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Export (Ad)Ventures in Venezuela
By Judith Magloire
Undoubtedly, there's a lot of paperwork to plow through before U.S. suppliers can begin exporting their goods to Venezuela. Exporters who dislike this aspect of getting a product ready for foreign sales can find consolation in the growth rate of this market. U.S. agricultural export sales to Venezuela leaped $100 million to $558 million from 1996 to 1997, a 22-percent gain--thanks to high prices and tight markets in Brazil and Argentina. And relief from the logistics hassle is available through the services of a reputable, experienced in-country import partner.
Before Exporting...
Each phase in the approval process for
products exported to Venezuela requires several documentary
pieces of paper. And a fee. An exporter can expect to spend
$400-600 to secure a product's acceptance for entry into the
country.
The first step in the approval process is to secure a Health Registration for Food (Form SIE-5-297) from the Food Hygiene Division of the MSAS. This application for registration must be accompanied by sample products and labels and several documents issued in the United States. These documents must be authenticated at a Venezuelan consulate and, if not in Spanish, translated by a certified translator.
Next, the exporter must apply for Registration of Imported Products (Form CSC-001) with SENORCA. This step confirms that the product meets the country's food safety standards.
The National Metrology Law requires registration of all pre-packaged products to monitor package weight and volume requirements; apply with written request on manufacturer or importer letterhead.
...and After
Upon arrival at the seaport or airport, each shipment of processed foods, live animals, processed animal products and animal byproducts must be accompanied by a health import permit which has been processed in advance. Permits are requested from the MSAS Food Control Office of the Food Hygiene Division.
These imports must also be inspected by either an MSAS or SASA agent, depending upon the product. Inspections are arranged through Venezuelan customs agents.
Also during the customs process, Servicio Nacional Integrado de Administracisn [check spelling] Tributaria (SENIAT)--the National Tax Administration Agency-- confirms shipments and assures the legality and correct pricing of goods. Based on this determination, the customs agent assesses customs, port charges and taxes, which can range from 16.5 to 26.5 percent.
Brands, Trademarks Need Protection
One note of caution. Since the
Venezuelan legal system does not provide ample protection for
intellectual property, U.S. exporters should register brands and
trademarks privately, using a specialized local or international
law firm, before distributing any products.
More detailed information on each process and addresses of the Venezuelan agencies are available from the market brief on which this article was based. For copies, contact:
Rodrick McSherry
American Embassy-Caracas
Unit 4940
APO AA 34037
Tel.: (582) 977-0015
Fax: (582) 977-1689
Two Agencies Monitor Imports
Food safety in Venezuela is regulated by the Ley General de Alimentos (General Food Law) of 1996. The law authorizes two agencies to monitor all health-related aspects of food production and commercialization. The major players: Ministerio de Sanidad y Asistencia Social (MSAS) (Ministry of Health and Social Assistance) and the Ministerio de Industria y Comercio (MIC) (Ministry of Industry and Commerce). Specific offices directly involved in the import process:
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The author is a cooperator with FAS' Office of Agricultural
Affairs in Caracas, Venezuela. Tel.: (582) 234-4458; Fax: (582)
234-4458; Email: magl@true.net
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