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According to studies, the global consumption of honey is increasing every year. Beekeeping is one of the oldest crafts in Serbia, and this year’s favorable acacia flowering conditions signal record domestic production. In the first 10 months of 2022, Serbia exported a total of 1,479 tons of honey. The main importers of Serbian honey are Germany, Poland, Belgium, and Spain. Despite its high production output, Serbia purchased around 485 tons of foreign honey from Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, and New Zealand. In the following section, we will discuss what you need to know if you plan to trade honey internationally. Basics of storing and transporting honey Honey is not as demanding as other foods such as meat and dairy products that spoil at sub-optimal temperatures. However, this does not mean that exporting honey is without its challenges. When honey is exposed to heat or moisture, its consistency changes, which means that if your final destination is in a country with high air humidity, it could result in a loss of product, flavor, and therapeutic properties. One way to avoid this is through efficient packaging. The best option is a sealed container because it protects the goods and prevents illegal access during transit. A vehicle with an open load area can also be used, because honey does not require a strict temperature regime, but then the honey must be covered in order to prevent contamination with dust or insect attacks. We also recommend using thermal blankets to prevent severe temperature fluctuations in the vehicle and/or the warehouse. The best storage conditions are at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. In addition, honey cannot be transported or stored with items that have an overpowering odor. Honey may require more or less care in handling depending on whether it is packaged in glass, metal, or plastic. Import of honey The importer must be listed in the central register of food business establishments at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of the Republic of Serbia, and the warehouse must be listed in the register of food business facilities at the same Ministry. In order to import honey into Serbia, you will also need documents proving compliance with veterinary and sanitary regulations. Export of honey Your destination country may have additional requirements that you must meet. Some countries have much stricter and less profitable requirements, which may eliminate them from your export list. Choosing the right freight forwarder, who will analyze your needs and the characteristics of the cargo, create optimal delivery routes, and ensure compliance with all safety measures during transportation, transshipment, and storage, will help you get your goods to the final destination smoothly. For more information, please contact our experts at cargo-partner! Best regards, cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics