How to Import Popping Boba to the US and Europe
For bubble tea businesses sourcing from overseas, working with reliable boba suppliers is only the first step. Importing popping boba to the US or Europe requires a solid understanding of food safety standards, customs requirements and necessary certifications. In this guide, we’ll break down the key documents and regulations you need to know to ensure a smooth and compliant import process.
Why Importing Popping Boba is a Growing Opportunity
The global love for bubble tea is booming—and with it, the demand for bulk bubble tea ingredients especially bulk popping boba is rising steadily, especially in Western markets like the U.S. and Europe. From mango popping pearls and strawberry bursting boba to blueberry popping boba, these colorful, juice-filled pearls have become a staple in trendy cafés, dessert shops and even supermarket beverage aisles.
This booming trend presents a strong opportunity for importers and distributors. By partnering with trusted boba suppliers in Asia, businesses can tap into a fast-growing segment with high margins and versatile product applications. Popping boba’s long shelf life, easy storage and vibrant appearance make it especially appealing for foodservice, retail and e-commerce channels.
For those looking to expand their product lines or enter the bubble tea market, importing popping boba offers a low-risk, high-reward investment.
Key Documents Required to Import Popping Boba
Before importing popping boba in bulk, understanding the required documentation is crucial for smooth customs clearance and regulatory compliance. Whether you're a first-time importer or a seasoned distributor, having the right paperwork ensures your shipment arrives on time and avoids costly delays.
● Commercial Invoice & Packing List
These are the foundational documents required in any popping boba shipment. The commercial invoice provides detailed information on the buyer, seller, item description, unit price, total value and payment terms. The packing list complements this by outlining the quantity, packaging method and weight or volume of the goods. Make sure all descriptions match the actual contents, as customs officials rely on these documents to assess duties and verify compliance. Mistakes or inconsistencies may cause delays or rejections at the port.
● Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Depending on whether your popping boba is shipped by sea or air, you’ll receive either a bill of lading (B/L) or an air waybill (AWB). These serve as proof of shipment and ownership, and are required for customs clearance. The carrier or freight forwarder usually provides them after cargo has been loaded. Always check that the consignee details and cargo description are accurate, and ensure that the document matches your shipping method and incoterms (such as FOB or CIF).
● Certificate of Origin
This official document certifies that the popping boba was manufactured in a specific country. Many customs authorities, especially in the EU and U.S., require a certificate of origin (COO) to determine eligibility for tariff reductions under trade agreements. If your supplier is based in China and you are importing under an FTA, this document may reduce your import duty. Make sure the COO is issued by a recognized chamber or government authority.
● Purchase Contract & Payment Terms
While not always mandatory, customs officials or banks may request to see a purchase contract during audits or disputes. This contract outlines the transaction terms, pricing, delivery timeline and responsibilities between buyer and supplier. When importing bulk popping boba, especially under LC (Letter of Credit) or TT (Telegraphic Transfer) payment terms, these documents support transparency and compliance during customs inspections and financial settlements.
Food Safety Certifications You Need
Ensuring your popping boba meets international food safety standards is critical when exporting to developed markets like the US and Europe. Buyers, especially B2B partners, often require proof of compliance before placing bulk orders. Below are the key certifications you’ll need to successfully enter these regions.
● US Market Requirements (FDA Registration, FCE/SID)
To export popping boba to the United States, your manufacturing facility must be registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, if the product is heat-treated or sealed in a container, an FCE (Food Canning Establishment) and SID (Submission Identifier) registration is required. These steps are mandatory to ensure your products are traceable and meet U.S. public health standards.
● Europe Market Requirements (EU Food Safety, HACCP, ISO22000)
For the European Union, exporters of popping boba must comply with EU food safety regulations. Key certifications include HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000, which demonstrate that your production process is safe, hygienic and standardized. Certifications such as IFS (International Featured Standards) or BRC (British Retail Consortium) may also be required by certain retailers or distributors.
● Halal, Kosher, Vegan Labels
To target a broader audience, particularly in regions with religious or dietary preferences, certifications like Halal, Kosher and Vegan are highly valuable. These labels not only increase consumer trust but also open doors to markets such as the Middle East, parts of the U.S., and Europe, where such certifications are often mandatory for food purchases.
Labeling and Packaging Standards
Proper labeling and packaging are essential for regulatory compliance and building trust with international buyers. Each target market has strict guidelines regarding what information must appear on your popping boba products. Below are the key areas you need to pay attention to.
● Ingredient Disclosure and Nutrition Facts
In both the United States and the European Union, it is mandatory to clearly list all ingredients used in the product, in descending order by weight. Nutrition facts such as calories, sugar content, fat and carbohydrates must also be displayed in a standardized format. This helps consumers make informed decisions and ensures compliance with local food labeling laws.
● Allergens and Additives Declaration
You are required to explicitly declare any allergens, such as milk, soy or gluten, as well as any additives like artificial colorings, flavorings or preservatives. These elements must be highlighted or emphasized on the label to prevent potential health risks and meet legal obligations, especially in markets with strict food transparency standards.
● Language and Label Format
The language used on your product label must align with the regulations of the destination country. For example, labels for the U.S. market must be in English, while products in France require French and Germany requires German. Additionally, the label layout must follow local formatting rules, including font size, placement of mandatory information and barcode standards.
Customs Compliance and Border Inspection
To ensure a smooth import process, B2B buyers must be aware of customs documentation, tariff classification and potential border inspections. Proper preparation not only speeds up clearance but also helps avoid unexpected delays and costs.
● HS Codes and Duty Rates for Popping Boba
Popping boba is typically classified under HS Code 2106.90, which covers other food preparations not elsewhere specified. However, exact classification may vary depending on the specific formulation or packaging. Each destination country applies different duty rates, ranging from 0% to 20%, depending on trade agreements and product origin. It is important to confirm the correct HS code to prevent misclassification and fines.
● Importer of Record and Customs Broker
The Importer of Record (IOR) is legally responsible for ensuring all import documentation and compliance requirements are met. For international B2B shipments, this role is often assigned to a local distributor, buyer or third-party logistics provider. Working with an experienced and licensed customs broker is highly recommended to navigate complex import procedures and reduce the risk of clearance issues.
● Inspections and Rejections: How to Avoid Them
Border inspections can be triggered by missing documents, labeling issues, or suspicion of non-compliance. Common reasons for rejection include undeclared ingredients, incomplete labeling, or incorrect HS codes. To avoid such issues, ensure all documentation is complete, ingredients are transparently disclosed and labels meet destination market standards. Pre-shipment inspection or third-party certification can further reduce risks.
Working with the Right Supplier
Choosing a reliable popping boba supplier is crucial for a smooth and successful import process. Partnering with an experienced manufacturer like Zonegoing ensures not only strict quality control and timely delivery, but also full support with compliance documents, certifications and testing reports. With Zonegoing, you reduce import risks and gain a competitive edge in your target market.
● Verifying Certifications and Audit Reports
Before placing any order, always ask the supplier to provide valid certifications such as HACCP, ISO22000 or FDA registration. Request third-party audit reports or inspection summaries to verify the factory’s hygiene standards, traceability systems and production capabilities.
● Sample Testing Before Full Import
To reduce risk, it’s highly recommended to request product samples and conduct lab testing before committing to bulk orders. Testing flavor, texture and food safety compliance on samples helps avoid large-scale shipment issues and builds trust with the supplier.
Tips for Smooth Importing
Efficient importing of popping boba requires more than just placing an order — it involves smart coordination, time planning and documentation. Here are key tips to help B2B buyers streamline the process.
● Collaborating with Logistics Providers, Planning for Lead Times, and Keeping Records
Work with logistics providers who have experience in handling food products and navigating customs in your target market. Plan ahead by estimating production time, ocean freight duration and customs clearance delays — always leave buffer time. Additionally, keep all shipping documents, test reports and certificates organized, as these are essential for future audits and traceability in case of product issues.
