Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 8/11/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** JO4003

JO4003

**Jordan**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Annual**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Fredrick Giles

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Hala y. Khoury

**Report Highlights:**

This report covers Jordan\'s Food and Agricultural Import Regulations
and Standards

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Amman \[JO1\]

\[JO\]

Table of Contents

[**SECTION I. FOOD LAWS 3**](#section-i.-food-laws)

[SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS
3](#section-ii.-labeling-requirements)

[SECTION III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS
3](#section-iii.-packaging-and-container-regulations)

[SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS
4](#section-iv.-food-additive-regulations)

[SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINATES
4](#section-v.-pesticide-and-other-contaminates)

[SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
4](#section-vi.-other-regulations-and-requirements)

[SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS
4](#section-vii.-other-specific-standards)

[SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS
5](#section-viii.-copyright-andor-trademark-laws)

[SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES 5](#section-ix.-import-procedures)

[- CUSTOMS VALUATION: 5](#customs-valuation)

[- IMPORT TAXES AND OTHER RELATED FEES:
5](#import-taxes-and-other-related-fees)

[APPENDIX I. GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS
7](#appendix-i.-government-regulatory-agency-contacts)

[APPENDIX II: OTHER IMPORT SPECIALIST CONTACTS
8](#appendix-ii-other-import-specialist-contacts)

# SECTION I. FOOD LAWS

#  

The current food control regime in Jordan falls under two laws:
Agriculture Law No. 44 of 2002 and Jordanian Food Control Law No. 32 of
2003. Monitoring of imported food for compliance with Jordan technical
regulations and other international standards relies on risk based
system, which was adopted at Aqaba Special Economic Customs Center in
May 2002 and at Amman Customs Center in January 2004. Food products are
classified in a three-tiers according to the associated health risk and
incorporated the criteria of inspection into an electronic channeling
with computerized system. This system will be applied at all border
centers once infrastructures for these centers are completed. Imported
agricultural and food products are inspected by a border committee
composed of representatives from Jordan Food and Drug Administration
(JFDA), Ministry of Agriculture, the Jordan Institute for Standards and
Metrology (JISM), and Customs. The criteria and the levels of inspection
are based on three categories: high, medium and low risk.

-   80 -- 100% of foodstuff consignments falling within the high risk
    category shall be subject to inspection and samples collection for
    laboratory analysis.

-   25 --50% of foodstuff consignments falling within medium risk
    category shall be subject to inspection and 50% of food shipments,
    which are subject to inspection, shall be further subject to sample
    collection for laboratory analysis via an electronically programmed
    method.

-   5-10% of foodstuff consignment falling within low risk category
    shall be subject to inspection and samples collection for laboratory
    analysis via an electronically programmed method

Document review is mandatory regardless of level of inspection.

The current food control system attempts to limit human health hazards
associated with microbial, parasitical and fungal contamination. Import
consignments are also routinely tested for radiation levels and chemical
contaminants, including heavy metals, hormones and residue from
medicines. Food additives are determined by testing. Less frequent
testing is done for pesticide residues.

# SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS 

A. Imported products must comply with labeling and marking requirements
issued by the Institute of Standards and Metrology. Legal requirements
for labeling are fairly standard although a statement of ingredients in
order of preponderance is not required. All labels must either be in
Arabic or have a stick-on label in Arabic. In general, the label should
contain the name of the products, the manufacturer's name and address,
net weight, fortifying matter, lot number and "use before" or "best
before" date. Local labeling requirements do not include Recommended
Daily Intake (RDIs).

Shelf life: This requirement will be cancelled by the end of this year.
It will be replaced by the -"Best Before"- standard.

B. Requirements Specific to Nutritional Labeling is mandatory in certain
categories of food such as infant formula, food for dietary use, etc.

## SECTION III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS 

No restrictions are applied to either packaging or container type at the
Port of Aqaba. However, a maximum weight restriction 30.5 tons is
applied to the discharging of container at the gantry crane of 30.5
tons, units weighing more than 30.5 tons will be discharged using shore
cranes.

There is no special municipal waste disposal law at the port. In case a
cargo needs to be disposed of, an application is filed at the concerned
department at the port (i.e. customs, environment) and they approve or
reject the request according to type of cargo and its expected damage to
the environment.

No specific restrictions are applied on the type of packaging used.

## 

# SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS 

Food additives are regulated by JISM and JFDA. In general, permissible
additives and their concentrations are those approved by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission. However, the technical standards for foods
contain specific lists for food additive and their permissible levels of
use. These standards should be consulted to make sure that additives are
permitted.

## SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINATES 

Pesticide residue in the food chain in Jordan is a sensitive issue.
There is only one laboratory in Jordan that is capable of testing for
pesticide residue in fresh fruits and vegetables and its turn around
time is about two weeks. Therefore, it is not possible to test fresh
products and get a result back before the fresh products are consumed.
However, non-perishable local and imported agricultural products may be
tested for pesticide residue. The technical standards for food and
agricultural products require that pesticide residues not exceed the
recommended maximum residue levels of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Pesticides used in Jordan must be approved for use and registered.
Anyone who attempts to import unregistered pesticides is subject to
civil penalties. Small quantities of a new pesticide may be imported for
the purposes of submitting the product for registration. New pesticides
are approved by the \"Pesticides Registration Committee\" in the
Ministry of Agriculture.

## 

# SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Any imported agricultural or food product may be inspected and tested to
ensure that it is fit for human consumption. Virtually all prepared and
mixed foods are tested at the border. This is likely to change under the
new agriculture and food law.

The JFDA has the authority to inspect food product at the retail and
wholesale distribution levels. A representative may enter any place and
collect samples for testing. If a product fails to meet technical
requirements or is found unfit for human consumption, it is removed from
distribution channels and destroyed.

## SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS 

All imported foods should conform to the Jordanian standards issued by
the Jordan Institute for Standards and Metrology (JISM). All
agricultural products may be imported by the private sector (with the
exception of wheat and barley) if the products meet local quality
standards, which are set by JISM on the basis of the CODEX
Alimeantarius. In 2003, JISM instituted a pre-shipment inspection
program, which is entirely voluntary for food importers. Import licences
are not required for most imported goods. Some products require prior
approval from either the Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of
Industry and Trade. Agricultural products for which prior approval is
required from the Ministry of Agriculture are live animals: fresh,
chilled and frozen meat and frozen animal semen and powdered milk for
adults and babies. Prior approval is required to ensure that the animals
and animal products meet local health standards. The importation of
special flour and powdered milk for manufacturing purposes is subject to
prior approval from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry
of Agriculture. Importation of rice, sugar, and wheat derivatives has
been liberalized. The private sector may import these items into Jordan
if prevailing customs duties and taxes are paid and the product meets
local quality standards. Alcoholic beverages may be imported into Jordan
but high tariffs are applied (50‑180%) -- as a revenue source for the
government

# SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS 

Interest in property (moveable and real) is recognized, enforced and
recorded through reliable legal processes. The legal system facilitates
and protects the acquisition and disposition of all property rights.

Prior to its accession to the WTO, Jordan passed several new laws to
improve protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), patents,
copyrights and trademarks. TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights)-consistent laws now protect trade secrets, plant
varieties and semiconductor chip designs. The law requires registration
of copyrights, patents and trademarks. Copyrights must be registered at
the National Library, part of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Patents must be registered with the Registrar of Patents and Trademarks
at the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Jordan committed to acceding to
the Patent Cooperation Treaty and to the protocol relating to the
Material Agreement Concerning the registration of marks by the end of
2004.

## SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES 

As a member of the WTO, Jordan must reduce its import tariff ceiling to
20 percent. Under the terms of the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement
(FTA), import duties and other trade barriers between Jordan and the
United States must be phased out by 2010, with tariffs less than 5
percent having already been eliminated. Companies operating in the
Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs) gain quota and duty-free access to
the U.S. market and benefit from special import provisions for raw
inputs

# - CUSTOMS VALUATION:

The customs law of 1999 was amended in March 2000 to include
GATT-compliant criteria for customs valuation (which is based on
certified invoices) and to make the valuation process clearly defined
and more transparent. The law restricts customs officers' mandate to use
arbitrary valuation but still rewards those who uncover invoice
misreporting and imposes penalties on importers.

The customs valuation price is CIF-based. The value of the imported good
is converted into JD at the official central bank exchange rate (1 JD =
USD 1.41). In some cases, invoice or export discounts have been included
in the valuation by the customs department. Still, the exporter should
consult the local importer to determine how to best grant any such
discounts or rebates.

## - IMPORT TAXES AND OTHER RELATED FEES:

Customs tariffs are based on the Harmonized System coding practice.
Commodities fall under one of five different tariff rates: zero, 5
percent, 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent, with the exception of
tobacco and alcoholic beverages which are subject to a tariff range of
50--180 percent, and unwrought gold which is subject to a 0.5 percent
tariff rate. Under the terms of the FTA, these tariffs will be phased
out over 10 years (with year one being 2001) depending on the initial
tariff rate: goods with an initial tariff rate of 5 percent will be
duty-free in two years; with an initial rate of 10 percent within four
years; with an initial rate of 15-20 percent within five years; and with
an initial rate of 20 percent or more, within ten years. Excepted goods
as mentioned above will not be affected. The tariff schedule may be
accessed at the following web site: www.customs.gov.jo

In addition to customs duties, both imported products and locally
produced goods are subject to a 16 percent value-added tax based on the
cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value at the border. Goods such as
pharmaceutical products, agricultural goods, and some petroleum products
are exempt from the 16 percent sales tax. There is a special sales tax
that applies to specific items such as, but not limited to, passenger
vehicles, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and lubricants. The tax
rate on these items varies. Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are
subject to a 13 percent general sales tax in addition to the special
sales tax. Non-basic foodstuffs are subject to a 4 percent general sales
tax. For a complete description of these commodities and detailed lists
of the general and special sales tax, please visit Jordan's General
Sales Tax Department's website at
[www.gst.gov.jo](http://www.gst.gov.jo/)

Import licenses are required for imports of:

\- Non-commercial shipments exceeding JD 2,000 in value

\- Biscuits of all types

\- Mineral water

\- Dried milk for industry

\- Used tires

-   Items requiring prior clearance from specific authorities (for a
    complete list, see "special import provisions" below)

Goods entering the country under temporary entry status, bonded goods
and goods benefiting from the investment promotion law are exempt from
import licenses (refer to www.jordaninvestment.com).

All Jordanian and foreign trading companies must obtain an importer's
card from the Ministry of Industry and Trade for customs clearance
purposes. At the Ministry a complete and updated list of all import
requirements and provisions is periodically issued. For non-trading
entities such as banks, hospitals and hotels, the ministry issues a
special, "limited" card that allows the import of goods specific to that
entity's purpose.

Import / Export Documentation

According to Article 31 of the Customs Law of 1998 and its amendments,
every customs declaration must include the following:

> \- Maritime or air bill of lading.
>
> \- Commercial invoice indicating value, weight, freight and insurance
> charges etc. All invoices should be notarized by the Jordanian
> diplomatic mission in the country of origin. Certification by the
> local chamber of commerce is sufficient, subject to the approval of
> the customs department director, in cases where a Jordanian consulate
> is not available.
>
> \- A notarized certificate of origin issued by the relevant authority
> in the exporter\'s local area.
>
> \- Value declaration form for shipments exceeding JD 2,000 (USD
> 2,820).

The customs department may request other documents related to the
shipment as needed. All invoices should describe the imported goods in
Arabic.

Special Import Provisions

Pre-import clearance is required for certain goods. The clearance, once
obtained, acts as an import license. However, these clearances are
non-automatic. The relevant pre-import license-issuing agency and the
respective goods include:

Ministry of Industry and Trade (these are given out in the form of
import licenses): rice, flour and its by-products, sugar, wheat, barely
and corn;

Ministry of Agriculture: frozen animal semen, live animals, fresh/frozen
meat, embalmed wild animals, imported milk products from countries
engaged in bilateral trade protocols with Jordan;

Ministry of Health: all types of medical drugs and antibiotics, food
supplements for athletes, potassium bromide, food dyes, asbestos pipes
and panels, frozen ice cream, baby food and milk, laser pens, oxygen and
nitrogen oxide and other medical equipment.

If a shipment is rejected, there is an appeal system and this is subject
to the approval of the ministry under which the rejection took place.

# APPENDIX I. GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS

Jordan Food & Drug Directorate

Tel: (962-6) 4612663

Fax: (962-6) 4612663

Web-site: [www.jfda.jo](http://www.jfda.jo/)

Ministry of Industry and Trade

Tel: (962-6) 560-7191/5663774

Fax: (962-6) 560-4691

Web-site: [www.mit.gov.jo](http://www.mit.gov.jo/)

Ministry of Agriculture

Veterinary Services Directorate

OR

Plant Protection Directorate

Tel: (962-6) 5686151

Fax: (962-6) 5686310

Jordan Institute of Standards and Metrology

Tel: (962-6) 5680139

Fax: (962-6) 5681099

Web-site: [www.jism.gov.jo](http://www.jism.gov.jo/)

Jordan Customs Department

P.O.Box 90, Amman, Jordan

Tel: (962-6) 462-3186/8; 462-4394/6

Fax: (962-6) 464-7791

E-mail: <Customs@Customs.gov.jo>

Web-site: [http://www.customs.gov.jo](http://www.customs.gov.jo/)

Enter marketing text here

## APPENDIX II: OTHER IMPORT SPECIALIST CONTACTS 

For further help, please contact the Office of Agricultural Affairs,
American Embassy, POBox 354, Amman, Jordan, Phone: (962-6) 5906056, Fax:
(962-6) 5920146, [E-mail:Hala.khoury@USDA.GOV]{.underline}