FoodExpoConnect 5-Step Export Readiness

A practical, Africa-focused pathway from business registration to first shipment, inspired by export readiness tools and checklists used by trade promotion agencies and logistics advisors.

1
Register Your Business
Register a Legal Export Entity
1–4 weeks · ~$200–$1,500

Goal: Have a legally registered export-ready business that banks, buyers, and regulators can verify.

Core actions
  • Choose an entity type (often LLC / SARL for liability protection).
  • Gather ID, proof of address, name clearance, and shareholder documents.
  • Use digital one-stop portals where available (e.g. iRembo, ANPI, eCitizen) to reduce delays.
Watch out for
  • Official timelines that ignore extra verification and corrections.
  • Starting certifications or buyer outreach before the entity exists.
Start ≥6–8 weeks before first shipment Digital registration where possible
2
Food Safety Certifications
Obtain Core Food Safety Certifications
2–8+ weeks · buyer-driven

Goal: Hold the minimum food safety approvals your target buyers require, starting with national standards then layering global schemes.

Start with
  • National standards (e.g. KEBS, SABS, NFSA) as a base approval layer.
  • HACCP and ISO 22000 for higher-risk and EU/US markets.
  • Product-specific schemes: GlobalG.A.P., Halal, Organic where required.
Smart sequencing
  • Confirm written certification requirements with anchor buyers.
  • Prioritise "Now / Next / Later" to avoid over-investing too early.
Buyer-verified requirements National certificate first
3
Export Permits
Apply for Export Permits & Certificates
1–3 weeks · ~$200–$1,500/shipment

Goal: Secure the export licence and product-specific health certificates required to move each shipment legally.

Core permits
  • General export licence from trade or industry ministry.
  • Phytosanitary / veterinary / sanitary certificates for each product type.
  • Certificate of Origin to benefit from AfCFTA and regional trade agreements.
Efficiency tips
  • Use single-window or trade portal systems where available to submit once and route to multiple agencies.
  • Align permit validity dates with planned shipment windows.
Use single-window portals Bundle permits per shipment
4
Documentation Pack
Prepare a Complete Export Document Pack
~1 week per shipment

Goal: Build a clean, consistent document pack so shipments clear customs without avoidable delays or penalties.

The core four
  • Commercial invoice aligned with contract and Incoterm.
  • Packing list matching physical cargo and pallet marks.
  • Bill of Lading or Airway Bill from your carrier or forwarder.
  • All permits and certificates from Step 3 attached and valid.
Region-specific extras
  • Legalisation or conformity certificates for some North African destinations.
  • EUR.1 for EU preferences; prior notices for US food imports.
Shipment checklist template Match docs to target market
5
Logistics & Shipping
Arrange Logistics, Incoterms & Insurance
Ongoing · ~5–15% of shipment value

Goal: Move product from facility to buyer reliably, with clear responsibilities and insured risk along the route.

Logistics decisions
  • Work with a freight forwarder for first shipments to manage bookings, customs, and insurance.
  • Choose an Incoterm (FOB or CIF for most new exporters; DAP once you gain experience).
  • Account for inland transport from landlocked countries to coastal ports.
Risk management
  • Take marine cargo insurance (often 0.5–1.5% of shipment value).
  • Monitor port congestion, demurrage risk, and seasonal delays.
FOB / CIF for first deals Always insure cargo
How this flowchart was built: Visualises FoodExpoConnect's 5-step export readiness framework, combining internal benchmarks with African export manuals, readiness tools and trade logistics checklists. Designed for use alongside FoodExpoConnect console tools, Graphviz diagrams and HTML/CSS dashboards.