In order to be marketed in Europe and in other highly demanding markets, sweet potatoes must be grown in compliance with the regulations and procedures of the GlobalGAP quality management system. Growers must be certified to this standard by authorized third party auditors.

The packing house must also be certified by the GlobalGAP quality management system, as well as by the BRC system.

Transportation of sweet potatoes to Europe is in maritime refrigerated containers, at 12 degrees centigrade. Where the sweet potatoes are of good quality and the transport conditions adequate, shelf life can be quite long. It is then possible to send sweet potatoes on a 3 to 4 weeks voyage before reaching the destination markets.