How to Import Wholesale Pet Treats
Getting Started: Why Importing Pet Treats Isn’t Just About Buying and Shipping
If you’ve ever tried importing wholesale pet treats, you already know—it’s not as simple as clicking “order now” and waiting for your shipment to arrive. Between health certificates, customs forms, and labeling rules that vary by country, the process can feel like a jungle.
But here’s the thing: once you understand what customs officers and regulators are looking for, importing becomes a lot smoother. Think of it like preparing for a flight—you just need your passport, boarding pass, and luggage in order.
This guide walks you through the essentials — from paperwork and packaging to testing and traceability — so your pet treats clear customs without a hitch.
1. Know the Rules Before You Ship
Different countries have different definitions of what counts as a “pet treat.” Some see them as feed, others as food, and each category brings its own set of rules.
Here’s a quick overview:
- United States: Overseen by the FDA (and USDA if animal ingredients are involved). The FSMA rules apply to imported pet foods, focusing on safety and traceability.
- European Union: The European Commission and EFSA ensure that imported treats meet strict hygiene and ingredient transparency standards.
- UK: The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) handles imports — and they take ingredient sourcing seriously.
- Australia & New Zealand: You’ll need biosecurity clearance before shipping anything animal-based.
👉 Pro tip: Always check the HS code (Harmonized System code) of your product. Most pet treats fall under HS 2309.10 — this code helps determine tariffs and documentation needs.
2. Paperwork: Your Ticket Through Customs
Paperwork can make or break an import. A missing health certificate or an inaccurate invoice can delay your shipment for weeks.
Here’s what you’ll usually need:
- Commercial Invoice – What you’re buying, who you’re buying from, and for how much.
- Packing List – Details on quantities, weight, and packaging.
- Health or Veterinary Certificate – Confirms your pet treats are safe and come from approved facilities.
- Certificate of Origin (COO) – Shows where the product was made.
- Ingredient List & Product Spec Sheet – Some countries require detailed composition breakdowns.
- Import Permit – Needed in places like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
When you work with Matchwell Pets, all these documents are prepared in-house — formatted to meet the requirements of major markets like the U.S., EU, and UK. That’s one less thing to stress over.
3. Labeling and Packaging: Small Details, Big Impact
Labels aren’t just about branding — they’re a regulatory checklist. Customs officers look for transparency, consistency, and accuracy.
A compliant label typically includes:
- Product name and animal type (“Beef Jerky Dog Treats”)
- Ingredient list (in order of weight)
- Guaranteed analysis (protein, fat, fiber, moisture)
- Feeding instructions and serving sizes
- Manufacturer name and address
- Net weight (both metric and imperial units, if applicable)
- Batch number and best-before date
- Country of origin
And don’t forget packaging:
Use airtight, food-safe materials that can handle long-distance shipping. If you’re selling in multiple countries, consider multilingual labels.
For private label or OEM buyers, ask your manufacturer to mock up your design and confirm it passes all compliance checks before printing thousands of bags.
4. Testing and Safety Certifications: Your Quality Proof
No customs officer wants to approve something that could harm pets. That’s why testing is crucial — it proves your treats are clean, nutritious, and safe.
The most common tests include:
- Microbiological tests for bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
- Chemical residue and heavy metal testing.
- Nutritional analysis to verify label claims.
In the U.S., compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is mandatory. In Europe, importers must follow Feed Hygiene Regulation (EC) No 183/2005.
At Matchwell Pets, we send out certificates of analysis (COAs) and lab reports for every batch. Importers love this because it speeds up inspections and builds instant credibility with retailers.
5. Customs Duties and Clearance: Expect the Unexpected
Duties vary widely — and the last thing you want is a surprise bill.
Here’s a general idea:
- USA: 0–4.5% depending on formulation and origin.
- EU: Typically 4–8%. Some Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can lower that.
- Australia: Rates depend on the percentage of animal-derived ingredients.
A good customs broker can help you navigate these numbers and even pre-clear your goods before arrival. It’s money well spent if you’re importing at scale.
6. Keep Traceability Records
Even after customs clearance, importers are responsible for recordkeeping. Many countries require you to keep traceability documents (like batch numbers, supplier info, and lab results) for several years.
This might sound like overkill, but it protects you in case of product recalls or inspections — and wholesalers and retailers will trust you more when they see how transparent your supply chain is.
7. Partner with a Reliable OEM/ODM Manufacturer
Compliance starts at the factory. When your manufacturer already understands international standards, you save weeks of back-and-forth.
A dependable OEM/ODM supplier like Matchwell Pets offers:
- Global export experience (FDA, CFIA, and EU registration)
- Ingredient traceability from farm to factory
- Custom formulations and flavors for private labels
- Assistance with packaging and labeling compliance
- Fast document turnaround for customs
Basically, your supplier becomes your compliance team — while you focus on building your brand.
8. Final Pre-Shipment Checklist
✅ Confirm your HS code
✅ Secure import permits
✅ Double-check invoice, COO, and health certificate
✅ Approve final labels
✅ Review COAs and lab reports
✅ Hire a customs broker
✅ Store all traceability records
Follow this checklist, and you’ll breeze through customs with zero headaches.
Wrapping Up: Import Smarter, Not Harder
Importing wholesale pet treats is all about preparation. When your labeling, testing, and paperwork are solid, customs clearance becomes a formality — not a gamble.
Whether you’re importing under your own brand or distributing for others, working with a compliance-ready partner like Matchwell Pets helps you ship faster, avoid delays, and keep every batch up to standard.
At the end of the day, compliance isn’t just about satisfying regulators — it’s about earning customer trust. Because when retailers and pet owners know your treats are safe, tested, and transparent, you’re not just importing products — you’re importing confidence.
🐾 Thinking about launching your own line of pet treats?
Contact Matchwell Pets for OEM/ODM support, export documentation, and fully compliant production. We’ll help you go from idea to global shipment with ease.
