Panama - Export requirements for milk and dairy products

1. Eligible/ineligible product

1.1 Eligible

It is the responsibility of the exporter to confirm with the importer that the product can be exported and will be covered by the current certificate.

Examples of dairy products that have already been exported to Panama (PA):

cheese (speciality cheese, processed cheese, fresh cheese)
ice cream (dairy based edible ice)
condensed milk
skim milk powder
whey products

1.2 Ineligible

No information is known regarding ineligible products.

2. Pre-export approvals by the competent authority of the importing country

2.1 Country

Canada is authorized to export dairy products.

2.2 Establishments

The manufacturing of dairy products must be under the official oversight of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and be licensed under the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations (SFCR).

In order to export dairy products to Panama, processing establishments must be approved by the Panamanian authorities. However, this requirement may only apply to certain dairy products. The exporter must verify with the importer whether its products must meet this requirement. If so, the information below must be provided to your local CFIA office, in order to the Food Import and Export Division (DIEA) can complete the Establishment Approval Request Form for the Agencia Panameña de Alimentos (accessible only on the Government of Canada network – RDIMS 21380710).

Country
Province
Address
Establishment name (should be the name that may appear on packaging and/or any relevant shipping related documentation)
Establishment identification number
HS code associated with the product

The list of approved establishments is available on the Agencia Panameña de Alimentos (APA) website by selecting the tab Listados paises elegibles con aprobacion de plantas (Spanish only). Note that the link may not always work.

Note

The information provided above must be in Spanish or English
The validity period of the establishment's approval is limited in time
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure/confirm that the establishment is on the list of establishments approved by the APA. This information must be added to the manufacturer's declaration under the additional information section

2.3 Products

Product approval may be required depending on the HS code associated with the exported product. It is recommended that the exporter verify this requirement with their importer.

2.4 Import permit

An import permit may be required. Exporter should work with the importer to verify this condition.

3. Product specifications

No information is known regarding product specifications. Microbiological requirements and maximum residue limits in Panama may differ from those in Canada. Failure to comply with these standards could result in a shipment being rejected at the border control port.

4. Production controls and inspection requirements

The manufacturer must be aware of the standards and requirements of the importing country. An export control plan (ECP) must be in place to demonstrate that your products meet the requirements of the importing country.

Manufacturer's declaration

All export requests for milk and dairy products must be accompanied by a m's declaration completed and signed by an authorized person of the food manufacturing establishment/facility.
To request a template of the Manufacturer's declaration (accessible only on the Government of Canada network – RDIMS 15576674), contact your local CFIA office.
The product(s) must be clearly identified on the manufacturer's declaration and match exactly the product(s) that are part of the export shipment.

Note: Inspectors will verify that the manufacturer's declaration is completed appropriately and reserve the right to request any other information that they think is necessary for the final certification of the product.

Certification requirements

The health certificate CFIA/ACIA 5813 contains animal health and public health requirements.

Animal health attestations

The animal health requirements on the health certificate CFIA/ACIA 5813 are met based on Canadian regulations. In Canada, foot and mouth disease, rinderpest, Rift Valley fever and la peste des petits ruminants are reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act.

Public health attestations

The public health requirements on the health certificate CFIA/ACIA 5813 are met based on Canadian regulations

Dairy products manufactured in Canada and destined for the market of Panama are also subject to pasteurization or any combination of control measures with equivalent level of performance, in accordance with the recommendations of World Organization for Animal Health and/or as indicated in the Codex Alimentarius code of hygienic practice for milk and milk products.

Import permit

An import permit may be required. Exporter should work with the importer to verify this condition.

5. Labelling, packaging and marking requirements

It is the exporter's responsibility to meet all the requirements for labelling, packaging and marking requirements as required by the importing country.

6. Required documents

Canada does not have a negotiated certificate with Panama. The certificate below is issued on the basis of commercial risk. Request for any additional statements must be confirmed by CFIA's Food Import Export Division (FIED).

Certificate

Health certificate for the export of dairy products and dairy based products for human consumption. (CFIA/ACIA 5813)