International Standards

The country has strict rules concerning standards. It also has many active standards organizations, the most important being the National Institute of Metrology, Quality, and Technology (INMETRO), the National Council of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (CONMETRO), the National System of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (SINMETRO) and the The Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT). 

Standards

INMETRO represents the primary national accreditation body of Brazil. This organization is responsible for implementing the national policies regarding quality and metrology established by CONMETRO. In addition, INMETRO is in charge of the certification of products, services, licensing, and testing laboratoriess.

For more details about INMETRO, visit the official website:

http://www.inmetro.gov.br/english 

Conformity Assessment

The conformity assessment comprises all the activities that are needed to prove compliance with specified requirements connected to a technical regulation or voluntary standard. The conformity assessment system of Brazil follows the ISO protocol. The conformity assessment is the sum of all test and calibration laboratories, product certification bodies, accreditation bodies, inspection and verification units and quality system registers. 

The conformity assessment can be voluntary or mandatory. 

Product Certification

Mandatory Testing and Mandatory Product Certification 

Regarding the regulated products, it is generally required that entities engaged in product testing and mandatory certification be accredited by INMETRO. The testing must be performed in Brazil, unless the necessary capability does not exist in the country.

A full list of products which require a mandatory certification can be found here:

http://www.inmetro.gov.br/qualidade/rtepac/compulsorios.asp  

Non-Mandatory Testing and Product Certification 

There is no legal mandate to retest non-regulated products that have been approved in their country of origin. Any certification that may be required in non-regulated sectors is a contractual matter to be decided between buyer and seller.

A list of certified products is can be found here:

http://www.inmetro.gov.br/prodcert/Produtos/busca.asp  

Accreditation

The General Coordination for Accreditation of INMETRO is in charge of the inspection bodies, accrediting certification bodies, quality system registers, product verification and training bodies, including testing and calibration laboratories. 

Details about the accreditation requirements and the accredited bodies can be found here: http://www.inmetro.gov.br/credenciamento/index.asp  

Standards organizations

The Brazilian Technical Standards Association (ABNT)

The Brazilian Technical Standards Association (ABNT) is a non-governmental, non-profit regulatory organization that develops standards for all industries in Brazil. ABNT represents the country in international and regional forums and operates as a certification body. 

Additional details about ABNT can be found at:  http://www.abnt.org.br/  

The National Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality Council (CONMETRO)

The National Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality Council (CONMETRO) is the regulatory authority of SINMETRO and is chaired by the Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC). 

CONMETRO establishes, coordinates, and supervises matters related to standardization, metrology, and industrial quality. 

The National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO)

The National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) is a semi-independent federal agency connected to the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade of Brazil. 

INMETRO is responsible for supporting Brazilian companies to increase their productivity and the quality of goods and services.

Brazil is a member of the WTO and as a result it has subscribed to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and to Codex Alimentarius rules. In Brazil, the food safety is ensured by several agencies and ministries which regulate imports of agricultural products and foodstuffs. The main regulatory bodies for agri-food products are the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA) and the National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance (ANVISA). 

MAPA is responsible for the marketing, import and export of animal products, fresh fruit and vegetables, alcoholic beverages, juices, grains, seeds, and animal feed, while ANVISA controls regulations regarding processed food products. 

Both regulatory bodies can be consulted at: 

MAPA - www.agricultura.gov.br  

ANVISA - www.anvisa.gov.br  

Labeling Requirements

In Brazil, all food products have their Product Identity and Quality (PIQ) standards defined by MAPA and ANVISA. According to the Brazilian Consumer Protection Law, all domestic and imported food products and beverages must provide correct, precise and clear information about the product in Portuguese. In addition, it is very important to indicate the expiration date and validity/shelf life date. 

A large number of consumer products are exempt of registration. However, products with mandatory registration are subject to more strict controls. Depending on the product, the regulatory bodies can require additional details, for example plant number or product registration number. Labeling rules are also regulated by the National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO). 

The following information must appear on the food product labels:

Details that should be indicated on the front label:

• Technical name, according to MAPA or ANVISA classification
• Brand
• Quantity
• Details that should be indicated on the side label:
• List of ingredients
• Country of Origin
• Producer contact information (complete name and address)
• Importer Information (corporate name, address, corporate ID)
• Date of production
• Date of product expiration
• Lot
• Storage care
• Instructions for use or preparation (if necessary)
• The expression “Contains Gluten” or Does Not Contain Gluten”, clearly visible
• Nutritional information

Regarding the nutritional information, it must be indicated in terms of portion size and the portion listing must be accompanied by its respective household measurement. 

Packaging and Container Regulations

The Brazilian Association of Technical Norms is in charge of the elaboration of technical rules for packaging and containers. ABNT also regulates the recycling of packaging and containers for food products. ANVISA regulats food packaging and containers. However, dairy products must obtain an additional license granted by MAPA. 

In order to obtain the Product Use Authorization (AUP), the company must provide documentation proving that the product complies with ANVISA’s requirements. ANVISA establishes quality and identity standards for different types of packaging materials: plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, and made from cellulose. 

In 2000 food packages became exempt of registration, but it should be noticed that recycled packages still require a mandatory registration. 

Details on the legislation regarding food packaging and containers can be found at: www.anvisa.gov.br/alimentos/legis/especifica/embalagens.htm  

Food Additives Regulations

Food additives are defined by ANVISA as any ingredient without nutritional benefits intentionally added to food to modify its physical, chemical, biological and sensorial characteristics during any stage processing, storage, handling or transportation. To be approved for consumption, any food additive is analyzed separately in order to prove its technological need and safety. 

Before exporting food products to Brazil, exporters must make sure that the final product and the ingredients (including the additives) comply with the local legislation. 

Pesticides and Other Contaminants

Brazil follows the international standards on tolerances of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides used in fumigation of agricultural products. 

Detailed information on approved pesticides can be found at:  www.agricultura.com.br  

Tolerance levels for pesticides can be found at www.anvisa.com.br