Leon Lacroix

DoCs are required for the following food contact materials:

• Plastics
• Recycled plastics
• Ceramics
• Food containing materials containing certain epoxy substances
• Food contact materials with coatings or varnishes made with BPA
• Active or intelligent food contact materials
• Regenerated cellulose film

A DoC must contain the information laid down in legislation and must permit an easy identification of the materials, articles or products for which it is issued.

If you import any of these food contact materials into the EU, you are responsible for the issuing of a DoC for them.

You can bring these foods if they weigh less than 2 kilograms and provided that:

• they do not require refrigeration before opening
• they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and
• the packaging is unbroken unless in current use

• The Federal Government may allow the export houses to establish their own cargo plan facilities or charter private cargo planes;
• The Federal Government may grant subsidy from Export Market Development Fund in freight for the export of non-traditional items like fruits, vegetables and cut flowers;
• To import against BMR facilities on behalf of individual importers or a group of importers

It is helpful for the exporter to know the following points regarding his target market before he commences his export business:

• Local production figures.
• Export by destination & Import by Country of origin.
• Market size in terms of value and quantity.
• Profile of local major manufacturers.
• Distribution channel and mark-up at each of the distribution channel.
• Competition among local products and imported brands. Evaluation of products by consumers. Retailers, wholesalers and importers in terms of price, quality and design.
• Import system and related rules including special certification and necessary documentation. It is advisable for the exporter to be aware of his responsibilities concerning import rules well in advance.
• Local rules and regulation related to the marketing of the intended product for sale. It would benefit the exporter if he knew earlier if the time consuming and elaborate modification, testing and labeling of his product to meet local rules and regulations are necessary.

Use a rigid carton with flaps intact. For best results use a new box large enough to allow room for adequate cushioning material on all sides of the contents. Never exceed the maximum gross weight for the box, printed on the bottom flap.

Use adequate cushioning material. For this wrap each item separately. Fragile items need to be protected from each other and separated from the corner and sides of the box to prevent damage, Use air-encapsulated plastic or expanded polystyrene “peanuts” (for lightweight products), foam-in-place (foam sprayed into boxes to form a protective mould around contents), corrugated dividers or crumpled newspapers or Kraft paper as cushioning material.

Use adequate sealing material. Use strong, pressure-sensitive or nylon reinforced or water-activated tape designed for shipping. Do not use strng.

Use a single address label that has a clear, complete delivery and return address. Place duplicate label inside the carton.

Always print the characteristics such as fragile, abrasive, breakable, etc. of the product on the cartons for their proper handling and storage.

The list of national standards applicable to packaging is pretty long. It is enough to mention that they deal with matters as varied as static and dynamic performance tests, size requirements types of packages, closure techniques and compatibility with the ISO freight containers and agricultural packaging.