Level 11 · Part 2
Finding the requirements of a market
The importing country sets the rules. Learn what kinds of requirements exist and who publishes them.
A market's requirements come from several places at once: the law of the importing country, the rules of your own country, and the buyer's own conditions. They are often stricter than what applies at home.
| Kind of requirement | What to ask | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Import duties and trade agreements | What duties apply, and is there a preferential rate for my country? | The importing country's customs authority and tools such as ITC Market Access Map |
| Food safety and quality | What limits, tests and standards apply to my product? | The food or agriculture authority of the importing country; Codex Alimentarius as an international reference |
| Plant, animal and product health | Is a health or inspection certificate needed? | The plant or animal health authority in your country and the importing country |
| Labelling and packaging | What must the label say, in which language? | The importing country's labelling rules and your buyer |
| Origin and documents | Which papers prove where and how it was made? | Your customs and trade authorities, and your buyer |
| Buyer's own standards | Does the buyer require a certification or audit? | The buyer, in writing |
Certifications
Some buyers ask for a certification, an audit or a quality scheme. These cost time and money, and they are not required everywhere. Do not buy one before the buyer or the authority confirms it is needed for your product and market.
Check the source and the date
Rules change. Use the official source, note the date you read it and confirm with the authority or the buyer. Do not rely on a friend's memory or an old document.
Exercise 11.2 · Build my requirements list
- Choose one product and one target country.
- Using the table, write the questions you must answer for each kind of requirement.
- For each question, write the official source you will use and who you could contact.
- Mark any requirement that would be hard or costly for you to meet.
Background reading for this part:
- Market Access Map — International Trade Centre (ITC)
- Codex Alimentarius (international food standards) — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO)