Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 7/29/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** VE5015

VE5015

**Venezuela**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Country Report**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Bonnie Borris

U.S.Embassy Venezuela

**Prepared by:**

Mora Paiva

**Report Highlights:**

Updated on: July 2005. Section (s) Updated: Sections I, IV, VII, IX and
Appendix I.

Foreign exchange and price control policies are still in place. Certain
changes to the original list are expected by August 2005. In addition,
the import tax exoneration expired on April 2005. The import tax
exonerations for staple products may be launched again, but with
significant changes to the original list of products.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Caracas \[VE1\]

\[VE\]

Table of Contents

[SECTION I. FOOD LAWS (Updated) 4](#section-i.-food-laws-updated)

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

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

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

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

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

[SECTION VII. OTHER REGULATIONS AND SPECIFIC STANDARDS (Updated)
18](#section-vii.-other-regulations-and-specific-standards-updated)

[SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND OR TRADEMARK LAWS
20](#section-viii.-copyright-and-or-trademark-laws)

[SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURE (Updated)
21](#section-ix.-import-procedure-updated)

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

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

[APPENDIX A. PROCESSED FOODS EXEMPTED FROM SENCAMER REGISTRATION
27](#appendix-a.-processed-foods-exempted-from-sencamer-registration)

[APPENDIX B. FOODS EXEMPTED FROM VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)
27](#appendix-b.-foods-exempted-from-value-added-tax-vat)

[APPENDIX C. FOOD PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO PRICE CONTROLS
2](#appendix-c.-food-products-subject-to-price-controls)8

[APPENDIX D. PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO IMPORT TAX EXONERATION
2](#appendix-d.-products-subject-to-import-tax-exoneration)8

[APPENDIX E. PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO IMPORT LICENSES
2](#appendix-e.-products-subject-to-import-licenses)9

FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL IMPORT REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS (FAIRS)

"This report was prepared by the Office of the Agricultural Affairs of
the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Caracas, Venezuela for U.S.
exporters of domestic food and agricultural products. While every
possible care was taken in the preparation of this report, information
provided may not be completely accurate either because policies have
changed since its preparation, or because clear and consistent
information about these policies was not available. It is highly
recommended that U.S. exporters verify the full set of import
requirements with their foreign customers, who are normally best
equipped to research such matters with local authorities, before any
goods are shipped. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS SUBJECT TO
THE IMPORTING COUNTRY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AS INTERPRETED BY BORDER
OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY."

# SECTION I. FOOD LAWS (Updated)

The "Official Gazette" (Gaceta Oficial) is the official legal
publication of Venezuela. It was established in 1941 with the name of
"Gaceta Oficial" and its purpose is to inform the public about any law,
decree, agreement or other dispositions that affects them. It is sold in
Caracas, but can be accessed through the following web page:
[http://www.tsj.gov.ve](http://www.tsj.gov.ve/). Daily highlights are
published on the web:
http://www.sail.gov.ve/Sumario%20Gaceta%20Oficial.asp

Ministry of Food

The Ministry of Food was created through a Presidential Decree according
to the issues No. 38,024 (September 15, 2004) and No. 38,027 (September
21, 2004) of the Venezuelan Official Gazette.

This new Ministry will take some functions away from the existing
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (Ministerio de Agricultura y Tierras,
MAT). However, both Ministries are expected to work together to ensure a
secure food supply to the population. The main function of this new
Ministry will be to accomplish all strategic food security and
distribution plans, whereas MAT will focus more on agricultural
production and rural development. Even though the new Ministry's charter
was published in September 2004, it is not fully operational since both
offices, MAT and Food, are sorting out their areas of action. For
additional information please refer to GAIN report number VE5009.

Main Functions of the new Ministry of Food:

1.  The regulation and formulation of policy and the planning of all
    activities related to food and feeding;

2.  Regulation, policymaking, follow up and evaluation of all activities
    related to feedstock; regulation, policymaking, follow up and
    evaluation of all matters related to the food industry, taking into
    account the guidelines of the Ministry of Industry;

3.  Regulation, policymaking, follow up and evaluation of all activities
    related to ensuring the "secure food supply";

4.  The same role regarding storage, transportation, distribution and
    food consumption;

5.  Planning and coordination of all State-owned commercial ventures in
    this area;

6.  Definition of foreign policy regarding food and food supplies, as
    well as carrying out all international negotiations in this area, in
    coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Relations;

7.  Planning, formulation, follow up and evaluation of policies
    regarding food quality, in coordination with the Ministry of Health
    and Social Development;

8.  Planning, formulation, follow up and evaluation of strategies
    directed at maintaining equilibrium between supply and demand in
    agricultural circuits;

9.  Regulation and issuance of import permits, authorizations, licenses,
    certificates and other documentation needed for importing and
    exporting in the food and feed sectors.

In addition to the former, the Ministry of Food has broad powers to
supervise almost everything related to the production, distribution and
storage of food for final consumption. Furthermore, the Ministry is
empowered to supervise advertisements dealing with food, food quality
and health related issues. Some of the functions of the Ministry of Food
and the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands appear to be overlapping and
it is unclear at this time on how it will sort out.

Ministry of Agriculture and Land

The Ministry of Agriculture and Land (Ministerio de Agricultura y
Tierras or MAT) has the responsibility of promoting harmonic and
sustained development of the agricultural and livestock sectors of
Venezuela, through the orientation, direction and evaluation of
agricultural activities. The laws by which this ministry is ruled are
the following:

Sanitary Defense Law

This law was published in the Official Gazette Nº20,566 on August 15,
1941 and is aimed at preventing and controlling plagues, illnesses and
pests that may affect both animal and plant products, and relates to the
study and prevention of diseases, plagues and all other agents that are
harmful to animals and vegetables and their products. This norm
establishes regulations, conditions and prohibitions for imports and
exports of animal and plant products.

It can be accessed through the following web site:

<http://www.gobiernoenlinea.gob.ve/docMgr/sharedfiles/Leysobredefensassanitariasvegetalyanimal.pdf>

Agricultural Marketing Law

The broad objectives of the law can be summarized as follows: plans,
regulates and oversees all marketing stages of agricultural products and
its inputs. It has the authority to fix prices for agricultural products
with the intention of preserving national food security. It was
published on the Official Gazette Nº 37,389 on February 21, 2002.

It can be accessed through the following web site:

<http://www.gobiernoenlinea.gob.ve/docMgr/sharedfiles/313.pdf>

Law of Seeds

This law regulates the marketing and trade of seeds and seed products as
well as any new development for new seeds. It was published in the
Official Gazette on October 18, 2002.

It can be accessed through the following web site:

<http://www.gobiernoenlinea.gob.ve/docMgr/sharedfiles/064.pdf>

Andean Sanitary Standards

Alongside its national sanitary regulations and as part of the
coordination in sanitary matters between member countries, Venezuela
also applies Andean sanitary standards. There is an Andean subregional
register with approximately 600 national standards. For additional
information about the Andean sanitary standards check
[http://www.comunidadandina.org](http://www.comunidadandina.org/).

Institutions and Agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (MAT)

Through the Autonomous Agricultural Health Service (SASA), the Ministry
of Agriculture and Land (MAT) is responsible for quality control and
inspection in respect to everything relating to the manufacture,
processing, importation, exportation, storage, distribution and
marketing of food, biological products, medications and animal feed, as
well as for the laboratories that control the quality of these products.

This agency is in charge of issuing phytosanitary or sanitary health
import permit for imported products and subproducts of plant or animal
origin, and animals and plant breeding material.

Ministry of Health and Social Development

The Ministry of Health and Social Development (MSDS) through the Food
Hygiene Division, regulates domestically produced or imported processed
food products, beverages, colors and pesticides.

####### 

General Food Regulation (refer as General Food Law)

This norm was published in the Official Gazette Nº 25,864 on January 16,
1959 and establishes that MSDS along with MAT must control the quality
of food products destined for human consumption. (Again, the new
Ministry of Food may take over some of the functions of MAT in regard to
food for human consumption.) These two ministries must prohibit trade or
retire from the market those products that are harmful to human health.
This norm describes all requirements that food products need to fulfill
in order to be offered to consumers, as well as labeling requirements to
be fulfilled. This norm states the obligation of obtaining a
registration certificate from the MSDS for imported foods. Complementary
norms were established on March 3, 1996 (Official gazette Nº 35,921.) An
online version of the Food Law can be accessed through the following
website:

<http://www.gobiernoenlinea.gob.ve/docMgr/sharedfiles/reglamentogeneralalimentos.pdf>

Institutions of the Ministry of Health and Social Development (MSDS)

The National Hygiene Institute (Instituto Nacional de Higiene) is the
government's reference lab for all food testing. This is the only
authorized institute to carry out food analysis for registration
purposes.

Other Institutions Related to Foreign Trade

Ministry of Light Industries and Trade (Former Ministry of Production
and Commerce)

Technical standard policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of Light
Industries and Trade (MILCO), which implements it through the National
Autonomous Standardization, Quality, Metrology and Technical Regulations
Service (SENCAMER) formerly known as Autonomous Office for
Standardization and Quality Certification (SENORCA.) Under delegation
from MILCO. SENCAMER is responsible for technical standardization,
quality control and certification programs and maintains the register of
mandatory technical regulations. It also has national responsibility for
metrology. SENCAMER accredits certification and inspection agencies and
testing laboratories. In Venezuela, BUREAU VERITAS, AQSR and FUNSEIN are
the organizations accredited by SENCAMER for certifying products and
quality systems. The Fund for Standardization and Quality Certification
(FONDONORMA) is no longer authorized to certify products and quality
systems.

Institutions of the Ministry of Light Industries and Trade

SAPI, the Intellectual Property Registration Service (Servicio Autónomo
de de la Propiedad Intelectual\--SAPI), under MILCO, is the body
responsible for the administration of intellectual property rights in
Venezuela. SAPI has two main operational branches: the Industrial
Property Registration Directorate (DRPI), responsible for administering
the granting of patents, utility models, industrial designs, breeder
certificates (for plant varieties) and integrated circuit certificates
and the registration of trademarks, trade names, commercial slogans and
appellations of origin; and the National Copyright Directorate (DNDA),
has administrative responsibilities for registration, monitoring and
inspection in connection with copyright and related rights.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works with the President of Venezuela
and coordinates with MILCO, MAT and MSDS in the formulation of
international policies, direction of international affairs and signing
of agreements and other international conventions. It carries the
responsibility of supporting commercial negotiations and offering
assistance in dispute settlements.

National Tax Authority

The National Integrated Tax Administration Service (Servicio Nacional
Integrado de Administración Tributaria\--SENIAT) administers custom
services and is responsible for the surveillance and control of imported
and exported products through the borders and ports of Venezuela, as
well as the assessment and collection of import duties and taxes. The
Organic Law of Customs and its respective regulations direct all
activities carried out by SENIAT.

# SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS

a\. General Requirements

The General Regulation for Foods, the Sanitary Defense Law and the
COVENIN standards provide labeling requirements for processed food
products. This law applies equally to domestic and foreign suppliers.
The label must include the following information:

-Descriptive name of the product.

-Brand name or trademark.

-Net weight (grams) or net content (liters).

-List of ingredients in decreasing order.

-Manufactured by (name of company) in (name of city, state, country).

-Imported by (name of importer/importing company).

-Special handling requirements, if any.

-Any other requirement stated by COVENIN norms, General Food Law or
special requirements ordered by MSDS.

-The MSDS Registration Number.

Specific Instructions

Detailed instructions for preparation or use should be given in Spanish.

Net content and drained mass (net weight) has to be declared in metric
measurements.

Specific storage requirements to keep the product safe, must be
included.

# 

Temperatures

Oven temperatures must be indicated in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Baby Foods

Venezuelan health authorities are sensitive about modified food starches
used in food products intended to be consumed by infants and children.
Therefore, to save time in the registration of such products, it would
be helpful to note what process is used in the modification of the
starch.

Seasonings and Flavorings

For registration purposes, it is convenient to specify the names of
spices used as seasoning. Also, specify ingredients used in flavorings.

Language

Spanish is the official language of the country. All labels should be
presented in Spanish. Imported products may have labels in a foreign
language with the respective translation in Spanish, in the same form
and characters, and containing all previously listed requirements. The
foreign label must be applied prior to export, because the product has
to enter the country in its final presentation. Previous to
authorization by health authorities, a label with all information in
Spanish may be affixed to the English version label. Stickers are
acceptable.

Additional Comments to the Labels

Health authorities may require the elimination or modification of any
paragraph or phrase concerning a particular product, as well as
recommending the addition of any paragraph or phrase they deem
necessary. Health claims are subject to MSDS consideration and final
approval is given on a case-by-case basis.

b\. Requirements Specific to Nutritional Labeling

Nutrient labeling is voluntary in Venezuela; therefore it is up to the
individual company to indicate nutrients on the label in terms of
recommended dietary allowances. The following information must appear on
labels for processed foods:

-   Cooking or preparation methods (optional for products in
    institutional-size containers).

-   The SNML registration number (metrology registration).

-   The MSDS registration number (health registration).

Percent composition of protein, fat, carbohydrates, moisture and any
other substance established by health authorities is required only on
the labels of FOOD FOR SPECIAL DIETARY USE (See "Gaceta Official" No.
31.106 dated November 9, 1976. Also, see "Reglamento General de
Alimentos".)

The following additional information must appear on labels for processed
foods that are marketed for specific dietary use:

-   Energy value, protein content, digestible carbohydrate content, and
    fat content.

-   Amounts of any nutrients claimed to have special nutritional value.

-   Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats nutrient content must be expressed
    in grams.

-   For vitamins A and D, nutrient content must be expressed in
    international units.

-   For all other vitamins and minerals nutrient content must be
    expressed in milligrams or micrograms.

-   Energy values must appear in calories.

It is preferable that nutritional information be expressed as a
percentage of the recommended daily requirement set by the National
Nutrition Institute (Instituto Nacional de Nutrición--INN). Recommended
Daily Intake (RDI's) may be different from those in the United States.
U.S. exporters should contact INN for a complete listing of recommended
daily requirement.

# SECTION III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS

In general, packaging and container regulations are based on COVENIN
standards and follow Codex Alimentarius guidelines. Sound manufacturing,
storage and transportation practices for foods for human consumption
were established by the MSDS, according to the official gazette Nº
36,081, of July 11, 1996.

Containers, vessels, canning, bottling and packing materials used to
handle inputs or finished products should meet the following general
requirements:

-   Manufactured with materials suitable for that kind of food such as
    glass, tin, plastic, paper or cardboard, or another material
    approved by the sanitary authorities.

-   Must not transmit substances to the food beyond the allowed limits
    under the standards in-force.

-   Shall not have been previously used for any different purpose that
    might contaminate the food to be packed.

Most recently, the Agricultural Marketing Law (Ley de Mercadeo Agrícola)
called for establishing norms related to quality, reception, packaging
systems, packing, labeling and classification of agricultural products
and others, based on the Codex Alimentarius (article No. 32 of the
Agricultural Marketing Law.) As these norms are not yet established, it
is generally understood that previous norms are still valid.

# SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS

General definitions concerning food additives and contaminants are
contained in COVENIN norm #910. Additive and contaminant tolerance
levels are specified in individual COVENIN food standards. In the case
of imported products that do not have a mandatory COVENIN norm,
additives are approved on a case-by-case basis by MSDS through the
health registration process using COVENIN standards for similar
products. In the absence of a relevant COVENIN standard, the Codex
Alimentarius is used (there are some food additives authorized by the
Food and Drug Administration in the United States that are not
authorized in Venezuela and vice versa).

Maximum radiation tolerances are contained in the Official Gazette dated
July 30, 1987, in MSDS Resolution No. G-869, as follows:

[Radioactive Element Milk Other Foods]{.underline}

Iodine 131 170 Bq./liter 300 Bq./Kg

Cesium 134 + 137 250 Bq./liter 300 Bq./Kg

Strontium 90 11 Bq./liter 52 Bq./Kg

Additive and other contaminant tolerances are subject to modification,
usually in order to reflect changes in the Codex Alimentarius.

When monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used, it would be useful for
registration purposes, to specify the level used.

When nitrite and nitrate are used (sausages, ham, meat products in
combination with other foods), the total level of these additives must
be indicated.

For registration purposes only, artificial colors and flavors must be
specified and identified. All artificial colors and flavors used in the
formulation of the products must be registered with the Ministry of
Health. Also, for registration purposes, the source of origin of the
natural flavor must be indicated.

US exporters can research the updated mandatory COVENIN food standards
through SENCAMER web page:
[http://www.sencamer.gov.ve](http://www.sencamer.gov.ve/). The following
is the list of mandatory standards (English copies of the norms are not
available.)

LIST OF MANDATORY COVENIN FOOD STANDARDS

Product Norm Number Gazette Number Date Published

  ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
  Cocoa beans       050               4963              09/07/95

  Chocolate         052               36780             09/06/99

  Coffee, toasted   046               4917              06/01/95
  or ground                                             

  Coffee, instant   1643              4917              06/01/95
  or soluble                                            

  Butter            120               4917              06/01/95

  Dairy cream,      677               33058             09/07/84
  industrialized                                        

  Milk, pasteurized 798               4917              06/01/95

  Infant formulas   909               36221             06/05/97

  Milk, extended    1205              4735              06/15/94
  shelf life                                            

  Milk, dried       1481              5126              12/30/96

  Cheese, yellow    1538              35352             12/02/93

  Cheese, general   1813              35352             12/02/93

  Milk, sweetened,  2179              4917              06/01/95
  condensed                                             

  Ice cream and     2392              4963              09/07/95
  mixes                                                 

  Yogurt            2393              35468             12/02/93

  Cheese, Muster    2847              35352             12/02/93

  Cheese, Parmesan  2848              35352             12/02/93

  Cheese, Provolone 2849              35352             12/02/93

  Cheese, Brie      2850              35352             12/02/93

  Cheese, Gouda     2851              35352             12/02/93

  Cheese, Edam      2852              35352             12/02/93

  Cheese, Fymbo     2853              35352             12/02/93

  Cheese, Danbo     2854              35352             12/02/93

  Dairy Cream,      3046              35372             03/01/94
  retail                                                

  Lactovisoy (soy   3359              36635             02/03/99
  milk)                                                 

  Whey (sweet and   3495              5486              08/31/00
  in powder)                                            

  Edible oil,       030               35352             12/02/93
  general norm                                          

  Sesame Oil        031               35352             12/02/93

  Peanut Oil        032               35352             12/02/93

  Cottonseed Oil    033               35352             12/02/93

  Edible vegetable  069               35352             12/02/93
  fats                                                  

  Margarine         070               4735              06/15/94

  Mayonnaise        090               4735              06/15/94

  Olive Oil         742               4917              06/01/95

  Corn Oil          742               35352             12/02/93

  Soy Oil           744               35352             12/02/93

  Palm Oil          2184              35352             12/02/93

  Coconut oil       2185              35352             12/02/93

  Palm Kernel oil   2192              35352             12/02/93

  Canola Oil        3125              4917              06/01/95

  Sunflower Oil     1272              36780             09/06/99

  Palm Oil          2593              5524              03/28/01

  Orange juice      1699              4917              06/01/95

  Orangeade         1701              35372             01/03/94

  Orange, drink     1702              32470             05/10/82
  w/pasteurized                                         
  juice                                                 

  Orange, juice,    2264              4917              06/01/95
  frozen                                                
  concentrate                                           

  Grapefruit juice  3005              35352             12/02/93

  Fruit Canned      3031              35352             12/02/93

  Wheat Flour       217               35453             05/04/94

  Bread             226               34230             05/30/89

  Pasta products    283               35453             05/04/94

  Cereals, baby     1452              35372             01/03/94

  Rice, white       1641              34582             10/29/90

  Wheat, semolina   1946              34207             04/27/89

  Corn Flour, pre   2135              36044             09/16/96
  cooked                                                

  Rice Flour        2300              35352             12/02/93

  Oats, flakes      2383              34353             11/23/89

  Frozen dough      3191              35894             02/05/96

  Corn Flakes       2498              25547             02/23/99

  Sausages, cooked  412               35894             02/05/96

  Salami, cured     1410              35420             03/14/94

  Ham, cooked       1602              5126              12/30/96

  Ham, deviled      1784              34603             11/27/90

  Mortadela         1944              35352             02/12/93

  Creole sausages,  2070              35420             03/14/94
  dried                                                 

  Creole sausages,  2126              5126              12/30/96
  cooked                                                

  Ham, compressed,  2355              35352             12/02/93
  cooked                                                

  Luncheon meat     3124              4917              06/01/95

  Salami, cooked    3279              2511              06/05/97

  Corned beef       2069              37020             08/23/00

  Hamburgers        2127              36635             02/03/99

  Luncheon meat     2180              37020             08/23/02

  Ham, cured        2279              5486              08/31/00

  Liver, paste      2751              36455             05/18/98

  Eggs, fresh       1507              34230             05/30/89

  Chicken, dressed  2343              34230             05/30/89

  Poultry sausages  2593              35894             02/05/96

  Poultry breast,   3305              36298             09/24/97
  cooked                                                

  Shrimp, frozen    453               34230             03/14/94

  Sardines, canned  1087              5036              01/11/96

  Tuna, canned      1766              5036              01/11/96

  Baby clams,       1947              4765              08/10/94
  canned                                                

  Fish, dried and   2394              4765              08/10/94
  salted                                                

  Fish, pulp        3086              4765              08/10/94

  Sugar, refined    234               35894             02/05/96

  Sugar, raw        235               4772              08/26/94

  Candies           3341              36455             05/18/98

  Table salt        179               4963              09/07/95

  Tomato juice      072               5036              01/11/96

  Tomato puree      073               5036              01/11/96

  Tomato sauce      075               5036              01/11/96
  (ketchup)                                             

  Mustard, prepared 161               34353             11/23/89

  Baby Foods        2005              4917              06/01/95

  Peas, canned      3015              35352             12/02/93

  Sauce, based on   3610              5524              03/24/01
  tomato                                                
  ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------

# SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS

The General Pesticide Regulations (Reglamento General de Pesticidas) was
established by Decree Nº 1150 of July 9, 1968. Codex Alimentarius
pesticide residue tolerances are generally accepted as the standard by
domestic food companies and distributors of imported processed foods. No
governmental agency has been given the responsibility or authority to
monitor pesticide residues in foodstuffs.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (MAT) will temporary retain
agricultural products suspected of being contaminated with pesticides or
similar products. If analysis carried out by MAT proves this to be the
case, the Ministry will order their destruction and no indemnification
will be granted.

# 

# SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS (Updated)

Phytosanitary Permit and Sanitary Health Import Permit (for vegetable
and animal products)

Prior to importing, importers must obtain a phytosanitary permit or
sanitary health (SPS) permit (depending on the product) from SASA.
Import permits have a non-renewable period of validity of between 60 and
90 days, depending on the product. Sanitary health import permits are
issued for animal products and livestock-farming inputs (validity of 60
days). Phytosanitary import permits are issued for plant products
(validity of 90 days).

Importers must present to SASA the following documentation in order to
obtain the phytosanitary or sanitary import permit:

-   Pro forma invoice

-   Payment receipt of the import request fee at different local banks

-   Country of origin certificate

-   Phytosanitary or sanitary certificate, issued in the country of
    origin by the competent authority

SASA will review the documentation provided and will grant the
phytosanitary or sanitary import permit. If the documents are not
correct, SASA will not issue the import permit. In the case of
phytosanitary and sanitary import permits, SASA will indicate treatment
and conditions to be met by the product before entering the country,
depending on pre-established regulations and norms.

Import Licenses

Venezuela routinely uses discretionary import licensing procedures to
curtail agricultural imports of products such as corn, sorghum, dairy
and oilseeds. For those products where the licensing system has not yet
been implemented (45 products) such as beef, pork and poultry, the GOV
restricts the issuance of SPS permits to block imports.

Import licenses are valid for four months, and can only be renewed if,
on expiry, they have not been used for reasons outside the importer's
control. When applying for a license, established importers are supposed
to submit a monthly list of imports actually realized, indicating volume
and value, together with the invoice on the most recent import, also
indicating the volume and value of the merchandise in question. The
importer must indicate the amount of the allocated quota that remains
unused, which in some cases is reincorporated into the quota to be
reassigned. (See Appendix E for the list of products requiring import
licenses.)

Product Registration

Another requirement for the importation of animals and animal products
or by-products is that the producer, exporter or importer also registers
with SASA. The validity of the registration is indefinite, but it can be
cancelled due to non-compliance with dispositions stated by
pre-established laws and regulations.

Notes to the Phytosanitary and Sanitary Health Import Permit

SASA is authorized to restrict or prohibit the importation, marketing or
use of a product. SASA\'s Standing Technical Advisory Body will
recommend and indicate the appropriate course of action on the basis of
a risk analysis.

Product Health Registration (for processed food products and additives)

Foods not registered in the country of origin cannot be registered in
Venezuela. With the exception of special cases, such as Government or
military sales as determined by the MSDS, all new-to-market foreign food
products must be submitted for registration before being imported.

All consumer-ready food product (HS codes: 03, 04, 05, 16, 19, 20 and
21) imports must be registered with the MSDS through its Food Hygiene
Division (División de Higiene de Alimentos) before they can be sold to
the public in Venezuela in accordance with the provisions of Decree No.
989 of November 28, 1995 and subsequent amendments.

Product health registration is valid for five years. After five years,
an application may be made to MSDS without cost for renewal of the
registration.

Step-by-Step Registration process

It is necessary to do the following to complete the health registration
process (all costs must be confirmed with the proper authorities):

1\. Fill out an application for Health Registration for Food
(SIE‑5‑197).

2\. Affix 1,525 Bolivars (approximately \$0.95) in Venezuelan postage
stamps to the form.

The following items must accompany the application for the health
permit:

a\. A certificate of free sale and consumption issued by competent
authorities in the country of origin. The certificate must state that
the food is for human consumption, or for processing, or for use as an
input in food for human consumption in the country of origin.

b\. A statement identifying the analysis methodology or set of standards
which were used to obtain official approval in the country of origin by
the manufacturer or by the company to offer the product for sale to the
public.

c\. A letter from the foreign manufacturer, or a power of attorney,
authorizing the Venezuelan representative to apply for health
registration of the product in Venezuela.

d\. A letter of authorization from the Venezuelan representative, if a
third party is requesting the health registration on his/her behalf.

f\. One sample of the food product.

g\. Three copies of the original labels and packages used to market the
product in the country of origin.

h\. Three copies of the label in Spanish that will be used in Venezuela.

SAMPLE FORM FOR HEALTH REGISTRATION

\* This is an unofficial translation of form SIE 5-197. It may not be
used to make an application for health registration. Its purpose is
solely to present exporters with the information that must be provided
to complete the form. To obtain an actual form you must ask for it at
MSDS's offices.

Ministry of Health and Social Development (MSDS)

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH

DIVISION OF FOOD HYGIENE

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
|                                         | See the annexed            |
|                                         | instructions.              |
|                                         |                            |
|                                         | Type or print.             |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

REQUEST FOR HEALTH REGISTRATION FOR FOOD

No. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

NAME OF REQUESTOR
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ADDRESS
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

In conformity with the General Food Regulations and other legal
standards in force, I request by this form the registration of a FOOD
PRODUCT, described below, in the appropriate Registry, as well as the
authorization to offer it for human consumption.

COMPLETE NAME OF THE PRODUCT: (1)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

TRADEMARK:
(2)\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

SIZE AND TYPES OF CONTAINERS USED: (3)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

MANUFACTURED BY: (4)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

IN: (5)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

CLASS AND TYPE OF PRODUCT: (6)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

IDENTIFICATION OF LOT: (7)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

COMPLETE LIST OF INGREDIENTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE: (8)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

PHYSICAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS: (9)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

CONDITIONS OF PRESERVATION: (10)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

SHELF LIFE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION:
(11)\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

I,
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

of nationality \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_,
identification document No. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

address
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
in my character of: (12)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

declare under oath that the above information is true, that the food
product listed will be packaged in containers or packages, and with
labels, authorized by the Ministry of Health and Social Development
(MSDS), and similar to those of the sample of the product that
accompanies this form. Likewise, I declare that the provisional
assignment of a Registration number by the Ministry to facilitate the
registration process neither constitutes valid authorization to perform
any of the acts anticipated in the General Food Regulations, nor
signifies exoneration from fulfillment of any other required rules
relative to food. Likewise, I declare that I have been properly informed
of the contents of the instructions that, along with this request, have
been supplied to me by this Ministry.

SIE. 5-197

Notes to the Health Registration

1.  The Government of Venezuela now accepts sanitary and phytosanitary
    certificates of imported agricultural goods without having them
    presented for legalization at Venezuelan Consulates. According to a
    December 1, 1998 resolution, all imports of vegetable and animal
    products including parts thereof, sub-products and others do not
    need to be shown at any Venezuelan Consular Authority.

2.  Import documents, except for certificates of origin, do not need to
    be translated into Spanish for customs clearance.

3.  All documents, other than sanitary and phytosanitary certificates,
    issued outside of Venezuela must be presented at a Venezuelan
    Consulate in the country of origin to be authenticated. These
    documents are valid for one year after the date of authentication.

4.  Products not manufactured in Venezuela must also be accompanied by a
    certificate of free sale and use issued in the country of origin,
    with a period of validity of 12 months from the date of the
    application.

Control of products at retail/wholesale distribution levels

If an imported product does not meet the minimum quality standards or
does not have a health registration number, it could be confiscated
and/or destroyed by MSDS authorities. Inspection at the point of sale is
done by MSDS officials on a regular basis to determine if imported
products are fit for human consumption, have sufficient shelf life, or
alternatively are thought to have been adulterated.

Samples for Registration Process

As part of the health registration process, the U.S. exporter or
Venezuelan importer must submit samples (generally no more than three)
of each product/model for which a registration is being sought to an
accredited Venezuelan laboratory. It is advisable to mark the package
"Muestras sin valor para su registro en el Ministerio de Salud y
Desarrollo Social" (Samples without commercial value for registration
with the Ministry of Health). Samples without commercial value should
meet the following requirements in order to obtain exemption from the
payment of import duties and value-added tax:

-   Sender needs to be the producer of the product, its representative
    or the authorized exporter.

-   The addressee shall be a company or an importer with tradition in
    this activity.

-   All documentation (commercial invoices, transportation invoices or
    others) shall contain annotations demonstrating the products are
    samples without commercial value.

-   Samples should be identified as having no commercial value.

Laboratory Testing for Registration Process

Chemical analysis and a complete listing of ingredients, including
additives, colors and preservatives, are required. The quality control
laboratories must be duly accredited by SENCAMER (see *Other Specific
Standards section*) or the correspondingly authorized government entity
(ministry, autonomous service or autonomous institute). After the
laboratory has completed the tests, it summits the results directly to
MSDS through its Food Hygiene Division (División de Higiene de
Alimentos.) The cost of each analysis should be previously consulted for
each product.

Pre Inspection (Updated)

The pre-inspection process done by international companies for all
products shipped to Venezuela has been eliminated. Since September 1,
2003, the GOV required the pre inspection (Presidential Decree No.
2,444). This measure was aimed at preventing customs fraud, easing tax
collection and expediting the nationalization of the product once at the
port of entry. Several pre-inspection or verification companies were
authorized by the GOV to perform this duty. The Venezuelan Custom
authority (SENIAT) has rescinded the pre-inspection contracts signed
with international companies. The effective date of this decision is
unclear (August 1 or September 1, 2005).

Refund coupons or free offers

Refund coupons or free offers from foreign countries are not valid in
Venezuela. Therefore, this should be specified on the Spanish version
label, or if the label is printed especially for exportation, it is
necessary to include information stating that refund coupons or free
offers are not allowed in Venezuela. Domestic free offers and coupons
are permitted if previously notified and approved by INDECU. Special
remarks mentioning that the promotion has been notified and approved by
INDECU should appear on every product.

# SECTION VII. OTHER REGULATIONS AND SPECIFIC STANDARDS (Updated)

a\. Exchange Rate Policy (Updated)

Currency trading was suspended on January 22, 2003 and an exchange
control regime has been in place since February 5, 2003. At that time,
the exchange rate was set at Bs 1,600/US\$. The rate can be adjusted as
necessary by an agreement between the Central Bank and the Ministry of
Finance. Adjustments occurred in February 2004 and again in 2005.
Currently, the exchange rate is set Bs 2,150/US\$.

Importers must register with the Exchange Control Administration
Commission (CADIVI) for formal applications for foreign currency
transactions. When approved, the transactions are then liquidated
through the Central Bank and finally through commercial banks. A
complete list of imported agricultural products that can be imported at
the official foreign exchange rate can be found at
[http://www.cadivi.gov.ve](http://www.cadivi.gov.ve/). The list should
be checked periodically as products are added or removed by CADIVI
without previous notice.

b\. Price Controls (updated)

The Government of Venezuela announced price controls on February 11,
2003 as a complement to exchange controls. The measure affected a broad
list of basic food products. Changes to the price control list,
including adding to or removing products from the list, and increasing
prices of certain products, are expected by the end of July 2005.
However, this is considered a long-term policy and changes can occur
unexpectedly. For the current list of products subject to price controls
see appendix.

c\. Tax exoneration for Basic Products (Updated)

The import tax exoneration expired on April 2005. Since January 28,
2003, the import tax exoneration has been renewed every six months.
Currently, the MILCO is reviewing the list of staple products that had
been granted import tax exoneration. It is unclear which products will
be kept on the list or whether new products will be added.

For the list of products subject to import tariff exoneration that was
valid until April 2005, see appendix. It can be accessed through the
following web site:
http://www.gobiernoenlinea.gob.ve/docMgr/sharedfiles/resolucion1261.pdf

For products without sufficient domestic production the MILCO issues a
certificate that allows importers to bring in food without paying import
duties. Certificates of non-domestically produced food products are
issued after on-site visits to processing plants by MILCO's officials.

d\. Cereal Guides

The Government recently issued a new rule for the transport of cereals
in the country, with the objective of controlling, verifying and
registering all plant origin products. The different state units of the
Ministry of Agriculture will issue the new permit or "Cereals
Mobilization Guides." This means that all cereals must have the official
documents in order to cross state boundaries. Government and military
officials will be in charge of checking on product movement. This is
similar to the system that is in place for animal movement. The
Government stated that the new measures have been put in place in order
to prevent smuggling, robbery and unlawful actions taken against
producers.

e\. Local agent

Although Venezuelan law does not prohibit a foreigner or foreign
exporter to register food products, it is a fact of business life that
the local agent or importer normally registers the product in order to
facilitate the process. A product registry can be time consuming, taking
up to 6 months. The mere fact that an importer lives in the country
greatly facilitates the registry process. The importer can check on the
status of registration more easily than the exporter.

It is wise to remember that although an agent may introduce the
application for registration, he does not own the registration. Product
registration remains the property of the U.S. seller.

Another viable option is to employ the services of a local consultant to
register your product. There are experienced consultants that can
facilitate the registration of each product, generally at a reasonable
fee. Contact FAS/Caracas for assistance at AgCaracas@usda.gov.

f\. Customs Agent

Since Venezuelan import procedures are cumbersome and involve many
steps, most importers use the services of a customs agent. Venezuelan
customs brokers typically charge one percent of the CIF value, plus
additional charges for document preparation and incidentals.

g\. Genetically Modified Organisms

Venezuela follows Andean Community Decisions Nº 391 and 345, which
establishes a common regime for access to genetic resources. Venezuela
published in the Official Gazette Nº 5,468 of May 24, 2000 its
Biodiversity law (Ley de Biodiversidad Biologica), which creates a
national office for biodiversity. The Ministry of Environment and
Natural Resources has the authority to oversee all genetically modified
organisms (GMO's.) The Seed Law provides a general framework for
registering GMO's seeds. However, there are no specific guidelines for
registering genetically modified foods or food products.

# SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND OR TRADEMARK LAWS

Venezuela is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO) and a signatory to various international intellectual property
agreements. The Andean Common Market regulations for trademark
protection, which generally apply in Venezuela, are found in JUNAC,
which can be accessed on the Internet at
*http://www.sice.oas.org/root/trade/JUNAC/*.

a\. Brand Name and Trademark Registration Process

Brand names and trademarks shall be registered through SAPI, the
Intellectual Property Registration Service (Servicio Autónomo de de la
Propiedad Intelectual---SAPI). A computerized name search for brand
names and trademarks is provided by SAPI and is usually followed by the
registration process. Approved and registered brandnames are published
in quarterly SAPI bulletins. All the documents relating to patents,
designs, trademarks, etc. are published in the Industrial Property
Bulletin.

b\. Name Search

To request a name search through SAPI, the following information is
requested:

-   Name of the brand

-   International classification

-   Logo, type face, graphic or mixed

-   Contact information of the applicant

The fees for a name search may vary and must be previously consulted.
Approval or rejection of a brand name is based on phonetics and spelling
matches with brands for similar products and other criteria.

c\. Brand Name and Trademark Registration

Specialized law firms in Venezuela normally handle brand name and
trademark registrations. The process takes from three to six months to
complete. If the brand name is approved, interested parties must file an
application for registration (# FM-02) accompanied by a form to verify
reception of documents (#FM-09) and a copy of an identification document
(passport or Venezuelan identity card). The applicant must pay a fee
(variable fees apply). If the brand name includes graphics, the
applicant must provide eight label samples (maximum allowable size is
8 cm x 8 cm).

# SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURE (Updated)

The documents needed for customs clearance include:

-   Customs declaration of value

-   Commercial invoice

-   Bill of lading

-   Certificate of origin

-   Shipment manifest

-   Import Pre-Inspection Certificate (issued by one of the authorized
    companies to perform this)

-   Phytosanitary or sanitary certificate, if required

-   Import license, if required

A customs agent of Venezuelan nationality must carry out customs
procedures. Where a legal entity acts as customs agent, the individuals
on its staff should be Venezuelan nationals. Customs clearance is
usually handled by private customs agencies. Customs agencies often work
closely with the purchasing or logistics managers of the importing
Venezuelan company.

All shipments must be made on a direct consignment basis. Customs
regulations stipulate that the consignee is the owner of the shipment
and is responsible for all customs payments. When an importer either
delays or refuses to claim a product arriving in Venezuelan ports,
SENIAT will impound the goods not claimed, and, if steep fines and
storage fee are not promptly paid, sell the goods at auction.

The Customs Law requires imported merchandise to be held in warehouses
while customs procedures are being completed. Customs clearance takes
two days on average. To simplify procedures and reduce the time taken to
clear merchandise through customs, an automation system is being
implemented.

In order to clear customs the following procedures need to be completed
at the port or airport upon arrival of a product:

-   A SENIAT officer inspects incoming shipments. The content of the
    shipment is compared to ensure that it conforms to invoices, packing
    lists and other shipping documents.

-   Products are inspected by MSDS and or SASA officers, as applicable,
    according to the type of product being imported. MSDS inspects
    processed products, while SASA inspects animal and plant origin
    products.

-   A SENIAT appraiser compares the declared invoice price with
    international prices to monitor for evidence of dumping or tax
    evasion.

-   A customs agent assesses customs, port charges, and taxes as well as
    fills out a liquidation form. (Taxes include a 15% valued
    added\--IVA\--that is calculated on the basis of the CIF import
    price, plus port charges\-- 1%\--plus the agent's
    fees\--approximately 1% of the CIF price\--plus any other charges
    accrued during off loading.)

-   SENIAT and port authorities stamp the liquidation form, accompanied
    by the required MSDS and/or SASA import permits.

-   The customs agency deposits the amount due in a SENIAT account in a
    local bank and presents the deposit slip to SENIAT and port
    authorities to obtain final clearance.

-   The merchandise is released by customs and loaded for local
    transport under the supervision of National Guard officers, who
    verify that all the foregoing procedures have been completed.

Control of products at Port of Entry levels

The General Food Law authorizes MSDS, SASA, the National Guard, and
port/airport authorities with the power to reject, confiscate or destroy
imported food and agricultural products if documentation is incomplete;
if permits are invalid;if the product is determined to be unfit for
human consumption; if the product has insufficient shelf life; or if the
product is thought to have been adulterated. If the cargo is rejected,
it can be temporarily stored at the port of entry at the importer's
expense, until the appeals procedures have been completed. In cases
where imports are confiscated or destroyed because they have been judged
by competent authorities to be unfit for consumption, importers are not
eligible for compensation.

# APPENDIX I. GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS (Updated)

**Services and Agencies Under the Ministry of Health and Social
Development**

**(Ministerio de La Salud y Desarrollo Social --MSDS) División Higiene
de Alimentos (equivalent to the FDA)**

Edificio Sur, Piso 3, Ofic. 313

Centro Simón Bolívar, Caracas

Tel: (58-212) 483-1533/484-3066

Fax: (58-212) 483-1533

[http://www.msds.gov.ve](http://www.msds.gov.ve/)

Director: Dr. Ramón Ernesto Perdomo

**National Nutrition Institute**

Instituto Nacional de Nutrición (INN)

Avenida Baralt, Edif. INN

El Silencio, Caracas

Tel: (58-212) 483-2506/ 483-3099

Fax: (58-212) 481-2155

**Official Quality Testing Laboratory for Food Health Registration:**

**Instituto Nacional de Higiene \"Rafael Rangel\"**

Ciudad Universitaria, Detrás Hospital Clínico

Universidad Central de Venezuela

Los Chaguaramos, Caracas

Tel: (58-212) 693-1229/662-5074

Fax: (58-212) 693-4967

**http://www.inhrr.gov.ve**

**Services and Agencies Under the Ministry of Food (MINAL)**

**Ministerio de Alimentación (MINAL) and Corporación de Abastecimiento y
Servicios Agrícolas (CASA)**

Av. Fuerzas Armadas

Esquina de Socarrás

Antiguo Edif. Seguros Orinoco

Piso 3

Tel: (58-212) 564-1883

Fax: (58-212) 564-8303

Minister: General Rafael Oropeza

**Services and Agencies Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Land
(MAT)**

**Ministerio de Agricultura y Tierras** **(equivalent to the Department
of Agriculture**)

Av. Este 6 entre Esquina Colón y Dr. Díaz,

Antigua Sede del BTV. Piso 2, (Frente Cartografía Simón Bolívar)

Caracas, Venezuela

Tel: (58-212) 509-0445/0121/0111

Fax: (58-212) 574-2432

[http://www.mat.gov.ve](http://www.mat.gov.ve/)

**Servicio Autónomo de Sanidad Agropecuaria SASA**

**(equivalent to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)**

Av. Este 6 entre Esquina Colón y Dr. Díaz, Antigua Sede del BTV, PB,

(Frente a Cartografía Simón Bolívar) Caracas, Venezuela

Tel: (58-212) 509-0595/ 509-0186

Fax: (58-212) 571-4117

email: SASADGS@hotmail.com

[http://www.SASA.gov.ve](http://www.SASA.gov.ve/)

**Autonomous Services Under the Ministry of Light Industries and
Commerce (MILCO):**

**Servicio Autónomo Nacional de Normalización, Calidad, Metrologia y
Reglamentos Técnicos (SENCAMER)**

Av. Libertador, C.C. Los Cedros, P.B.

Caracas

Tel: (58-212) 761-6474

[http://www.sencamer.gob.ve](http://www.sencamer.gob.ve/)

Email: secamer@cantv.net

**Servicio Autónomo de** **la Propiedad Industrial (SAPI)**

Centro Simón Bolívar, Edificio Norte, Piso 4

El Silencio, Caracas

Tel: (58-212) 481-6478

Fax (58-212) 483-1391

[http://www.sapi.gob.ve](http://www.sapi.gov.ve/)

Email: samanedu@sapi.gov.ve

Director: Eduardo Saman

**Metrological Development Fund**

Fondo de Desarrollo Metrologíco (**FDM)**

Avenida Francisco Javier Ustariz

Edif. Parque Residencial San Bernardino, Piso 1

San Bernardino, Caracas

Tel: (58-212) 551-54-06

Fax: (58-212) 552-9465

**Other Ministries and Agencies**

**Ministry of Finance**

**Revenue Administration Autonomous Service**

Servicio Autonomo de Administración Tributaria (SENIAT)

Av. Blandín

C.C. Mata de Coco

La Castellana

[http://www.seniat.gov.ve](http://www.seniat.gov.ve/)

email: asiste@seniat.gov.ve

**Exchange Control Administration Commission**

Comisión de Administración de Divisas (CADIVI)

[http://www.cadivi.gov.ve](http://www.cadivi.gov.ve/)

**Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources**

**National Office for Bio Diversity**

Oficina Nacional de Diversidad Biológica

[http://www.marn.gov.ve](http://www.marn.gov.ve/)

email: mquero@marn.gov.ve

Director: Dra. Mirna Quero

Tel: (58-212) 408-4785

# APPENDIX II. OTHER IMPORT SPECIALIST CONTACTS

**National Committee of Industrial Standards and Norms**

Comité Venezolano de Normas Industriales **(COVENIN- FONDONORMA)**

Edificio Torre Fundacomún, Piso 11 y 12

Avenida Andrés Bello, Caracas

Tel: (58-212) 575-4111

Fax: (58-212) 574-1312

[http://www.fondonorma.org.ve](http://www.fondonorma.org.ve/)

**Venezuelan-American Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Venamcham)**

Camara Venezolano-Americana de Comercio e Industria (VENAMCHAM)

2da.Av. de Campo Alegre, Torre Credival, Piso 10, Ofic.A, Caracas 1060,
Venezuela

Apartado Postal 5181 (Caracas 1010-A)

Telf: (58-212) 263-0833/267-20-76/64-81

Fax: (58-212) 263-20-60

[http://www.venamcham.org.ve](http://www.venamcham.org.ve/)

**National Supermarket Association**

Asociacion de Supermercados y Afines (ANSA)

Ave. Principal de los Ruices

Centro Empresarial Los Ruices

Piso 1, Ofic. 116

Caracas 1071, Venezuela

Tel: (58-212) 234-4490 / 235-7558

Fax: (58-212) 238-0308

[http://www.ansa.com.ve](http://www.ansa.com.ve/)

# 

**USDA/ FAS CARACAS OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION (Updated**)

Office of the Agricultural Counselor

American Embassy

Calle F c/c Suapure

Colinas de Valle Arriba

Caracas, 1070, Venezuela

tel. (58-212) 907-8333

fax. (58-212) 907-8542

webpage: www.embajadausa.org.ve/usda.htm

email: <AgCaracas@usda.gov>

Agricultural Counselor:

Bonnie Borris

U.S. Mailing Address

American Embassy, Unit 4940

APO AA 34037

# APPENDIX A. PROCESSED FOODS EXEMPTED FROM SENCAMER REGISTRATION

Beverages, alcoholic

Beverages, non-alcoholic

Cereal products

Chocolate and preparations with cocoa

Cinnamon, ground

Coconut oil, refined

Coffee, ground

Coffee, decaffeinated

Confectionery products, non-chocolate

Corn oil, refined

Dairy products

Eggs, shelled

Food preparations, miscellaneous (sauces, spices, mixes)

Fruits, processed

Grain products

Honey

Margarine

Meat products

Olive oil

Palm oil, refined

Peanut oil, refined

Seafood products

Sesame oil

Soy oil, refined

Sunflower oil, refined

Tea

Vanilla

Vegetables, processed

Vinegar

# 

# 

# 

# APPENDIX B. FOODS EXEMPTED FROM VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)

Live bovine animals

Live Swine

Live Sheep and Goats

Live Poultry

Milk and cream

Butter and other fats

Bird's eggs in shell, fresh, preserved or cooked

Bird's eggs not in shell, and egg yolks

Edible vegetables

Nuts

Meslin flour

Wheat semola

Fats and oils and their fractions

Other animal fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined,
but chemically modified

Soybean oil and their fractions

Peanut oil and their fractions

Olive oil and their fractions

Other oils

Palm oil

Sunflower-seed oils

Rapeseed, colza or mustard oil

Linseed crude oil, Corn oil, Castor oil, Tung oil, Sesame oil

Sardines

Tunas, skip-jack and bonito

Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose

Malt extract, food preparations of flour, meal, starch or malt extract

Preparations of infant formula containing soybean flour

Food preparations, derived from the dried milk, died buttermilk or dried
whey

Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal feeds

# APPENDIX C. FOOD PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO PRICE CONTROLS

Rice

Oatmeal

Corn Flour

Wheat Flour

Pasta

Bread

Beef

Chicken, eggs & poultry products

Sardines and Tuna

Corn Oil

Sunflower Oil

Blended Oil

Powdered Milk

Milk, Infant Formulas

Soy Milk

White Cheese

Margarine

Peas, Lentils and Black Beans

Refined Sugar and Brown Sugar

Tomato sauce

Bologna Sausage

Salt

# APPENDIX D. PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO IMPORT TAX EXONERATION

Pasteurized milk, UTH

Powdered milk

Green peas

Chickpeas

Black Beans

Lentils

White rice

Wheat flour

Corn Flour

Corn Starch

Refined, sunflower oil

Refined, vegetable oils

Sausages, bologna

Sardines

Tuna

Refined Sugar

Infant Formula

Infant Formula, Soy-based

Pasta

Protein concentrates and textured protein substances

Only food preparations of protein concentrates and textured protein
substances

Ketchup sauce

Mayonnaise

Soups and broths preparations

Soups and broths preparations, dried

Mineral waters, carbonated soft drinks and "malts"

Beer

Live animals from the breed "Girolanda"

Potato seeds

Green peas for sowing

Chickpeas for sowing

Beans of "Vigna Mungo","Hepper" or "Vigna Radiata Wilczek" for sowing

Small red beans for sowing

Black beans for sowing

Other beans for sowing

Lentil for sowing

Broad beans for sowing

Other seeds for sowing

Corn seed (white and yellow) for sowing

Rice in the husk, for sowing

Soybeans for sowing

Sunflower seed for sowing

Cottonseed for sowing

Sugar cane seed for sowing

# APPENDIX E. PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO IMPORT LICENSES

Yellow corn

Sorghum

Soya beans

Palm nuts and kernels

Soya bean oil

Other oils

Palm oil

Sunflowerseed oil

Coconut oil

Other vegetable fats and oils

Soya bean cake

Animal and vegetable fats

degras

Milk and cream, not concentrated

Milk in powder, not exceeding 1.5% fat

Whole milk 26%

Cheese