Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 9/21/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** PO4018

PO2222

**Portugal**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Country Report**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

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

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Maria do Monte Gomes

**Report Highlights:**

This report describes Portuguese application of the EU-harmonized
legislation regarding imports of food products into Portugal. This
report will only focus on Portuguese legislation when it differs from
the EU-harmonized legislation. For the EU-harmonized legislation please
refer to the EU FAIRS report, E34054.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Madrid \[SP1\]

\[PO\]

###### 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
4](#section-viii.-copyright-andor-trademark-laws)

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

[First Step to Enter the Portuguese Market
5](#first-step-to-enter-the-portuguese-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)

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

# 

# 

# 

# 

# DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by the Office of Agricultural Affairs of the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Lisbon, Portugal 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 are not subject to
special legislation other than that of the European Union. Portugal, as
a EU member state, 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 Portugal. However, Portuguese is
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 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/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/com/food/fs/ph_ps/pest/index_en.html>.
When a pesticide is not listed under the EU harmonized MRL's list, it
should be subject to Portuguese 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>.

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

Portugal is a signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of
Industrial Property (WIPO), a party 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 Portuguese Market

Success in introducing your product in the 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 Portuguese importer is the first
responsible to the Portuguese Government of imported food products when
they enter the Portuguese territory. Therefore, the Portuguese importer
should guide you through the whole process to market your product in
Portugal.

## Import Documentation

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

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

authority. However, the Import Certificate is obtained by the Portuguese
importer

and/or the agent involved in the business and is intended for tariff
classification

purposes.

## Temporary Entry

Foreign goods may enter the Portuguese 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 an EU country and member of the Convention to Facilitate the
Importation of Samples and Advertising Matter, Portugal grants 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

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

[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

[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

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

Direcção Geral da Alfandega

(Customs General Directorate)

Terreiro do Trigo

1100 Lisboa

Tel. 351-218861059

Fax 351-218883686

[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 Licenciamentos **(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/)

# APPENDIX II -- OTHER IMPORT SPECIALIST CONTACTS

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

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

Fax: 351-217269721

email: <aglisbon@usda.gov>

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