The international transport of goods generates a wide-ranging activity, in which many and very diverse loads are moved. In Spain alone, 2,182,750,000 tonnes of goods were moved nationally and internationally in 2021. The data, obtained from the Observatory of transport and logistics in SpainThe large amount of goods that are moved annually is noted.
There are many modes of transport: by air, sea, rail or road, but with such a large market, how do you ensure that the products meet the necessary requirements?
Being able to keep track of all goods being distributed and ensuring that they comply with the regulations established in each country is essential, which is why there are multiple controls and inspections at borders to ensure that distribution companies carry out their work in the established manner.
In order to be able to keep track of all of them, and to ensure that they meet the requirements in terms of quality and compliance with regulations, we have the SOIVRE certificate.
But what is SOIVRE?
SOIVRE stands for Servicio Oficial de Inspección, Vigilancia y Regulación de las Exportaciones de las Direcciones Territoriales y Provinciales de Comercio.
Its work is based on carrying out inspections and quality controls on products destined for foreign trade. The result: a certificate that ensures or not that the goods are in conformity with the requirements.
This certificate is compulsory for the transfer of food products, as it guarantees that the processes comply with the requirements for packaging and packing in accordance with Spanish quality requirements.
It is not only the food sector that has to comply with the requirements, many others can be certified. Compliance with the regulations is everyone's job, so it is essential to obtain a certificate.
Types of certification
There are many products that must and can undergo these inspections, but depending on the load, they have different certificates. SOIVRE offers 4 of them:
- Quality control. It guarantees the quality of the goods - mostly foodstuffs.
- International regulations on protected species. It is determined by the CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and is based on the protection of animals in terms of transport.
- Compliance. Focused on the safety of more industrial products, such as those from the textile and footwear industries, etc.
- Voluntary. As its name suggests, this certificate is voluntary and is usually requested in two cases: if the company has a self-interest in obtaining it or as a result of a marketing agreement.
Where do these inspections take place?
There are many places where SOIVRE undergoes inspections, its own customs premises, the commercial operator's loading, storage or packaging points, among others, points authorised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism... This means that all operations must be well managed so that they can be carried out without any stoppages in operations or delays in distribution.
How to obtain the certificate
In order to obtain the certificate, an inspection must be requested either electronically - on the ESTACICE platform - or in writing. There is a lot of information to have on hand: the certificate of origin, all documentation relating to shipment and transport, information on the goods and cargoes and health documentation, among others.
Doing so can be complex, which is why operations are left to the operator or his representative. To be able to keep complete control of your goods, ensure that all the formalities are well managed, comply with regulatory requirements and ensure the quality of the goods is enough work. That is why there are companies like In Side Logistics that offer help and support with regard to the customs and customs formalities.
As an Authorised Economic Operator, its team has a specialised department through which all procedures and formalities related to the Public Administration can be covered.
