Rejections are usually preventable
A rejected container at an EU port is expensive: demurrage, re-export or destruction costs, and a blown customer commitment. The frustrating part is that most rejections trace back to issues that were visible before loading.
The three common causes
Documentation mismatches — certificates that don't match the shipment, missing phytosanitary paperwork, or an EORI/importer detail wrong on the bill of lading.
Contaminants and residues — aflatoxins in nuts and spices, pesticide residues above EU MRLs, or moisture that triggers mould in transit.
Inspection gaps — no independent check at sampling or loading, so a quality problem only surfaces on arrival.
How to prevent it
Agree the exact EU requirements in the contract, not after. Coordinate accredited testing (SGS, Cotecna) at sampling for the specific residues and contaminants that apply to your product. Inspect at loading so the container that sails is the one you approved.
Prevention costs a fraction of a rejection. It is the whole reason inspection coordination exists.
Put this into practice
Have us verify a supplier or source for you — flat fee, 48-hour reply.
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