Embassy of the United States

Foreign Agricultural Service

Services for U.S. Exporters

Exporting Food Products to Benelux

The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, all EU members, have introduced EU practices related to imports of agricultural products.  Most agricultural goods are subject to the standard import licensing system, EU wide quotas, import taxes or other provisions.

To prevent unexpected delays, U.S. exporters should work closely with their importers to make sure that their products destined for the Benelux market are in full conformity with the importing country's food safety, quality, labeling rules and regulations.

EU food safety standards are very strict and imported foodstuffs must meet particular requirements.  EU lists of establishments approved for export from the U.S. to the EU (regulations on meat, poultry, game, dairy, seafood, embryos and semen) are available at http://www.useu.be/agri/estab.html.

Food Labeling

In general, the EU has exacting labeling requirements for foods.  Health, sanitary, phytosanitary, and labeling rules are very strict and their customs laboratories have sophistocated capability for monitoring product quality.  Please find here the latest Food and Agriculture Import Regulations and Standards Report (FAIRS report).

U.S. Export Certification Requirements

In The Benelux, the documents required from the exporter include a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and such special certifications as may be necessary. Sanitary and phytosanitary certificates, which must show the country of origin, are required for goods that may be suspected of bringing contagious animal or vegetable diseases into the country or for goods for which special stipulations are prescribed. An official authority in the country of production or export must attest to sanitary and phytosanitary certificates of origin.

Contact the following offices, if you would like additional information on phytosanitary certificates and regulations governing exports to the European Union:

Plants and Plant Products
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/USDA
Export Certification Unit
Tel: (301) 734 8453
Fax: (301) 734 5786

Animal and Animal Products Other Than Meat
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/USDA
Veterinary Services
Import/Export Animals Staff
Tel: (301) 734 8419/8688
Fax: (301) 734 6402

Meat and Poultry Products
Food Safety and Inspection Service
Export Coordination Staff
FSIS Technical Service Center
Tel: (402) 221 7400
Fax: (402) 221 7438

Seafood Products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Office of Seafood
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Tel: (202) 418 3150
Fax: (202) 418 3196