Export to the United States: packaging and certifications
Companies who intend to export to the United States must be aware that Food is among the most targeted categories. Exporting agri-food products to the US is becoming more critical, especially since the 18th of October, when US duties – decided by the Trump administration – came into force.
Barriers to US exports in the food sector have always proved to be of sensitive nature. If you want to export attention must be payed to two elements, both capable to jeopardize the trade of products Made in Italy: Certifications; Packaging.
- Certificazioni
- Packaging
Export USA: FDA Certification
Ogni azienda che produce, tratta e confeziona alimenti destinati al consumo negli Stati Uniti si registra presso la Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Inoltre, le imprese devono notificare ogni spedizione effettuata negli USA.
Every manufacturing company, that treats and packages food for consumption in the United States has to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, companies must notify all shipments with destination USA. The Food and Drug Administration ensures food for American citizens. The agencies concern are safe, healthy, hygienic and properly labelled products. Each Italian company, intending to export food products to the USA, has to require a FDA registration number. This registration number is assigned to the exporters production plant, in case of multiple production plants you will need a registration number for each single plant. The renewal of the FDA registration is due every 2 years.
The FDA demands a dedicated contact in the company. It has to be an agent based or domiciled in the United States of America without any decision-making power. Food and Drug Administration turns to this figure with all communications destinated to the food exporter
Esportare negli Stati Uniti
Packaging ed etichette: FDA disciplina la normativa riguardante i prodotti alimentari.
Packaging of a product meant to be exported to the USA has to present certain characteristics. First of all, food labels for exported to the US market have to comply with FDA regulations. This includes its content as well as its shape. Nutritional values, ingredients, allergens, dyes and preservatives are formulated according to U.S. parameters.
A second federal agency involved in the regulation of sales, concerning food products in the United States is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC’s mission is primarily fairness in commercial and advertising communications in America.
The marketing department must pay attention to the use of photos/drawings in the label of a food product meant to be sold in America under an aspect of truthful reporting and avoiding misleading information. .
It is important to pay attention to phrases and statements like “all natural”, “no GMO”, “no sugar added”; in order to avoid possible complaints.
