Importing infant formula milk involves a series of steps to ensure compliance with regulations, maintain product quality, and guarantee safety for consumers. Below is a comprehensive guide to the process:

1. Understanding Import Regulations

Before initiating the import process, businesses must familiarize themselves with the specific import regulations of the destination country. These regulations often include:

• Product registration with relevant food safety authorities
• Compliance with nutritional and labeling standards
• Import licenses or permits

Product Registration Process

Registering infant formula milk with food safety authorities is a critical step in the import process. The registration process differs based on the target age group:

For Infant Formula (Children Under 36 Months)

1. Mandatory Product Registration (Product Declaration): According to regulations, infant formula for children under 36 months must undergo a Product Declaration process and be registered with the relevant food safety authorities before distribution.
2. Dossier Submission: Importers must provide:
   • Product formulation and ingredient list
   • Manufacturing process details
   • Nutritional content meeting infant formula standards
   • Certificates of analysis and laboratory test results
   • Safety assessments and allergen declarations
   • Documentation proving product benefits from the manufacturer
   • Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) of the product
3. Regulatory Review: Authorities will conduct a detailed review to ensure the product meets strict infant nutrition and safety regulations.
4. Product Testing: Additional laboratory testing may be required to verify microbiological and nutritional safety standards.
5. Approval and Certification: If the product meets all regulatory requirements, an official registration certificate will be issued, allowing it to be imported and sold in the market.

For Formula Milk for Children Over 36 Months

1. Self-Declaration Registration : Unlike formula for children under 36 months, formula milk for children over 36 months does not require mandatory registration. However, businesses must complete a Self-Declaration Registration (Tự công bố sản phẩm) before selling the product.
2. Self-Declaration Submission: Importers must prepare and submit a self-declaration dossier, including:
   • Product specifications and ingredient list
   • Food safety compliance documents
   • Labeling information following regulatory standards
3. Compliance with General Food Safety Standards: The product must meet general food safety and nutritional standards rather than specialized infant formula regulations.
4. Labeling and Marketing Compliance: Authorities may impose regulations on labeling, advertising, and health claims to prevent misleading information.
5. Product Testing: While not as strict as infant formula, some countries may require additional laboratory testing to verify quality and safety.

2. Product Testing and Certification

Many countries require imported infant formula to undergo laboratory testing to verify compliance with safety and quality standards. This step may involve:

• Microbiological testing for contaminants
• Nutritional analysis to confirm ingredient content
• Certification from food safety authorities

3. Customs Clearance and Documentation

To successfully clear customs, importers must prepare and submit the required documents, including:

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Import permit and health certificates
• Bill of lading or airway bill

4. Storage and Distribution

After customs clearance, the products should be stored in a facility that meets hygiene and temperature control standards. Proper distribution channels must also be established to ensure safe delivery to retailers and consumers.

5. Compliance with Post-Import Regulations

Once the product is on the market, businesses must ensure ongoing compliance with local regulations. This may include:

• Regular quality inspections
• Adherence to marketing and labeling restrictions
• Reporting to food safety authorities

By following these steps, businesses can efficiently import infant formula milk while ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding consumer health.

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