Labeling & Packaging for Animal Food Import and Export

There are some of the policies and guidelines for labeling and packaging of Animal food products, some of which are mandatory even on imported or exported products. These acts and regulations assist in ascertaining that such products of Animal food consumed or given in the country meet the required standard, quality and the label requirements. This Blog contains the standards on labeling and packaging of Animal food that should be complied with in the Country.

Table Of Content

What is Labeling and Packaging?

• Two of the most important aspects of product marketing and protection include labeling and packaging. Labeling provides information with regards to the product such as name of the product, ingredients used in formulation, the producer of the product, directions on how the product is to be used as well as any precautions that must be observed while using the product. They include the information that consumers use when making the purchase decisions and the regulatory information about stock management.
• On the other hand, packaging involves containing and safeguarding items for storage, transportation and display. It protects the product from any form of damage, easy to handle since it enhances the handling aspect as well as consumers are attracted by nice looks and brand names. Raw materials may also differ depending on the product type and working condition needed in the final product.

Together, labeling and packaging serve to make products more attractive; protect them; and support brand image and marketing initiatives.
 

Need of Labeling and Packaging

Following is a discussion on why labeling and packaging are critical elements in the import and export business: 

1. Customs Requirements:

• Import Regulations: Every country has its rules on how labels are supposed to be formatted to enable the products to be taken to that country. This may include information such as the country from which the product originated, the products containing it, and whether or not the product complies with the laws of the country.
• Export Regulations: Exporting countries also have their own legal regulations for products to be accurately documented, labeled appropriately to aid tracking and to meet regulatory standards.

2. Product Information:

• Labels give information on the ingredients, nutritional value, date of expiry, how to use the product among other information which may affect the consumer’s decision making.

3. Standards and Certifications:

• Products intended for export to other countries must comply with certain international standards (for example, ISO, CE marking), and these marks must be placed on the packaging materials for control from both authorities and consumers in the international market.

4. Protection During Transit:

• Packaging is also important in that it has the responsibility of safeguarding the product from any possible damage that may occur during the transportation process of the product. It is useful in reducing the probability of damage if there are labels indicating the type of handling required (e. g. ‘Fragile’ ‘Turn this side upwards’.

5. Consumer Safety:

• Labels contain important information about the safe use of products such as instructions, warnings and safety precautions, which are very important in the protection of consumers.

Labeling and Packaging Requirements for Animal Food Import and Export

Labeling and packaging requirements for animal food import and export vary by country and product type. Here are general guidelines and considerations:

Labeling Requirements

1. Language: English is known to be used most often in labeling in India. However, they have to be translated into a local or regional language that matches the market of that destination.
2. Name and Address: On the label, the name and the complete address of the manufacturer or packer, importer, and country of the origin must be written.
3. Net Quantity: The net quantity of the product must be stated in metric terms.
4. Month and Year of Manufacture: The following information should be given on one part of the label: The month and the year that the specific product was manufactured, packed or imported.
5. Maximum Retail Sales Price (MRP): The MRP shown on a label should be the maximum retail price including all taxes and other charges.
6. Non-Vegetarian Symbol: Any product with 5% or more animal origin ingredients must have the marking ‘non vegetarian’ in the form of a brown circle filled inside a brown box at the top right corner.
7. Vegetarian Symbol: The vegetarian products’ mark must be a green circle with color fill on it and placed in a green square frame.

Packaging Requirements

1. Secure Labeling: It should be noted that labels should be applied to the package in such a way that they cannot be easily removed; another method involves the use of an extra card or wrapper.
2. Country of Origin: According to the requirements of the legislation, information about the country of origin of the goods that is a food product must be indicated on the label.

Conclusion

Animal food product labeling and packaging requirements that apply to both imports and exports are highly regulated in India. Names and brands are therefore important for custom regulatory and export control purposes, product identification and information, quality and standard, certifications, protection of the products and consumer safety. These regulations make sure that ‘Animal food products’ are as per the requirement of the country from the aspect of quality, safety, and labeling. These regulations help the exporters and importers to fulfill their obligations for a proper transaction to happen.