Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) – Temperature & Handling for Swiss Wine Imports

Document Version: 1.0 DRAFT

Version Date: April 8, 2026

Process Owner: Swintra Ventures Pvt. Ltd. / Swiss Wine India

Applicability: All logistics partners, customs house agents (CHAs), and warehouse operators handling Swiss Wine India shipments under the TEPA framework.

1. Objective and Scope

The objective of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to define the end-to-end handling, temperature control, and compliance requirements for importing premium Swiss wine into India. The process spans from the initial order placement with the Swiss producer to the final delivery at HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) establishments.

The core philosophy of this SOP is to ensure uncompromised product integrity without introducing unnecessary costs. Swiss wine is a premium, low-volume product; therefore, strict adherence to temperature bandwidths (6°C to 18°C) and absolute protection from UV light are non-negotiable to prevent spoilage and maintain brand reputation.

2. Core Handling Principles (Non-Negotiables)

These principles are mandatory and non-waivable:

• Temperature Bandwidth: 
  The absolute allowable temperature range during transit and storage is 6°C to 18°C.
  
  
• Target Storage Temperature: 
  Long-term bonded and de-bonded storage must be maintained between 12°C and 16°C.
  
  
• UV Protection: 
  Wine bottles and cartons must never be exposed to direct sunlight. Tarmac exposure during air or sea freight must be minimized and executed under thermal covers if ambient temperatures exceed 25°C.
  
  
• Shock & Vibration: Cartons must be palletized, shrink-wrapped, and handled via forklift or pallet jack. Manual tossing or dropping of individual cartons is strictly prohibited.

3. End-to-End Operational Workflow

Phase 1: Origin Operations (Switzerland)

Location: Swiss Wine Producer & Bassersdorf Consolidation Hub, Zurich

Objective: Ensure compliance labeling, quality verification, and export documentation readiness

1.1 Order Issuance

Swintra Ventures Pvt. Ltd. issues a formal Purchase Order (PO) to the designated Swiss Wine Producer, specifying the exact varietals, vintages, and bottle quantities required.

1.2 Compliance Labeling (Producer)

The Swiss Wine Producer applies the FSSAI-compliant back label to every bottle prior to dispatch. This label includes the mandatory FSSAI registration number, Importer of Record details (Swintra Ventures), statutory warnings, and the unique TEPA.swiss QR code for auditing and tracking.

1.3 Delivery to Consolidation Hub

The Producer delivers the labeled wine to the Swiss Wine India Hub located in Bassersdorf, Zurich. 

1.4 Inventory Capture & Quality Control (Zurich Hub)

Upon arrival at Bassersdorf, the shipment undergoes a compliance check:

• All bottles are scanned and captured in the TEPA.swiss Inventory System.
• Cartons are inspected for physical damage and correct label application.
• Approved bottles are repacked into export-grade, reinforced cartons.

1.5 Export Documentation & Clearance

The Zurich Hub prepares the complete export documentation package, including:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• EUR1 Movement Certificate (for TEPA duty claims)
• Wine Analysis Reports

The cargo is then cleared for export.

Phase 2: International Freight

Objective: Select appropriate freight mode and minimize transit time while protecting product integrity

2.1 Freight Mode Selection

The mode of transport is determined by the shipment volume to balance speed and cost-efficiency:

2.2 Tarmac & Port Handling

Regardless of freight mode, cargo must not sit on the tarmac or port holding areas without active temperature control or thermal blanketing if ambient temperatures exceed 25°C. Air freight should ideally be scheduled for night landings in Mumbai to utilize cooler ambient temperatures.

Possible Best Practice: Schedule Swiss World Cargo flights to land between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM to minimize UV exposure and benefit from cooler nighttime ambient temperatures.

Phase 3: Destination Operations (India)

Location: Mumbai Cargo Terminal → JW Ventures Bonded Warehouse

Objective: Minimize customs delays, maintain temperature integrity, and ensure seamless transfer to bonded storage

3.1 Arrival & Customs Cold Chain (Mumbai)

Upon landing or docking in India, the cargo must immediately be transferred to the customs cold chain facility:

• The Customs House Agent (CHA) must pre-file the Bill of Entry to expedite clearance.
• Customs Duty payment leveraging the TEPA concession via the EUR1 certificate.
• During customs examination, cartons must be opened in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Under no circumstances may the wine be exposed to direct sunlight.
• The holding temperature must remain strictly between 6°C and 18°C.

Critical Risk: Mumbai cargo terminals prioritize pharmaceutical cargo over food/beverage. Ensure the CHA coordinates with terminal management.

3.2 Transfer to Bonded Warehouse

Following initial customs clearance, the cargo is loaded onto a temperature-controlled vehicle (pre-cooled to 15°C) for transfer to the designated 4PL Bonded Warehouse:

• Transit must be direct, with no unauthorized stops.
• Data loggers (IoT sensors) placed in the pallets at origin will be checked upon arrival to verify temperature integrity during transit.
• Transfer time from airport/port to bonded warehouse should not exceed 4 hours.

3.3 Bonded Storage

The wine is received into the custom-bonded warehouse and stored in a low-light chamber:

• The ambient temperature of the chamber must be continuously maintained between 12°C and 16°C.
• Humidity should ideally be maintained between 50% and 70% to preserve cork integrity.
• Real-time temperature and humidity logs must be accessible to Swintra Ventures 24/7 via the warehouse management system.

Phase 4: Registration, De-bonding, and Distribution

Objective: Secure FSSAI approval, optimize duty payments, and execute last-mile HORECA delivery

4.1 FSSAI Sampling & Registration

While in bonded storage, the CHA or authorized representative initiates the FSSAI sampling process:

• Samples are drawn strictly according to FSSAI protocols and sent to an authorized laboratory.
• The cargo remains in bonded storage until the No Objection Certificate (NOC) is granted.
• Typical timeline: 7–30 days from sample submission to NOC issuance.

4.2 Duty Payment & De-bonding

Upon successful FSSAI registration and market demand, Swintra Ventures will authorize partial or full de-bonding:

• State excise duties and customs duties are paid, 
• The cargo is physically moved from the bonded zone to the non-bonded (domestic) storage zone within the same facility to eliminate secondary transport risks.
• This integrated warehouse model (bonded + non-bonded under one roof) is a key cost-efficiency feature.

4.3 Last-Mile HORECA Distribution

The logistics partner manages the final delivery to five-star hotels and fine dining establishments (HORECA):

• All last-mile deliveries must utilize temperature-controlled vehicles (set to 08-16°C).
• Deliveries should be scheduled during morning hours (6:00–9:00 AM) or late evenings (7:00–10:00 PM) to avoid peak daytime heat.
• Proof of Delivery (POD) must include a temperature log hand-off to the receiving sommelier or F&B manager.
• Delivery notes must document the condition of bottles and cartons upon receipt.

4. Exception Handling and Escalation

If at any point during the supply chain the temperature breaches the 6°C – 18°C bandwidth, or if cartons sustain physical damage, the handling party must:

1. Immediate Isolation: Immediately isolate the affected pallets in a compliant temperature zone.
2. Documentation: Photograph the damage or download the temperature logger data.
3. Notification: Notify the Swintra Ventures Supply Chain Manager within 2 hours via email and phone.
4. Disposition: Await written disposition instructions before proceeding with clearance or delivery.

Supply Chain Manager Contact: To be provided separately in the operational handover document.

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

6. Document Control & Amendments

This SOP will be reviewed and updated annually or upon material changes to regulatory requirements, logistics partner capabilities, or operational learnings from shipments. All amendments require approval from the Swintra Ventures .

Document Prepared By: TEPA.swiss | Swintra Ventures

Last Updated: April 8, 2026

Next Review Date: