BASIC GUIDELINES FOR IMPORT OF FOOD & BEVERAGE INTO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
This guide contains a general overview and basic assessments of commodities to improve food and beverage importation into Trinidad and Tobago, primarily for Jamaican exporters. It was developed under the initiative of the Jamaica-Trinidad & Tobago Trade Facilitation Desk, with the collaboration of the Chemistry, Food & Drugs Division (C.F.D.D) and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (T.T.M.A). The main objective of these guidelines are to assist Jamaican companies in gaining a better understanding of procedures involved when importing food and beverage in Trinidad and Tobago. It is also to inform in an effective way about the regulatory requirements of the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division, in an effort to increase transparency and ensure effective trade facilitation. Report- for public distribution
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of contents ………….………………………………………………………………………… 1 The mission and objectives of the C.F.D.D ……………………………………………….….…. 2 Category: food importation ……………………………………………………………………..… 3 Basic food labeling requirements ……………………………………………………..…………. 4 Certification required for food products imported for sale& distribution.......…………. 5-6 Basic requirements for the manufacture and sale of beverage ……………………………7 Summary of Certificates required by the C.F.D.D…………………………….………….……. 8 Contact information………………………………………………………………………...………. 9
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THE MISSION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE C.F.D.D The Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (C.F.D.D) is the national regulatory authority responsible for the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices in Trinidad & Tobago. The Division monitors all aspects of the importation, manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, fraud and deception in labeling and marketing, as well as disposal of food and drugs. Inspection and approval must be sought prior to the importation, manufacture or sale of the particular item. 1The
objectives of the C.F.D.D are:
Ensure safe quality of an equitable standard for use by consumers of food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices
Provide technological and laboratory services in the areas of food, drug, cosmetics, medical devices,
Any individual, broker or business wishing to import, manufacture or sell food or drugs in Trinidad and Tobago must have them inspected and approved by the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (C.F.D.D) of the Ministry of Health. This process ensures the quality, purity and safety of food, drugs, cosmetics and devices imported or manufactured in Trinidad and Tobago.
¹Food and Drugs Act 1960- Food and Drugs Regulations, Fish and Fishery Product Regulations 1998, Food and Drug (Amendments) Regulations 2003. Source: https://www.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/Food%20and%20Drugs%20Act-30.01.pdf
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CATEGORY: FOOD AND BEVERAGE IMPORTATION
Step 1: Consult with the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (C.F.D.D) prior to importation of a new product. Step 2: Submit copies of labels and/or samples of the identical product that a company wishes to import. There is a cost of TT$30 attached for every label/product’s examination. Step 3: Request written correspondence from C.F.D.D, indicating that the label is in compliance with the regulation or contraventions (non compliance). Step 4: Ensure that the manufacturer can supply the required certificates to the C.F.DD, as per product specification/ classification (see page 7). Step 5: Receive final approval from the regulatory authority (C.F.D.D). Step 6: Begin trading in the Trinidad and Tobago market. Other indications: All food products entering the country of Trinidad and Tobago are subject to be examined at the Ports of Entry, and samples of said product can be taken for the purpose of laboratory analyses and labeling compliance. It is necessary to highlight that all food items entering Trinidad and Tobago for the first time will generally have to go through this screening process to ensure quality, purity and safety of the products. The length of the examination time usually varies, depending on the nature and the scope of the action, but normally it will take on average between 2-6 hours. There is an exception for refrigerated goods, as they are normally released to the customer’s warehouse. Therefore, examination could take longer, and will occur at the warehouse.
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BASIC FOOD LABELLING REQUIREMENTS Basic Food Labelling Requirements under the Food and Drugs Act Chapter 30:01 Part II: Section 16 and Amendment 2003 The label of a package of food shall state: A. On the Main Panel of the Label
The brand or trade name of the food; The common name of the food; and The correct declaration of the net contents of the package in terms of weight, volume or number in accordance with the usual practice in describing the food.
B. On any panel except the bottom of the package
A complete list of ingredients in the descending order of proportion by weight or a complete list of ingredients in which the proportion or quantity of each ingredient is stated in terms of percentage; The complete name and address of the manufacturer or the person preparing the food and its country of preparation or origin; A declaration by name of any added Class II, Class III or Class IV preservative; A declaration of any synthetically added food colour; A declaration of any added food flavouring preparation; Expiry date / Best Before date / Date mark; Any applicable storage instructions (e.g. keep frozen, refrigerate after opening); Preparation instructions, where applicable; Instructions for safe handling where applicable; and Any other statement which might be required to be declared.
C. On any panel, including the panel at the bottom of the package
The batch or lot number; and Any registration number which may be required by these regulations.
NB: Please note that some additions to the label may be required depending on the type of food product. It is consequently advisable to discuss with the Chemistry, Food & Drugs Division before printing any label.
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CERTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR THE CATEGORIES OF FOOD PRODUCTS IMPORTED FOR SALE & DISTRIBUTION IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO UNPROCESSED AND MINIMALLY PROCESSED PLANT PRODUCTS: Fresh fruits/vegetables, peas, beans, rice, flour, etc.
• Phytosanitary Certificate. PEANUTS / CORN / CORN BY-PRODUCTS: • Aflatoxin Certificate. PROCESSED FOOD: Salt and leavens (baking soda, etc.), processed fruits/vegetables, processed fat and oils (refined oils, BBQ sauce, etc.), drinks (soft drinks, fruit drinks, etc.), convenience food (precooked food, energy bars, etc.), and confections (sugar, syrups, ice cream, etc). • Health Certificate; • Free Sale Certificate. NB: All the certificates listed above will be accepted by the C.F.D.D, and reviewed by the Food & Drugs Inspectors. Please be reminded that the certificates are product specific, as a result, their submission will depend of the type of product imported to the country. FISH AND FISHERY PRODUCTS: • Health Certificate / Fish Inspection Certificate MEAT/ POULTRY / MEAT-BASED PRODUCTS • Health Certificate; • Free Sale Certificate; • Halal / Kosher Certificate; • Cooking / Processing Certificate; and • Import Permit (To be obtained from the Chief Technical Officer - Animal Production & Health Sub- Division, Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago).
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DAIRY AND DAIRY BASED PRODUCTS: Cheese, milk other than raw (homogenized, pasteurized, skim, low-fat, etc...). • Health Certificate; • Free Sale Certificate; and • Import Permit (To be obtained from the Chief Technical Officer - Animal Production & Health Sub- Division, Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago). Step-by-step Procedure to obtain an Import Permit (1) The Jamaican firm needs to request a Health Certificate from its local regulatory authority; (2) When obtained, the Health Certificate should be submitted to the Animal Production and Health Sub-Division of Trinidad & Tobago Ministry of Food Production , land and Marine Affairs ; (3) After reviewing the document, the Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs will issue the Import Permit to the Jamaican company, which will then liaise with the C.F.D.D to get final stamp of approval. Where applicable, certifications for the following are mandatory: • Organically Grown Foods; • Genetically Modified Foods; • Irradiated Foods; •Certificate of Analysis (Heavy Metals/Contaminants/Organic/Inorganic Standards (Confidence level with other jurisdiction/competent authority); • Certificate of Origin of Raw Material; • Melamine Free Certificate; • Radioactivity Certificate. NB: The importer is required to forward original Certificates to the C.F.DD. It is important to note that additional certifications may be required, depending on the product and changes in environmental conditions. It is then prudent to always liaise with the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (C.F.D.D), before beginning the import process into Trinidad and Tobago.
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BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF BEVERAGE In addition to the requirements as promulgated under section 16 1-10 other requirements specific for Alcoholic and Brewed products are stipulated under: Regulation 16B 1-8: Labelling of Beverages containing Alcohol The label on the package of a beverage containing more than 1.0 per cent alcoholic content by volume, shall state on its main panel, its alcoholic strength in terms of any of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
alcoholic content by volume; degrees Gay-Lussac (ยบG.L.); degrees proof spirit or per cent proof spirit; degrees or per cent U.S. proof; or any other term authorised by the Minister.
Regulations 16C 1-7: Labelling of Brewery Products The label on the package of a brewery product for retail sale shall state, on any panel except the panel at the bottom of the package: (a) the name and address of the manufacturer; (b) the name and address of the person preparing the brewery product, where different from the name and address of the manufacturer; (c) the country of origin; (d) the name and address of the importer or the distributor, if any; (e) its alcoholic strength in terms of alcoholic content by volume; and (f) a declaration of the net contents. NB: For more detailed information please reference the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations.
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SUMMARY OF CERTIFICATES REQUIRED BY CHEMISTRY/FOOD AND DRUGS DIVISION (TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO) Products
All Foods & Beverages All Animal Products/ Fish Products (including pet food containing meat)
Title of Certificate Certificate of Free Sale and Health Certificate Health Certificate
Purpose
Requesting Ministry
Food Safety
Ministry of Health: Chemistry/Food and Drugs Division
Food Safety/ Food Quality
Ministry of Health: Chemistry/Food and Drugs Division
Animal Health Protection
Food Safety
Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs : Animal Production and Health Sub-Division
All Unprocessed Plant Products (Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, rice, flour, peas, beans, plants and lumber)
Phytosanitary Certificate
Ministry of Health: Chemistry/Food and Drugs Division
All Canned and Packaged Meats
Cooking/Proces sing Certificate
Food Safety
Peanuts/Corn
Aflatoxin Certificate
Food Safety
Ministry of Health Chemistry/Food and Drugs Division
Special Products
Organic Product Certification, Irradiated Foods Halal/ Kosher
Food Safety
Ministry of Health Chemistry/Food and Drugs Division
Plant Protection Ministry of Food Production & Land and Marine AffairsPlant Quarantine Service Ministry of Health Chemistry/Food and Drugs Division
NB: Please be advised that the C.F.D.D has the prerogative to amend any of the above requirements based on new scientific data and changing environmental conditions. 8|P a g e
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CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS For general queries with food import requirements, kindly contact: Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (C.F.D.D) Ministry of Health 92 Frederick Street Port of Spain Trinidad, West Indies Tel: (868) 624-5968 or (868) 623-5242 Fax: (868) 623-2477 E-mail: cfdd@health.gov.tt For assistance with export information or trade facilitation, please contact: Jamaica-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association 2nd Floor, TTMA Building, 42 Tenth Avenue Barataria, Trinidad, West Indies Tel: (868) 675-TTMA (8862) Ext. 239 Fax: (868) 675-9000 Email: tradeassist@ttma.com TTMA Trade Unit The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association 2nd Floor, TTMA Building, 42 Tenth Avenue Barataria, Trinidad, West Indies Tel: (868) 675-TTMA (8862) Ext. 248/225 Fax: (868) 675-9000 Email: tradedesk@ttma.com; trade@ttma.com The C.F.D.D is open from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm from Monday to Thursday and on Friday 8:00-4:00pm, except during public holidays. The TTMA is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday, with the exception of public holidays. Š Jamaica-Trinidad & Tobago Trade Facilitation Desk 2013 The Jamaica-Trinidad & Tobago Trade Facilitation Desk encourages the reprinting of its publications to achieve wider dissemination. Extracts of these guidelines may be freely reproduced, with the due acknowledgement of the source. A copy of the reprinted material should be sent to the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association and the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division. 9|P a g e
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