10 Essential Steps to Export Aquaculture Production

The global seafood market is vast and presents significant opportunities for Brazilian shrimp and fish producers. However, accessing this market requires more than just a quality product; it demands rigorous planning, compliance with international standards, and impeccable production control. The process to export aquaculture production is complex, but structuring it into clear stages can turn this challenge into reality.

This article details the 10 fundamental steps for an aquaculture farm to prepare its operation for foreign trade, highlighting sanitary, documentary, and management requirements.

1. Viability Analysis and Target Market

Before any investment in adaptation, conducting a market study is crucial. The producer must investigate which countries have the highest demand for their product (whether tilapia, shrimp, or other species). Furthermore, it is necessary to understand tariff barriers (import taxes) and, above all, non-tariff barriers, which are specific sanitary and certification requirements of each bloc or country (such as the United States, European Union, or Asia).

2. Processing Unit (PU) Adequacy

Seafood export almost always requires processing (such as freezing, filleting, or cooking). Animal products destined for international trade must, mandatorily, be processed in establishments registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). Therefore, the producer must own a Processing Unit (PU) or use a third-party PU that meets the requirements of the next step.

3. Obtaining the SIF (Federal Inspection Service)

This is perhaps the most critical step for Brazilian producers. The SIF, linked to MAPA’s Department of Inspection of Animal Origin Products (DIPOA), is the seal guaranteeing that the establishment follows Brazilian hygienic-sanitary norms, which are equivalent to international ones. Without the SIF, exporting is legally impossible. Obtaining the seal requires rigorous structural adjustments in the processing plant, implementation of Self-Control Programs (PACs), and constant audits.

4. Quality Management and Total Traceability

International markets demand the ability to trace the product from “farm to fork.” In the event of any non-compliance, the importer needs to know exactly from which pond and which production cycle that batch originated.

This requires extremely precise data control. Utilizing management software, such as Despesca, is fundamental at this stage. The system allows recording all post-larvae intake, types of feed used, handling procedures, biometrics, and treatments. Consequently, during a SIF or certification audit, the farm can provide complete and reliable traceability reports, ensuring food safety.

5. Implementation of International Certifications

While the SIF is a Brazilian legal requirement to export aquaculture production, international certifications (such as BAP – Best Aquaculture Practices, ASC – Aquaculture Stewardship Council, or GlobalG.A.P.) are mostly market requirements. Major buyers in the US and Europe use these seals to ensure that production is sustainable, socially responsible, and follows best management practices.

According to technical publications, such as the e-book “Main Topics to Obtain Certification for Export in Aquaculture” (Phibro Aqua, 2020), BAP certification, for instance, covers the entire chain, from the post-larvae hatchery to the feed mill and processing plant.

6. Cost Planning and Pricing

Export costs differ significantly from domestic market costs. The financial calculation must include:

• The cost of certifications and audits.
• New packaging suitable for international transport.
• Refrigerated container logistics (maritime or air transport).
• Customs broker fees.
• Possible costs with extra laboratory analyses required by the destination country.

Detailed financial management is vital. Tools that assist in controlling production costs, such as management spreadsheets or integrated software, are essential to ensure the operation’s profitability.

7. Registration in SISCOMEX

No company can export or import in Brazil without being enabled in the Integrated Foreign Trade System (SISCOMEX). This is the Federal Revenue system that centralizes all foreign trade operations. The enablement (known as “Radar”) is the first bureaucratic step to formalize the company as an exporter.

8. Cold Chain Logistics and Packaging

Seafood is a highly perishable product. Guaranteeing the cold chain is non-negotiable. For frozen products, the temperature must be strictly maintained (usually -18°C) from the freezing tunnel in the PU to the final destination. Additionally, labeling and packaging must follow the norms of the destination country, including nutritional information, expiration dates, allergens, and correct inspection seals.

9. Client Prospecting and International Contracts

Once the farm and PU are adequate, the commercial phase begins. This involves participating in international seafood trade fairs (such as Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona or Boston), hiring international brokers, or negotiating directly with large retail chains and distributors. International contracts (Incoterms) are specific and clearly define responsibilities for costs and risks between seller and buyer.

10. Document Management and Customs Clearance

The final stage is the shipping operation. Each export generates a set of essential documents:

• Single Export Declaration (DU-e): Registered in SISCOMEX.
• International Sanitary Certificate (CSI): Issued by MAPA, attesting to product compliance.
• Certificate of Origin: Proves the product is Brazilian (necessary for trade agreements).
• Packing List: Details the contents of the volumes.
• Commercial Invoice: The international “bill of sale.”

Hiring an experienced customs broker is recommended to ensure all documentation is compliant, avoiding delays and fines.

Management as a Pillar for Exporting

Success in efforts to export aquaculture production depends directly on the producer’s ability to prove the quality and compliance of their process. The traceability required by SIF and international certifications allows for no errors.

Using a management system like Despesca centralizes all production cycle information. From controlling feed and input stock to monitoring water parameters and recording mortality, everything is documented. This drastically simplifies audits, optimizes input use (reducing costs), and provides the necessary data to assure international buyers that your product is safe, sustainable, and of high quality.