International Standards

In Peru, standardization emerged as a systematic and organized activity in 1959 with the creation of the National Institute of Industrial Technical Standards and Certification. The function of INANTIC was to study and establish industrial technical standards and verify compliance with standards for products. In 1970, INANTIC was replaced by the creation of the Institute of Industrial Technology Research and Technical Standards (ITINTEC). When this institute ceased operations in 1991, the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Intellectual Property, or INDECOPI, was created the following year. One of INDECOPI’s sections, the Commission on Technical and Commercial Regulations, assumed the function of the national standards body.

The principal functions of INDECOPI with regard to standardization are:

- Assembling technical committees;

- Approving voluntary Peruvian technical standards and mandatory Peruvian metrology standards;

- Promoting and disseminating standardization in Peru.

INDECOPI’s development of voluntary Peruvian standards follows the provisions of the World Trade Organization’s Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards. Therefore, the adoption or adaptation of standards respects the following hierarchy: international standards, regional standards, national standards and institutional standards.

Currently there is an inventory of close to 4,000 voluntary Peruvian standards and 72 technical committees have been assembled.

The following is a list of the committees and directories inside the CTR working with standards issues:

- Committee for Testing Methodology;

- Committee for Water Meters Testing;

- Committee for Testing Laboratories;

- Committee for Product Certifying Organizations;

- Committee for Metrology Services;

- Committee for Quality Management Accreditation;

- Committee for International Standards Norms.

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

Products coming from different countries will not have problems entering Peru if importers receive information in advance regarding the products’ composition and/or ingredients. The Peruvian standards body’s (CTR) regulatory framework is similar to to most of the international ones. 

LABELING REQUIREMENTS

Before reaching the point of sale, imported packaged foods must carry a separate adhesive label with a Spanish translation, including the importer/distributor’s contact information and RUC (taxpayer number). Law 28405 (November 30, 2004) requires labeling for value-added products other than foods. If imported products do not comply with these requirements for customs clearance, importers are allowed to properly label them in private warehouses.

For food products, labeling requirements are relatively simple. Products normally retain their original labels, and the name and (RUC) of the manufacturer, importer, or distributor must be added to the packaging. The Ministry of Health, through its DIGESA bureau, is in charge of issuing the sanitary registration numbers for food products. The Consumer Protection Office of Peru’s Consumer Defense Agency, INDECOPI is responsible for food and beverage labeling and advertising.

Food label contents must include the name of the product and country of manufacture. For perishable products, the following information must be included: expiration date, conservation instructions and warnings, ingredients, and net content of the product (by weight or volume). The label must also include information on dangerous ingredients. It is mandatory to include the name, address in Peru of the manufacturer, importer or distributor as well as the taxpayer number (RUC), sanitary registration number obtained from DIGESA, risk warning, and emergency treatment, when applicable. Perishable products must have the information clearly and visibly in Spanish. 

PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS

Food packaging must be made of harmless material, free of substances that could affect food safety. Likewise, packages must be manufactured so as to preserve the product’s sanitary quality and composition throughout its useful life according to the Ministry of Health’s sanitary standards. Packaging with recycled paper, cardboard, or plastic is forbidden. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

In order to import or export different products, the person has to present a large number of documents and quality certificates. These are: 

1. Pro-forma Invoice (This may occasionally be requested by the importer. A minimum of two copies is required);

2. Commercial Invoice (No prescribed form and a minimum of two copies is required. The invoice must include: the name and address of both buyer and seller; method of packing; marks and numbers; number of containers; description of the merchandise (including HS description); net and gross weight; free on board (FOB) value (Incoterms 1990); freight; insurance and other charges);

3. Bill of Lading (No special requirements. To Order bills are acceptable);

4. Packing List (Not obligatory but simplifies clearance if a variety of goods are packed in different cases);

5. Certificate of Insurance (Normal commercial practices apply);

6. Weights and Measures (Metric measurements (grams, kilograms, milliliters or liters) are used when selling packaged or loose goods).

7. Insurance.

CONTACTS

INDECOPI

Gustavo Romero, Commercial Specialist

Phone: (511) 618-2442