Temperature-controlled food delivery: A practical guide for meat and dairy exporters

The export of meat and dairy products is one of the most active sectors of Ukraine’s agricultural market. According to FAOSTAT, the demand for animal-based products increases by 3–5% every year. At the same time, the requirements of import markets are becoming increasingly strict. The most important condition for accepting any shipment at customs is compliance with the temperature regime and maintaining the cold chain throughout all stages of delivery.

A disruption of the cold chain by even 1–2 °C threatens product spoilage and a complete import ban. Therefore, exporters need partners who can guarantee temperature stability. This article presents a comprehensive guide developed on the basis of EU standards and the practical experience of GlobalPost.

Why temperature control is a critical requirement of international markets

The transportation of dairy products and the export of meat with temperature control belong to the category of perishable cargo. Importing countries do not simply “recommend” maintaining the proper temperature — they legally require it, based on dozens of documents, among which the key ones are:

• Regulation (EU) 2017/625 — official control of food products at the EU border
• Codex — standards for meat and dairy products
• The Law of Ukraine “On the main principles and requirements for food safety”

These regulations define not only the allowable temperatures but also the transportation process itself: packaging, monitoring, time in transit, and documentation rules.

Why is it important to comply with these requirements?

• Bacteriological risks. Even a slight temperature increase of 2–3 °C can significantly accelerate bacterial activity.
• Risk of product spoilage, even if its external appearance remains normal. Meat and dairy products may look completely fine but actually be unsafe.
• Importer refusal and return of the shipment. If the thermologger shows temperature fluctuations, the shipment is not accepted.
• Financial losses for the producer. Loss of product + logistics costs + possible importer penalties.

Thus, temperature control is the foundation of successful meat and dairy export. Learn more about temperature control at this link.

Selecting the temperature mode and preparing the cargo

Incorrectly chosen temperature mode is the main cause of spoilage. Temperature modes for key products:

These ranges are defined through a combination of EU requirements and global Codex Alimentarius standards for dairy and meat products.

Requirements for packaging and monitoring

• Packaging: The product must be in hermetically sealed, labeled containers that provide thermal insulation.
• Devices (thermologgers): Refrigerated vehicles must be equipped with temperature loggers that record data at 15–30 minute intervals. This confirms cold chain compliance for customs authorities and recipients. Before loading, both the cargo and the refrigerated vehicle must be cooled to the required temperature.

Documentation required for customs procedures and border crossing

A comprehensive set of documents is required for the export of meat and dairy products.

• Commercial documentation: Invoice and packing list.
• Transport documentation: CMR (with the note “perishable cargo”) and a valid ATP certificate for the vehicle.
• Veterinary and sanitary documentation: The Veterinary Certificate (Health Certificate) is issued by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection and confirms that the product is safe and meets the requirements of the destination country. This is a key document for meat and dairy products.

GlobalPost always assists in preparing the full package of documents according to the requirements of the specific importing country. The rules for the USA (USDA), the EU, and Asian countries differ significantly. We take into account all nuances to ensure smooth customs clearance of your shipment.

Need a consultation? Submit a request — and a manager will contact you for a detailed consultation.

Why Ukrainian businesses and farmers trust GlobalPost for delivery?

Over the years of working with food products, GlobalPost has built its own control model that meets all standards:

• Certified thermal boxes and isothermal containers;
• Use of long-lasting cold packs or dry ice;
• Air transportation from 5 days worldwide;
• Digital loggers that record temperature along the entire route;
• Document support, including veterinary certificates for the EU, Canada, and the USA.

GlobalPost guarantees fast and safe export without delays. Among our cases are the delivery of frozen dough products to the USA and the transportation of ice cream from Kyiv to Cologne (Germany). Our experience is confirmed → explore our successful cases at this link.

Conclusion

Temperature control is the foundation of international trade in food products. Its adherence guarantees the safety, quality, and unhindered acceptance of your products in the markets of the EU, the USA, and Asia. For stable operations without risks, choose a logistics partner who fully controls the cold chain.

GlobalPost guarantees the transportation of temperature-sensitive products in accordance with the strictest global standards. Properly organized temperature logistics is not an expense, but an investment in the reliability, reputation, and quality of your brand in the global market.