Ship supply operations are among the most complex areas of maritime logistics — not only due to timing and coordination but also because of strict customs and phytosanitary regulations. Each delivery to a vessel, whether within the European Union or beyond, must comply with international and national laws designed to protect public health, biodiversity, and trade safety.

For companies like Baltona-Ship, mastering these procedures is key to ensuring smooth, compliant, and timely deliveries for commercial and passenger vessels around the world.

Spis treści

1. Why Are Customs Regulations Crucial in Ship Supply?
2. What Are Phytosanitary Regulations in Maritime Supply?
3. How Customs Clearance and Phytosanitary Inspections Work in Ports
4. Common Mistakes in Customs and Sanitary Ship Supply Procedures
5. Why Partner with Baltona-Ship for Customs and Sanitary Compliance?
6. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
7. Choose Baltona-Ship — Your Trusted Partner in Global Ship Supply

Why Are Customs Regulations Crucial in Ship Supply?

Every delivery to a vessel is treated as a customs operation, and the ship itself is often classified as a free zone or temporary storage area. This means that all goods supplied to the ship must be properly declared to customs authorities, even if they never physically leave the port area.

In practical terms, this includes:

• Preparing customs documents such as SAD forms, EORI numbers, and pro forma invoices;
• Declaring goods under export, transit, or ship supply procedures;
• Ensuring compliance with excise, food safety, and technical standards.

Thanks to Baltona-Ship’s extensive experience in European ports, vessel operators can rely on full compliance with EU customs law, with all formalities handled efficiently and transparently.

What Are Phytosanitary Regulations in Maritime Supply?

Phytosanitary regulations aim to protect plants and agricultural goods from pests, contamination, and invasive species. In the context of ship supply, these regulations apply mainly to fresh produce, grains, seeds, and plant-based food products delivered to vessels.

In practice, suppliers must:

• Verify the origin and documentation of all plant products;
• Provide valid phytosanitary certificates;
• Undergo inspection by Plant Health Authorities or equivalent bodies.

Baltona-Ship works exclusively with certified suppliers and accredited laboratories, ensuring every food delivery meets strict hygiene, customs, and phytosanitary standards. This guarantees that all provisions reaching the vessel are fresh, safe, and legally compliant.

How Customs Clearance and Phytosanitary Inspections Work in Ports

The clearance process depends on the type of cargo and the country of delivery. In major Polish ports such as Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Szczecin, simplified ship supply procedures allow for fast and efficient clearance, without full export formalities — provided that goods are delivered directly onboard.

For food and plant-based products, additional requirements include:

• Document and physical inspection by sanitary or phytosanitary officers;
• Proper labeling and traceability in accordance with EU Regulation 2017/625;
• Temperature-controlled storage and transport that meet HACCP standards.

A professional shipchandler like Baltona-Ship manages the entire process — from coordinating with customs and inspection authorities to ensuring timely delivery — minimizing the risk of delays or penalties.

Common Mistakes in Customs and Sanitary Ship Supply Procedures

Even experienced suppliers can face compliance issues. The most frequent errors include:

• Missing or incomplete documentation (especially EORI numbers);
• Incorrect CN code classification;
• Failure to declare plant-based goods under phytosanitary rules;
• Lack of certificate of origin for food items.

Such mistakes can lead to delivery holds, cargo seizure, or financial penalties. Partnering with a trusted ship supply company like Baltona-Ship ensures full procedural compliance and risk mitigation.

Why Partner with Baltona-Ship for Customs and Sanitary Compliance?

With decades of experience in ship supply logistics, the Baltona-Ship team is fully versed in port regulations, EU customs law, and sanitary inspection requirements.
Our services include:

• Full preparation and submission of customs documentation,
• Coordination with phytosanitary and veterinary authorities,
• Delivery scheduling based on vessel turnaround times,
• Consulting on product classification and import/export requirements.

Choosing Baltona-Ship means gaining a partner who handles every detail — ensuring that all goods reach the vessel on time, fully compliant, and ready for use.

Summary

Supplying ships is not just about logistics — it’s about compliance, safety, and efficiency. Understanding customs and phytosanitary regulations is essential for every operator working in maritime trade.

By working with Baltona-Ship, shipowners and agents gain peace of mind knowing that every delivery meets the highest international standards, ensuring a smooth and lawful operation at every port.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Do ship supplies require customs clearance?
Yes. Every delivery made in port is subject to customs procedures and must be declared to the relevant authorities.

Are all food products subject to phytosanitary control?
No. Only fresh fruit, vegetables, and other plant-based goods originating outside the EU require phytosanitary certification.

Who is responsible for customs documentation?
The shipchandler, such as Baltona-Ship, handles all customs paperwork and compliance formalities on behalf of the client.

Choose Baltona-Ship — Your Trusted Partner in Global Ship Supply

When it comes to ship supply, customs compliance, and sanitary control, experience matters. At Baltona-Ship, we go beyond logistics — we ensure your deliveries are seamless, compliant, and fully aligned with international maritime standards. Our team handles every detail, from documentation and customs declarations to quality assurance and port coordination.

By choosing us, you gain a reliable partner who understands the challenges of modern shipping and the importance of punctuality, accuracy, and regulatory precision. Whether your vessel docks in Gdańsk, Rotterdam, Hamburg, or Antwerp, we’re ready to deliver — on time and without compromise.

Partner with Baltona-Ship today and experience ship supply that’s efficient, compliant, and built on decades of maritime expertise.