Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 6/29/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** SP5020

PO3333

**Spain**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Stephen Hammond

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Maria do Monte Gomes

Laura Jerez

**Report Highlights:**

This report describes Iberian Peninsula application of the EU-harmonized
legislation regarding imports of food products into Portugal and Spain.
This report will only focus on Portuguese and Spanish legislation when
it differs from the EU-harmonized legislation. (MG8LJ3SH1)

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Madrid \[SP1\]

\[SP\]

###### INDEX

[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
3](#section-iv.-food-additive-regulations)

[SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND CONTAMINANTS
3](#section-v.-pesticide-and-contaminants)

[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)

[First Step to Enter the Iberian Peninsula Market
5](#first-step-to-enter-the-iberian-peninsula-market)

[Import Documentation 5](#import-documentation)

[Temporary Entry 5](#temporary-entry)

[Samples and Advertising Materials
5](#samples-and-advertising-materials)

[APPENDIX I -- MAJOR REGULATORY AGENCIES
6](#appendix-i-major-regulatory-agencies)

[PORTUGAL 6](#portugal)

[SPAIN 7](#spain)

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

[PORTUGAL 9](#portugal-1)

[SPAIN 9](#spain-1)

**DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by the Offices of
Agricultural Affairs of the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Lisbon,
Portugal and in Madrid, Spain for U.S. exporters of domestic food and
agricultural products. While every possible care has been taken in the
preparation of this report, information provided may be no longer
complete, nor precise as some import requirements are subject to
frequent change. It is highly recommended that U.S. exporters ensure
that all necessary customs clearance requirements have been verified
with local authorities through your foreign importer before the sale
conditions are finalized. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS ALWAYS
SUBJECT TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AS INTERPRETED BY THE COUNTRY OF
IMPORT AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.**

# SECTION I. FOOD LAWS

Imports of food and beverage products into Portugal and Spain are not
subject to special legislation other than that of the European Union.
Portugal and Spain, as EU member states, follows all rules and
regulations that govern food legislation within the European Union.
National legislation is also applied when there is no EU-harmonized
legislation to be applied.

# SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS

EU-harmonized legislation is applied to:

> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} General
> Labeling Requirements
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Nutritional
> Labeling
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}
> Product-Specific Labeling
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} GMO's and
> Novel Foods Labeling

Multi-language labeling is allowed in both countries. However,
Portuguese and/or Spanish are required. Stickers are allowed.

For detailed information on the EU-harmonized labeling legislation,
please consult the EU-25 FAIRS report, E34054 at
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scripts/gd.asp?ID=146107373> as well as the
website <http://www.useu.be/agri/label.html>.

# SECTION III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS

EU-harmonized legislation on packaging and container regulations is
applied.

For detailed information on the EU-harmonized legislation on packaging
and container regulations, please consult the EU-25 FAIRS report, E34054
at <http://www.fas.usda.gov/scripts/gd.asp?ID=146107373> as well as the
website
[www.useu.be/agri/packaging.html](http://www.useu.be/agri/packaging.html).

# SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS

EU-harmonized legislation on food additive regulations is applied.

For detailed information on the EU-harmonized legislation on food
additive regulations, please consult the EU-25 FAIRS report, E34054 at
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scripts/gd.asp?ID=146107373> as well as the
website
[www.useu.be/agri/additive.html](http://www.useu.be/agri/additive.html).

# SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND CONTAMINANTS

EU-harmonized legislation on pesticide and contaminants is not fully
completed yet.

The complete list of maximum residue levels (MRL's) and commodity
combinations allowed in the EU can be obtained from the Commission's
webpage at
<http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/plant/protection/resources/mrl_pesticide.pdf>.

When a pesticide is not listed under the EU harmonized MRL's list, it
should be subject to either Portuguese or Spanish legislation.

Therefore, U.S. exporters may obtain information on the maximum residue
levels (MRL's) and commodity combinations allowed in:

**Portugal** at the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture webpage,
<http://www.dgpc.min-agricultura.pt/fitofarmaceuticos/Residuos/LMR/LMR.htm>;

**Spain** at the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture webpage,
<http://www.mapya.es/es/agricultura/pags/fitos/registro/lmrs/principal_lmrs2.htm>.

For detailed information on the EU-harmonized legislation on pesticide
and contaminant regulations, please consult the EU-25 FAIRS report,
E34054 at <http://www.fas.usda.gov/scripts/gd.asp?ID=146107373> as well
as the website
[www.useu.be/agri/pesticides.html](http://www.useu.be/agri/pesticides.html).

# SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

EU-harmonized legislation is applied to other regulations and
requirements including product inspection, registration and
certification.

For detailed information on the EU-harmonized legislation on other
regulations and requirements, please consult the EU-25 FAIRS report,
E34054 at <http://www.fas.usda.gov/scripts/gd.asp?ID=146107373>. Also,
for detailed information on certification, please consult the following
websites:

> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Certificates
> for Plant Products - <http://www.useu.be/agri/plantcertif.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Certificates
> for Animal Products - <http://www.useu.be/agri/certification.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Certificates
> for Processed Foods - <http://www.useu.be/agri/foodcertif.html>

# SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS

For detailed information on the EU-harmonized legislation on other
specific standards, please consult the EU-25 FAIRS report, E34054 at
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scripts/gd.asp?ID=146107373>. Also, detailed
information may also be obtained at the following websites:

> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} GMO's -
> <http://www.useu.be/agri/GMOs.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Novel Foods -
> <http://www.useu.be/agri/novelfood.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Dietetic or
> Special Use Foods - <http://www.useu.be/agri/partnutr.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Wine, Beer and
> Other Alcoholic Beverages - <http://www.useu.be/agri/wine.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Organic
> Foods - <http://www.useu.be/agri/organic.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Vertical
> Legislation (Breakfast Directives) -
> <http://www.useu.be/agri/vertic.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Beef
> Labeling - <http://www.useu.be/agri/label.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Egg Labeling -
> <http://www.useu.be/agri/label.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Frozen Foods -
> <http://www.useu.be/agri/frozen.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Irradiated
> Foods - <http://www.useu.be/agri/irradiation.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Fruits and
> Vegetables - <http://www.useu.be/agri/Fruit-Veg.html>
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Seafood -
> <http://www.useu.be/agri/seafood2.html>

# SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS

Both Portugal and Spain are signatory to the Paris Convention for the
Protection of Industrial Property (WIPO), parties to the Madrid
Agreement on International Registration of Trademarks and Prevention of
the Use of False Origins. Both the Trademark Law and the Intellectual
Property Law address protection for brand names and trademarks.

For detailed information on the EU-harmonized legislation on copyright
and/or trademark laws, please consult the EU-25 FAIRS report, E34054 at
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scripts/gd.asp?ID=146107373> as well as
[Council Directive
89/104/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=31989L0104&model=guicheti).

# SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES

## First Step to Enter the Iberian Peninsula Market

Success in introducing your product in the Iberian Peninsula market
begins by locating local representation and/or an importer/distributor.
The advantages of this contact include market knowledge, up-to-date
information and guidance on trade laws and business practices, sales
contacts, and market development expertise. The local importer is the
first responsible to either the Portuguese Government or the Spanish
Government of imported food products when they enter the Portuguese or
the Spanish territories. Therefore, the Portuguese or the Spanish
importer should guide you through the whole process to market your
product in either Portugal or Spain.

## Import Documentation

The following documents are required for ocean or air cargo shipments of
food products to Portugal and Spain:

Bill of Lading and/or Airway Bill

Commercial Invoice

Phytosanitary Certificate and/or Health Certificate when applicable

See SECTION VI. Other Regulations and Requirements**.**

Import Certificate

Most food products require an Import Certificate issued by the competent
Portuguese

> or Spanish authority. However, the Import Certificate is obtained by
> either the Portuguese or the Spanish importer and/or the agent
> involved in the business and is intended for tariff classification
> purposes.

## Temporary Entry

Foreign goods may enter the Iberian Peninsula territory under temporary
duty-free admission. Temporary entry can be allowed for goods in
transit, for manufacturing, for temporary storage or for temporary
importation. Generally, temporary entry of goods requires the deposit of
a guarantee for import duties and VAT which are then reimbursed when the
merchandise leaves the territory of the EU. Temporary importation allows
the merchandise to stay in the EU territory as foreign merchandise for a
period of 24 months.

## Samples and Advertising Materials

As EU member countries and members of the Convention to Facilitate the
Importation of Samples and Advertising Matter, Portugal and Spain grant
duty free entry to giveaway samples properly labeled. Samples are,
however, subject to the same import documentation requirements that
apply to ordinary commercial imports and require a symbolic value for
customs declaration purposes on the commercial invoice which must carry
the statement "Samples Without Commercial Value".

For detailed information on the EU-harmonized legislation on import
procedures, please consult the EU-25 FAIRS report, E34054 at
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scripts/gd.asp?ID=146107373>.

# APPENDIX I -- MAJOR REGULATORY AGENCIES

## PORTUGAL

Direcção Geral de Fiscalização e Controlo da Qualidade Alimentar

(General Directorate for Inspection and Control of Food Quality)

Av. Conde Valbom, 96

1050-070 LISBOA

Tel. 351-217983600

Fax 351-217983654

email: <dgfcqa@dgfcqa.min-agricultura.pt>

[www.min-agricultura.pt](http://www.min-agricultura.pt/)

Direcção Geral de Protecção das Culturas

(General Directorate for Crop Protection)

Estação Agronómica Nacional

Quinta do Marquês

2780-155 OEIRAS

Tel. 351-214464073

Fax 351-214420616

Email: <info@dgpc.min-agricultura.pt>

[www.dgpc.min-agricultura.pt](http://www.dgpc.min-agricultura.pt/)

Direcção Geral da Veterinária

(General Directorate for Veterinary Services)

Lg. Academia Nacional das Belas Artes, 2

1249-105 LISBOA

Tel. 351-213239500

Fax 351-213239694

Email: <veterinaria@mail.telepac.pt>

[www.dgv.min-agricultura.pt](http://www.dgv.min-agricultura.pt/)

Direcção Geral da Saúde

(General Directorate for Health)

Alameda D. Afonso Henriques, 45

1000 LISBOA

Tel. 351-218430500

Fax 351-218430530

[www.dgsaude.pt](http://www.dgsaude.pt/)

Ministério da Agricultura (Ministry of Agriculture)

Gabinete de Planeamento e Política (Planning and Policy Cabinet for

Agro-Alimentar Agricultural Food Products)

Rua Pd. António Vieira, 1

1099-073 LISBOA

Tel. 351-213819300

Fax 351-213873934

Email: <gppaa@gppaa.min-agricultura.pt>

<http://www.gppaa.min-agricultura.pt/>

Direcção Geral da Alfandega

(Customs General Directorate)

Terreiro do Trigo

1100 Lisboa

Tel. 351-218861059

Fax 351-218883686

Email: <dgaiec@dgaiec.min-financas.pt>

[www.dgaiec.min-financas.pt](http://www.dgaiec.min-financas.pt/)

Direcção Geral da Alfandega e Dos Impostos Especiais sobre o Consumo

(Customs and Special Taxation on Consumption General Directorate)

Direcção de Serviços do Licenciamento **(Import Certificates)**

R. Terreiro do Trigo

Edif. Alfândega

1149-060 Lisboa

Tel. 351-218814262

Fax 351-218814261

Email: <dsl@dgaiec.min-financas.pt>

[www.dgaiec.min-financas.pt](http://www.dgaiec.min-financas.pt/)

## SPAIN

**MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH**

**Imported Foodstuffs, Infections and Compound Residues, Health
Certification, Port Inspection and EU Alerts**

Subdireccion General de Sanidad Exterior

Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo

Paseo del Prado, 18 y 20

28014 Madrid

Phone: (34-91) 596-2038

Fax: (34-91) 596-2047

Website:
<http://www.msc.es/Diseno/informacionProfesional/profesional_sanidad_exterior.htm>

E-mail : <saniext@msc.es>

**Food Safety Agency**

AGENCIA ESPAÑOLA DE SEGURIDAD ALIMENTARIA (AESA)

Alcalá, 56

28071 Madrid

Website: [www.aesa.msc.es](http://www.aesa.msc.es/)

E-mail: <comunicacionAesa@msc.es>

Fax: (34-91) 338-0375

**MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD**

**Plant Health Unit, inspection and certification**

Subdirección General de Sanidad Vegetal

Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación

Avda. Ciudad de Barcelona, 6

28007 Madrid

Phone: (34-91) 347-8258

Fax: (34-91) 347-8263

**Animal Health Unit, inspection and certification**

Subdirección General de Sanidad Animal

Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación

Velázquez, 147

28002 Madrid

Phone: (34-91) 347-8295

Fax: (34-91) 347-8299

**Planting seeds and Nursery Products**, governing several seed trade
aspects such as import requirements, seed registration and
certification, and the commercial seed catalog.

Registro de Variedades Vegetales

Ctra. de la Coruña, Km. 7,5

28040 Madrid

Phone: (34-91) 347-6908

Fax: (34-91) 347-4168

**Pesticides, Registration and MRLS establishment:**

Subdirección General de Medios de Producción Agrícola

Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación

Avda. Ciudad de Barcelona, 118

2007 Madrid

Phone: (34-91) 347-8291; Fax: (34-91) 347-8316

**EU Trademark Register**

Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market

Avenida Aguilera, 20

03080 Alicante

Tel: (34 96) 513-9100

Fax: (34 96) 513-9173

**Registro Especial de Gestion Aduanera**

Direccion General de Aduanas

Ministerio de Economia y Hacienda

Guzman El Bueno, 132

28003 Madrid.

**Registro General Sanitario de Alimentos**

Alcalá, 56

28071 Madrid

Phone: (34) 91 338-0432

Fax: (34) 91 338-0932

Website: <http://www.aesa.msc.es/aesa/web/AESA.jsp>

# APPENDIX II -- OTHER IMPORT SPECIALIST CONTACTS

The Offices of Agricultural Affairs of the USDA/Foreign Agricultural
Service in Lisbon, Portugal and in Madrid/Spain can also assist/guide
you in obtaining specific national legislation on all food product
directives. You may contact us at the following address:

## PORTUGAL

Foreign Agricultural Service

American Embassy, Lisbon American Embassy, Lisbon

PSC 83, Box FAS Av. Das Forças Armadas

APO AE 09726 1600-081 LISBON

Tel. 351-217702358 Portugal

Fax: 351-217269721

email: <AgIberia@usda.gov>

<http://www.american-embassy.pt/>

## SPAIN

Foreign Agricultural Service

American Embassy, Madrid American Embassy, Madrid

PSC 61, Box 20 Serrano, 75 -- Box 20

APO AE 09642 28006 Madrid

Tel. 34-915872555 Spain

Fax: 34-915872556

email: <AgIberia@usda.gov>

<http://www.embusa.es/>

#