New to Exporting? Confused by Contradictory Country Regs?

As the globalization of the food chain continues to expand, more and more companies that had distributed product only domestically are beginning to consider exports. But it can seem daunting to penetrate this vast, divergent marketplace of the world. Even with the continued harmonization of global standards in food safety, there still can be a great deal of difference between country-to-country regulations and guidelines.

How can exporters—new or veteran—stay current on the standards and regulations of each individual country and ensure that your exports meet those of the countries to which they are sent?

One free and publicly available, but little heralded, source is that of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). With a global network of 96 offices covering 169 countries, in addition to its headquarters in Washington, D.C., these “envoys of American agriculture” assist the food industry by providing real-time information on emerging trade and marketing issues, resolving issues that interrupt the normal course of trade, averting problems before they impede exports, and building the capacity of potential trading partners.
 

Entering Global Trade.

As the FAS web page explains: “New to exporting and not sure where to start? FAS and its partners have a variety of resources that can help you succeed in the global marketplace. From facilitating relationships with potential foreign buyers to providing technical and financial assistance, FAS’s resources and expertise can help link your business to a world of opportunities.”

The FAS staff of foreign service officers stationed around the globe generate a vast array of public reports to assist U.S. industry stakeholders in exporting their products overseas. One such publication is the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report, which FAS Deputy Director of the International Regulations and Standards Division, Michael Francom, said, “is one of the most popular because it provides so much information on the legal and technical requirements, in areas such as labeling, food additives, import procedures, and certification requirements.” Another key report is the Exporter Guide which provides an in-depth look at a country’s food and agricultural sector, including market trends and opportunities. These reports are part of the Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN), which is accessible at http://gain.fas.usda.gov. The GAIN also includes a number of other market reports to help U.S. exporters conduct business abroad.

In addition to market reports, FAS offers several online applications to help exporters stay abreast of foreign requirements. In particular, FAS maintains searchable databases by which U.S. manufacturers can determine foreign pesticide limits for produce or additive tolerances for food, and compare these against U.S. and Codex levels. Since U.S. tolerances are sometimes higher, it is critical that U.S. manufacturers check to make sure the products they are exporting meet the foreign country’s requirements, “or the shipment will likely be rejected and not allowed entry,” Francom said.

Another noteworthy FAS database is the SPS-TBT Data Management System (DMS), Francom said. World Trade Organization (WTO) members are obligated to inform trading partners anytime they intend to change requirements that may impact trade. Thus, this web-based application was developed to assist the U.S. industry track and monitor changes to foreign regulations of which the WTO is notified. The DMS is available at http://apps.fas.usda.gov/sps_tbt_dms.

Additional specific data and analysis can be accessed on the FAS site by searching a specific commodity or product, such as coffee, dairy, grain, feed, or processed food products (http://www.fas.usda.gov/commodities), or linking to a specific country, by name or from a map (http://www.fas.usda.gov/regions).

Outside the FAS site, Francom added, “The FSIS Export Library is the Bible for anyone wanting to export meat and poultry.” (Visit http://www.fsis.usda.gov; search: Export Library.) USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) also has similar information for animal products, such as pet food, produce, grains, oils, and seeds (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export); and prospective exporters can contact their state departments of agriculture, with whom FAS works closely.

Export Assistance.

FAS staff also will assist businesses in connecting with and developing contacts in specific markets of interest.

“We will help set them on a path to take advantage of export opportunities abroad,” Francom explained. To learn about these opportunities, U.S. exporters can contact the FAS overseas offices for information on upcoming events and activities, such as in-country food shows, promotional activities, and buying missions.

Francom also recommends that export-seeking businesses connect with the various industry trade groups with which FAS maintains close relationships, in order to get an industry perspective on the market. For example, a U.S. manufacturer wishing to export chicken meat could talk with the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) or Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) to learn more about market conditions and industry-led activities in the country. If you are unsure which group to contact, “FAS can refer you to the applicable organization,” Francom said.

In addition to FAS’s gathering and imparting of intelligence, “We spend a lot of time working to resolve trade barriers, open new markets, retain markets, and expand U.S. access,” Francom said.

One of the ways FAS helps U.S. exporters navigate some of these challenges is through its trade facilitation desk. With a single phone call or e-mail, exporters can reach FAS personnel for information on export certification, registration, and documentation requirements. The trade facilitation desk also provides troubleshooting support if an exporter runs into issues with a shipment being detained or refused at its destination. To reach the trade facilitation desk, exporters can email agexport@fas.usda.gov or call 202-720-CERT (2378).

For more information or to view any of the reports, visit the FAS website (http://www.fas.usda.gov).

The author is Editor of QA magazine. She can be reached at llupo@gie.net.