately understanding these costs and building a solid budget is essential for business success. Proper cost management is also key to maximizing profit and running operations efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tariffs (customs duties)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Tariffs applied to imported products are determined based on the importing country\u2019s customs regulations and trade agreements. Tariff rates vary depending on the product category and country of origin, and are assessed by the customs authority of the importing country. Because tariffs are added on top of the product price, they directly affect total import costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Import consumption tax<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Import tax refers to taxes imposed by the importing country on imported products. This tax is calculated based on the value of the goods and is paid separately from tariffs. Tax rates are determined according to the importing country\u2019s tax laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Japan, the import consumption tax rate is a combined rate of national and local consumption tax, and is divided into four categories: 10%, 8%, 6.24%, and 2.2%<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Domestic and international transportation costs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Transportation costs are incurred both overseas and domestically to ship products. These may include ocean freight, air freight, and trucking in both the exporting and importing countries. Transportation costs vary depending on cargo volume and shipping method, so careful planning is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cargo insurance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
To prepare for potential loss or damage during transportation, cargo insurance is generally recommended. Premiums depend on the value of the goods and the mode of transport, but insurance plays an important role in ensuring a safe and stable import operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Document issuance fees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Import operations require various documents. In many cases, fees apply to obtain documents such as health certificates and preferential tariff documents (e.g., JTEPA<\/strong>). You should also account for international remittance fees and bank charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regulatory compliance issues at import<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When importing pet food, you must comply with the regulations and laws of each country. This includes restrictions on ingredients and additives, health certificate requirements, and packaging\/labeling standards. Without a clear understanding of these rules, you may face serious issues such as being unable to import the product into Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Documents required to confirm import eligibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
\n
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Ingredient list (including ingredient composition, nutritional components, and ratios)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Manufacturing process chart (if heating\/drying is involved, include temperature and time details)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Photo of the kibble (to confirm shape)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Packaging photos for distribution in Japan (front\/side\/back and overall view)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
If you manufacture and export a product but later discover it cannot be imported into Japan, everything will be wasted. To prevent this, make sure you thoroughly confirm import eligibility in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note: Depending on the product, additional documents may be required.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because Japan and Thailand have an Economic Partnership Agreement, submitting documents such as JTEPA<\/strong> can reduce import tariffs to zero or a lower rate<\/strong>, depending on the product. Knowing and using these schemes can significantly affect your unit cost and competitiveness in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note: Depending on the product, additional documents may be required.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communication with overseas OEM factories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finding the right OEM factory is a crucial step in overseas pet food manufacturing. To identify a reliable manufacturer, it is essential to maintain close communication and discuss details such as product quality, lead time, and pricing thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of OEM products made in Thailand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
We often propose pet food development and contract manufacturing (OEM) in Thailand for both cat and dog food. Why Thailand? Below are the key reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proven track record as a major pet food exporter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to TPFA (Thai Pet Food Trade Association)<\/strong>, Thailand\u2019s export value increased by 27% year-on-year<\/strong> to more than 65 billion baht<\/strong> in 2021, making Thailand the world\u2019s third-largest pet food exporter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thailand\u2019s top five export destinations are the United States, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, and Australia<\/strong>. Demand for Thai-made pet food is also growing in other Asian countries such as India, Indonesia, and Laos<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The steady growth of Thailand\u2019s pet food exports accelerated further, showing a 43% year-on-year increase as of July 2022<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Dr. Chanintr Chalisarapong<\/strong>, Chairman of TPFA, Thailand\u2019s long-standing expertise in canned tuna production (about 20% of the world\u2019s canned tuna<\/strong> is produced in Thailand) has also contributed to the expansion of wet pet food manufacturing. As a result, wet food production in Thailand has become increasingly active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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