FOREWORD

Message from the Executive Director - Lourdes Smith

Why an Exporter’s Manual?

1. There is a need to increase our exports.

2. Exporters need to know the new or changing requirements for
exporting to the U.S. and other countries.
3. Persons desiring to enter into the export market, need to know what
is required in order to
(a) Be “export ready”
(b) Forego unnecessary costs or loss of money/merchandise
due to incorrect or insufficient knowledge about exporting
requirements
(c) Observe Intellectual property rights laws
4. Customs Brokers need to know these requirements.

This Exporters’ Manual provides vital information to assist current exporters and potential exporters
in their businesses. Although a producer may know his or her local market and procedures for doing
business, doing business out of one’s familiar grounds is a totally different game.

How to attain success in the completion of the required procedures in the documentation of exports
is the main focus of this manual. Exporting cannot occur unless these procedures, which involve
a considerable amount of documentation, are followed and completed in a precise and timely
manner.

Since the events of 9/11 and subsequent terrorist activities around the globe, combined with the
various diseases affecting animal and plant health, many countries have instituted safeguard
measures to protect the safety of their people and nation on a whole. Many new requirements and
procedures have come into effect in recent years and it is our, BELTRAIDE and BAHA’s, intention
to provide a comprehensive guide. This manual is, therefore, of vital importance to the individual
exporter and the nation of Belize, as it will ensure that the necessary process is carried out in an
effective and efficient manner. It will concentrate on clarifying some of the common questions
and concerns regarding exporting. It is hoped that this manual will be used as the “Exporter’s
Companion” in assisting you, the exporter or broker, in dealing with the necessary requirements for
exporting. Once you go through the manual thoroughly, you will know exactly what to do, when
to do it, where to do it, who is responsible for doing it, and what fees must be paid for the services
when and if applicable.

The plunge into the ocean of export business will be less scary if approached with a considerable
good background on how to survive in it. Success in the world of export trade will be more likely
and less costly if the manual is followed. I wish you success in all your export endeavors, and please,
do not hesitate to contact us for any further assistance you may need.

The production of this manual would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of
several government agencies, therefore I would like to acknowledge them and give special thanks
to the BAHA Technical Staff, Customs Department, the BELTRAIDE Export Promotion and Marketing
Staff-Misty Bradley in particular for compiling all the information, and to the Inter-American
Development Bank (IDB) for funding the publication of this manual.

BELTRAIDE, making business happen!

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
1.0 Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) ...........................................................4
2.0 Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) ............................................................................................6
3.0 Logo’s - “Belize - The Natural Niche” & “Belize Foods - Celebrating Quality” .......................................8
4.0 Marketing Elements ....................................................................................................................................9
4.1 Output .......................................................................................................................................................11
4.2 Communication .........................................................................................................................................11
4.3 Logistics......................................................................................................................................................12
4.4 Opportunities ............................................................................................................................................14
4.5 Potential Markets ......................................................................................................................................14
4.6 Market Research........................................................................................................................................15
4.7 Market Capacity ........................................................................................................................................16
4.8 Limiting Circumstances .............................................................................................................................16
4.9 Checklist .....................................................................................................................................................16
5.0 The Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) .....................................................................................17
5.1 Intellectual Property ................................................................................................................................18
A. Industrial Property .......................................................................................................................18
B. Copyright ......................................................................................................................................18
6.0 The Export Process ....................................................................................................................................20
6.1 The Major Documents ..............................................................................................................................20
6.1.1 Export License ...............................................................................................................................20
6.1.2 Customs Entry Form .....................................................................................................................21
6.1.3 Commercial Invoice ......................................................................................................................21
6.1.4 Customs Invoice ...........................................................................................................................21
6.1.5 Consular Invoice ...........................................................................................................................21
6.1.6 Certificate of Value ......................................................................................................................21
6.1.7 Certificate of Origin .....................................................................................................................21
6.1.8 Health/Sanitary Certificate ..........................................................................................................22
6.1.9 Certificate of Inspection ..............................................................................................................22
6.1.10 Packing List ...................................................................................................................................22
7.0 Export Documentation Procedures ..........................................................................................................23
7.1 Classification of Exports ............................................................................................................................23
8.0 Plant Health Export Certification Procedures..........................................................................................23
8.1 Packing Area Procedures ..........................................................................................................................24
8.2 Procedures during Transport ....................................................................................................................24
8.3 Procedures at the Port of Exit ..................................................................................................................25
8.4 Port Authority Procedures ........................................................................................................................25
8.5 Phytosanitary Certificate for Re-Export ...................................................................................................25
9.0 Commodities Certification Program ........................................................................................................25
9.1 Safeguards .................................................................................................................................................26
9.2 Pack House Specifications .........................................................................................................................26
9.3 Pack House Inspection Procedures ...........................................................................................................26
9.4 Post Packing Procedures ...........................................................................................................................27
10.0 Health Certification Procedures - Food Products & Animal Feed ...........................................................27
10.1 Product Compliance Procedures...............................................................................................................28
10.2 Certification Compliance ..........................................................................................................................29
A. Sanitary Certificate .......................................................................................................................29
B. Certificate of Free Sale .................................................................................................................30
C. Veterinary Health Certificate .....................................................................................................30
D. Certificate of Compliance ...........................................................................................................30
E. Certificate of Facility Registration ..............................................................................................30
11.0 Animal Health ...........................................................................................................................................30
11.1 Quarantine & Inspection Department ....................................................................................................31
12.0 US Bioterrorism Act (2002) .......................................................................................................................31
12.1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) ........................................................................................................32
13.0 Exporting to the European Union............................................................................................................33

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13.1 EUREPGAP..................................................................................................................................................33
13.2 Key Points to EUREP ..................................................................................................................................34
13.3 Food Labeling ............................................................................................................................................34
13.4 Export Documentation .............................................................................................................................35
14.0 Transportation and Handling ...................................................................................................................35
14.1 Ocean Freight ............................................................................................................................................35
14.2 Air Freight..................................................................................................................................................37
14.3 Packing for Shipment................................................................................................................................38
14.3.1 Marking Requirements ................................................................................................................38
14.4 Unitization .................................................................................................................................................39
15.0 Terms of Delivery ......................................................................................................................................40
15.1 INCOTERMS................................................................................................................................................40
15.2 Payments and Financing ...........................................................................................................................41
15.3 Terms of Payment .....................................................................................................................................42
16.0 Financial Aspects of Exporting .................................................................................................................45
16.1 Commercial Banks .....................................................................................................................................45
16.2 Development Banks ..................................................................................................................................45
16.3 Export Finance ...........................................................................................................................................46
16.4 Post Shipment Financing ..........................................................................................................................46
17.0 Insurance....................................................................................................................................................47
17.1 Insurance Companies ................................................................................................................................47
17.2 Marine Insurance.......................................................................................................................................47
18.0 Preferential Trade Agreements ................................................................................................................48
18.1 Cotonou Agreement ................................................................................................................................48
18.2 Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) ................................................................................................................48
18.3 CARIBCAN ..................................................................................................................................................49
18.4 Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) .....................................................................49
18.5 CARICOM-Venezuela Agreement ............................................................................................................50
18.6 CARICOM-Colombia Agreement ..............................................................................................................50
18.7 CARICOM-Dominican Republic Agreement.............................................................................................50
18 .8 CARICOM-Cuba Agreement .....................................................................................................................50

INDEX

Appendix I Transport & Cargo Services .............................................................................................51

Appendix II Important Contacts .........................................................................................................54
Appendix III Export Forms ....................................................................................................................55

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1.0 Belize Trade and Investment Development Service
(BELTRAIDE)

The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) is a statutory body governed by
a Board of Directors. The Board includes representatives from the private sector, Government, and
Civil Society. The Board is the principal policy making organ of BELTRAIDE.

The aim is to promote investments that create job opportunities and increase foreign currency
earnings for Belize. The functions of BELTRAIDE include:

• giving advice and tendering recommendations to the Minister on the formulation or appropriate
policies to guide trade and investment promotion activities;
• identification of products for development and promotion;
• identification of industries to be targeted for investment;
• designing and assisting in the Implementation of export promotion programmes, particularly
for Belizean non-traditional export products;
• identifying suitable and viable potential export markets for Belizean products;
• liaising with relevant organizations under the EPZ and CFZ Acts, in the promotion of local and
foreign investments in Belize;
• implementing policy guidelines on the country’s trade and investment promotion programmes;
• implementing multilateral and bilateral loan-assisted projects for the development of medium
and small enterprises;
• collecting, storing and disseminating, reliable and timely information and trends in international
trade and investment;
• advising and assisting relevant Government Ministries in the formulation and implementation
of trade agreements, conventions, treaties and other agreements or actively participating in the
negotiation of such agreements, conventions, treaties, and arrangement for and on behalf of
the Government;
• monitoring the development of global trade policies;
• undertaking, encouraging and supporting publicity campaigns to promote Belizean products in
the international markets;
• establishing and maintaining a register of exporters, importers, investors and other relevant
partners in trade, for the regular supply of trade and market information;
• performing and discharging such other functions and duties as may be conferred or imposed
upon it by the Fiscal Incentives Act or any other law;
• performing the functions of a one-stop information center to investors or potential investors,
and furnishing to them, full information about all the investment procedures and requirements
in Belize.

The Export Promotion and Marketing department and the Investment Promotion and Business
Facilitation department, have over the last year worked together in the development of a Belize
Investment Guide, Importers and Exporters Directory, and now the Exporter’s Manual as part of
a “Capacity Building and Trade & Investment Promotion” project funded by the Inter-American
Development Bank, which also produced new country and food image branding logos “Belize…
The Natural Niche” and “Belizefoods… Celebrating Quality”, as well as a Priority Sectors study.
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Recently concluded is a consultancy for the review and revision of the investment legislation made
possible with the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat in an effort to make Belize more
competitive while remaining WTO compliant.

Major activities already underway this year include the development of a National Export Strategy,
and the development of a National Policy for the development of SMEs both made possible with
the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat. In addition, the implementation of the Corporate
Contact Programme, a focused investment attraction program targeting specific companies to invest
in Belize; the Modular Training Programme that aims to provide training to frontline personnel
and foreign service officers for a consistent format in promoting Belize both domestically and
internationally.

BELTRAIDE is also responsible for organizing participation in and attending trade fairs, identifying
suitable and viable potential export products and undertaking, encouraging, and supporting publicity
campaigns to promote Belizean products.

For more information concerning BELTRAIDE’S services, or information on trade and investment in
Belize contact:

The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE)

14 Orchid Garden Street Central Bank Building
City of Belmopan, Belize Belize City, Belize
Tel: (501) 822-3737/ 0175/ 0177 (501) 223-1913
Fax: (501) 822-0595 (501) 223-2464
Email: beltraide@belizeinvest.org.bz
Website: www.belizeinvest.org.bz

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2.0 Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA)

In an effort to increase efficiency and integrate animal and plant health and agrochemical control,
the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) was established in 1999 with the enactment of the
Belize Agricultural Health Act Chapter 211 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000-
2003. Consequently the Plant Protection, Animal Health, and Quarantine departments within the
Ministry of Agriculture were transferred to BAHA. In order to provide the necessary infrastructural
and technical support for the development of this newly established institution, the Government of
Belize secured a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), under the funded project
title “Modernization of Belize’s Agricultural Health Services”.

Upon its establishment, BAHA was given responsibility for plant and animal health and quarantine
services. In 2000 with the encouragement of IDB and the priority need to secure export markets
for Belizean produce, BAHA was given overall responsibility for Food Safety. Subsequently, on 13
October 2004, Cabinet officially recognized BAHA as the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Enquiry
Point for Belize.

BAHA is the Competent Authority for animal and plant health in Belize; it plays a lead role in
the implementation of the food safety policy objectives and is recognized nationally as well as
internationally as the competent authority for agricultural health and food safety in Belize.

The objective for the establishment of BAHA was to enhance the competitiveness of Belize’s
agricultural products, especially in foreign markets, seeking to reduce losses from pests and diseases
and to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural and food products for domestic and foreign
consumers. Specifically, the objectives as established by the Board of Directors are as follows:

1. To enhance the competitiveness of Belize’s agricultural products, especially in foreign

markets
2. To reduce losses from pests and diseases
3. To meet our WTO obligations
4. To ensure that food products are safe and wholesome for human consumption
5. To safeguard the agricultural/ aquaculture industry, by preventing the introduction of
exotic pests and diseases

To achieve these objectives, the Authority is structured into four functional technical departments-
Animal Health, Plant Health, Quarantine and Food Safety - to implement the various programs that
are critical for the protection of plant, animal, and human health and life.

The Animal and Plant Health Departments are responsible for carrying out surveillance of exotic
and endemic pests and diseases, regulating the importation and exportation of animals, plants,
animal and plant products and their by-products, pest risk analysis, and zoosanitary/phytosanitary
certification. The Departments also conduct field assessments which are subsequently supported
by laboratory diagnostics.

6
The Food Safety Department is responsible for ensuring that Belizean food products made available to
consumers are safe and wholesome, thereby expanding the local market and trade in these products.
This will increase agro-processing, improve food security and safety, and provide for a better socio-
economic and nutritional standard for the Belizean people. The department also conducts inspection
of slaughtering and processing facilities and is supported by laboratory diagnostics. The Food Safety
lab provides cost effective, high quality, accurate product and food testing services.

The Quarantine Department is the first line of defense against the introduction of exotic pests and
diseases into the country. Quarantine Inspectors are stationed at all seven official ports of entry
into the country.

The Authority, although in its infant stage, has brought some success such as being able to export
aquaculture products on a List I status to the EU. Belize is not known to be affected by any of the
List A diseases in livestock (ex. Classical Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza, Mad
Cow Disease). The surveillance for Medfly, which serves over 1,034 baited traps on a weekly basis,
has intercepted Medfly incursions to which the response has been intensified trapping, fruit stripping
and spraying with insecticide to prevent the establishment of the focus.

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Enquiry Point Unit was established early 2003 as a commitment to
the World trade Organization (WTO) and provides information to countries interested in importing
Belizean products and to exporters desirous of trading with Belize.

Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA)

Ms. Nerie Sanz - Managing Director
P.O. Box 169
Cor. Forest Drive and Hummingbird Highway
Belmopan, Belize
Tel: 501-822-0818/1378
Fax: 501-822-0271
Email: baha@btl.net
Website: www.baha.bz

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3.0 Brand Statements

Under the IDB-BELTRAIDE Technical Cooperation Project a country image and food image “brand”
for Belize have been created for Investment and Export Promotion. It was realized that a brand
for Belize was necessary to compete against other countries for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and
export sales. A country that has brand equity will benefit from a differentiated perception in the
minds of consumers and investors so long as the brand is clear and positive.

The question, “Why does Belize need a brand?” was answered by the fact that a brand would
control the perceptions associated with Belize, and optimize marketing efforts and resources. The
objective of the “Belize brand” is to create a differentiated positioning that proves Belize’s unique
comparative advantages as an investment destination and a food products supplier.

The brand “Belize - The Natural Niche” is investment and service oriented and aims to promote Belize
based on its natural assets - biological and geographic diversity, pro-business investment climate,
and development policies - Niche by nature! Niche by vision! Niche for business! Belize has been
blessed with a strategic location, is the only English-speaking country in Central America, has an
attractive framework for investment, an educated and hard-working labour force, and the list goes
on. The natural characteristics that Belize possesses support the development of businesses that
compete on quality rather than those that compete solely on price or in commodity markets. These
characteristics are also attractive to investors who wish to have their products stand out because of
their quality. The aim is to bring all eyes on Belize!

“Belize Foods - Celebrating Quality“ is more product oriented and aims to promote Belizean products
based on their quality. There is an increasing demand for products “Made in Belize” for the simple
reason that they carry an aura of quality and distinctiveness that differentiates them from others in
the eyes of consumers. Some of the premium driven and niche-market oriented products from Be-
lize include “fair-trade” branded cacao, orange juice, papayas, and habanero pepper sauce. Belize’s
agribusiness is producing high quality products that are being differentiated in the main consumer
markets and are therefore benefiting from premium treatment in these niche markets.

8
4.0 Marketing Elements: Terminology

While discussing aspects of marketing, some general terms are used. The list below gives a short
definition of the most commonly used expressions:

♦ Marketing elements

Market A group of individuals or organizations which share a need for a particular

product, as well as the will and the ability to use and pay for it.

Market The process of dividing the market into smaller groups with one or more
Segmentation characteristics within a defined market

Market Share The proportion of the total market which is using a particular organization’s
product or services.

Marketing
Information The system for collecting and exploiting information on existing, as well as
System potential customers

Positioning The place that a product occupies in a consumer’s mind relative to competing
products

Product Defining the differences of a product compared to its competition -

Differentiation better quality, better price, just-in-time delivery, etc.

Target market A group of consumers to which a particular product is marketed. It is often

defined by age, gender, and/or socio-economic grouping.

♦ Marketing Mix
In order for a company to achieve its marketing objectives, it must have a strategy that includes
different elements of the marketing mix - the “4 P’s”. Calling it a mix reminds the company that it
must try to get the right balance between the different elements. The concept of each of the 4 P’s
is described below.

Product The physical product or service. Product refers to both tangible (can be physically felt)
and intangible (phychological aspects) elements of the products and services.
Product decisions include brand name, quality, and packaging.

Price The price is the value which a consumer is willing to pay for a product or service.
Price decisions include volume discounts, wholesale pricing, seasonal pricing and price
flexibility.

Place The place is also sometimes called “distribution”. It involves getting the product or
service to the consumer. A place which meets the consumers needs better may be
worth more. Distribution decisions include distribution channels, market coverage,
warehousing, distribution centers, order processing, and transportation.

Promotion Promotion represents the communication of information about the product with the
goal of generating a positive consumer response. Promotion decisions include adver-
tising, sales promotions, public relations and publicity, and marketing communications
budget.

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♦ The new approach: The Customer-oriented Marketing Philosophy
With the globalization of the market, competition has become more intense as new marketing tools
such as e-business, facilitate market entry for new suppliers. To strengthen an existing supplier’s
market position, a new customer-oriented marketing philosophy has been formulated: the four
“C’s” which replace the traditionally defined four “P’s”.

• Product becomes customer needs and requirements

• Price becomes cost to the customer
• Promotion becomes communication
• Place becomes convenience to the customer

The basic idea of this new philosophy is to satisfy the customer, thus ensuring a long-term business
relationship.

♦ Marketing Principles
Based on its corporate vision, a successful company will set up a detailed “business plan”. In
this plan, long and medium term intentions, objectives, and targets will be clearly defined. The
business plan is the strategic tool for the appropriate planning of the future resources required by
the company in order to strengthen its position and operate with economic success. It helps to set
up a marketing strategy on the basis of which the measures to influence the market, as well as the
company’s environment, will be determined – the so-called marketing mix.

Marketing is not just offering services and products to the market. The measures taken by a company
in order to strengthen its presence in the market, as well as to influence potential customers’
requirements and demand form part of the marketing mix. Other elements of a successful marketing
mix include all means of optimized logistics and customer services.

The marketing mix represents the total of all measures taken to improve and to ensure the exchange
of information between a company and its market partners. This includes not only sales-oriented
activities but also all other means of product research and development, the image of a company
as a supplier, as an employer, or as a customer of the suppliers, and last but not least, as a partner
of authorities and the public.

♦ Basic Elements of a Marketing Model

There are many marketing models available. The one shown below concentrates on the three key
fields - Output, Communication, and Logistics - in which clear strategies have to be set up in order
to define an appropriate marketing mix for successful entry to a market.

Marketing Model
Output Communication Logistics
Product Sales Distribution Packaging
Product Line Sales Promotion Shipping
Pricing Advertising Warehousing
Image Public Relations Customer Services

♦ Particular aspects of an export marketing concept

Marketing principles are applicable whenever entry to a new market is taken into consideration
- domestically or in exports. The same appllies to the introduction of new products or services into
existing markets. In foreign markets product performance, availability, and appropriate pricing
complying with customers’ requirements are not the only determining factors.

External factors may be quite different to those known from a company’s domestic market.
Evaluating these factors in advance and taking them into consideration while setting up the
10
marketing concept is of highest importance to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.

The following presents some particular aspects to be taken into consideration while setting up a
marketing concept for export.

4.1 Output

Product/Product Line

♦ Compatibility with local regulations, industrial norms and standards

• Are our products compatible with existing regulations in the particular market?
• Are our products subject to any special import clearance procedure (health inspection,
advanced disposal fees, import licenses, etc.)?
• Are our products subject to any official certification in the export market?

♦ Import restrictions or protectionism

• Do we have to cope with any import restrictions for our products?
• Is there any protectionism in favour of competitive products from local production?
• Would local assembly, final conditioning or retail packaging of our products offer additional
benefits compared to importing the finished product?
• Is the infrastructure as well as skilled workforce available to ensure local final assembly or
conditioning of our products in compliance with our quality standards?

Pricing

♦ Compatibility with local market conditions

• Unit prices: which measuring system is usually applicable in the respective market - metric,
imperial, others?
• Are prices generally offered inclusive of taxes or not (value-added tax, other taxes on sale
proceeds)?
• Are our products subject to any official price control, thus limiting our flexibility in setting
our prices in accordance with our marketing objectives?
• Cost structure: do we have to pay import duties which have a negative impact on our price
structure as compared to local competitors?
• Is pricing in our local currency feasible, or do we have to cope with payments in non-convertible
currencies or compensation deals?

Image

♦ Suitability of the Corporate Image

• Is our corporate image suitable for the particular market (cultural and traditional habits,
political correctness, etc.)?
• Is our image interfering with the image of any competitor already established in the
particular market, do we have to adjust the corporate image?

4.2 Communication

Sales and Distribution

♦ Sales Organization
• Is our export organization set up appropriately to reach all potential customers?
• What sort of sales organization are the competitors running?

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 • Do we have to establish a local sales office to ensure business in the particular market, or can
we cope with the market’s requirements from outside?
• Do we or our distributors sufficient locals sales force resources available to cover the market?
• Are there any local restrictions regarding marketing our products?

♦ Distribution
• Which is the distribution structure established traditionally for our products in the particular
market? Can we do better? Do we have to adapt the existing structure?
• Is our distribution concept in line with local conditions?
• Are there any local regulations limiting our flexibility in setting up our distribution network
(product sales restricted to specialized shops, e.g. Technical workshops, pharmacies, specially
licensed retail stores)?
• Does our distribution concept correspond to the concept of the competition?
• Are there any local regulations regarding disposal or recycling of used packaging material
or used products?

♦ Sales Literature
• Which type of sales literature is required (folders, brochures, technical data sheets, material
safety data sheets, technical descriptions, manuals, etc.)?
• In which languages do we have to prepare the sales literature? Is English suitable, or do we have
to present the literature in one or several local languages? Who will do the translations?
• Is the content of our sales literature clearly understandable with respect to the average
intellectual and educational level of the population of the target market? Do we have to
concentrate on selected market segments?
• Are our user manuals in accordance with local product liability requirements in the respective
market, or do we have to adjust or amend them (safety and handling instructions, disposal
or recycling recommendations, storage instructions, etc.)?

♦ Commercial Incentives
• Is the discount system, as used in our domestic market, applicable in the particular export
market (tax regulations)?
• Are different bonus systems already implemented by established competitors? Do we have
to adapt them? Are these systems applicable according to our calculation?

♦ Supporting Distributors
• Is the available advertising material suitable for use in the export market - Do we have
to redesign it in local languages?
• Do we have to prepare special training for our distributors’ sales force (product properties,
performance, applications)? Will there be special promotions (i.e. discounts, 3 for 2, contests)?

♦ Advertising
• Are there any local restrictions regarding advertising (comparative advertising, ethical or
moral rulings, cultural or political conditions)?

4.3 Logistics

Packaging

♦ Packaging Design
• Are there any local regulations regarding packaging of our products (safety in transport and
handling; special safety regulations for containers containing liquids, hazardous goods; safety
fittings; volume limitations per packaging container for certain products; etc.)?
12
 • Are the packaging containers used domestically suitable for export (ocean transport,
airfreight), or do we have to design special export packaging containers?
• Is the design of our retail packaging in accordance with the local taste and fashion trends in
the particular export market?
• Regarding quality assurance - are our packaging containers suitable for storage of the products
under local climatic conditions in the export market, or do we need insulated packaging due
to high humidity or high or low temperatures?

♦ Labeling
• What are the local regulations for product labeling in the respective country (product
composition, disposal or recycling recommendations, safety instructions, classification of
hazardous or dangerous goods, etc.)?
• Can the labeling been done in just one language, or do we have to design a label in different
languages? Does the composition of the product have to be declared?
• Is labeling of the packaging containers more economical in the respective country, or should we do
it in our plant or warehouse before shipping (printing cost, special characters printing, etc.)?

Shipping/Warehousing

♦ Climatic Conditions During Transport and Storage

• To assure product quality and performance, do we have to ship the products in special transport
containers to protect them from adverse climatic effects (special protection against humidity;
temperature-controlled sea-containers)?
• Do our products require special storage conditions in the particular market? Do we have to
arrange special storage facilities to prevent product deterioration?
• Is appropriate transport equipment available locally to ensure further distribution in
accordance with quality assurance, or do we have to build an appropriate distribution network
and infrastructure?

♦ Local Repacking or Reconditioning

• Is there any requirement for special training regarding storage, handling or repacking of our
products for the local staff in the particular market?
• Is there any requirement for special maintenance or technical service-related training for
local staff?

Customer Service

♦ Technical Service
• Do we, or our distributors, have sufficient skilled staff as well as the equipment and the
infrastructure available to ensure appropriate technical service to the customers (maintenance;
spare parts; repair service; etc.)?

♦ After-Sales Service
• Is appropriately skilled staff available to cope with a customer’s request for additional
information or support after delivery of the products?
• Which measures have to be taken in order to ensure appropriate quality control - during
storage and handling, domestic transport as well as in case of quality claims?
• Can after-sales service be provided by our own staff, or do we need to set up a local
organization in the respective market?

To decide whether to export products and to which markets needs careful evaluation of all the
questions presented. This is not limited only to the feasibility, but also to the availability of supply
capacity, technical infrastructure, and the human and financial resources required to ensure successful
market entry and penetration.
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4.4 Opportunities

Preliminary Considerations

Before getting involved with all the relevant questions regarding a potential export market’s particular
conditions, some preliminary considerations have to be made. A basic evaluation has to be done -
Does a company’s human, technical and financial capacities and resources allow for an expansion of
business activities to new markets? If not, what might be the additional investment required to realize
the appropriate capacities and organization? Furthermore, what additional benefit can be expected
from export activities, and what will be the time frame required to achieve these benefits?

Building Additional Business

♦ Increasing Capacity at Existing Production Plants

A well known scenario: a company’s domestic market is saturated, but there is still some spare
production capacity. Additional domestic market share could only be achieved by means of lower
pricing. Instead of lowering local prices, and subsequently affecting market quality, it may well be
possible to develop new markets to increase production output to create additional contribution
to cost without affecting the profitability of domestic business.

♦ Opening New Opportunities for Growth

While supplying domestic customers only, no further growth is achievable. To ensure steady growth
under cost-covering conditions, and to be able to remain innovative, new markets may offer additional
business potential. In some cases, exports might be profitable just due to the fact that the existing
manufacturing capacity of a company may be exploited to a more profitable extent while increasing
overall productivity.

Ensuring Long-Term Market Presence

♦ Lowering Market Risks in a Globalized Market

In times of ongoing concentration, due to mergers or restructuring, domestic production might
be relocated to other markets. A presence in these markets helps to ensure continuous business,
compensating lower demand in the domestic market with supplies to new markets.

♦ Increasing Profitability
Whereas the price level for a company’s products and services are rather low in the domestic
market due to general economical conditions, added value might be achieved in economically more
developed markets - provided the quality of the products and services offered are in compliance
with the particular market’s requirements.

4.5 Potential Markets

Any market is of potential interest provided that it offers the possibility of creating additional
business at profitable level. In order to ensure the greatest benefit, careful evaluation of the new
markets is of the highest importance.

To ensure careful evaluation, collecting as much reliable information as possible is important. Because
not all markets can be entered into at the same time due to limited resources, it is important to
define the targets and objectives a company would like to achieve in new markets in accordance
with its medium and long-term business plan and marketing strategy.

14
Possible targets and objectives are:
• Adding production output volume to the existing product range, thus optimizing the capacity
load at existing plants, achieving additional contribution to cost.
• Increasing contribution to cost by developing higher-priced markets in areas where domestic
prices are unsatisfactory.
• Developing new markets to ensure further growth of the company in fields where domestic
markets are saturated and no further growth can be achieved.
• Spreading the risk of losing business in fields where high competition exists for a limited
number of customers in the domestic market.
• Supplying subsidiaries of local customers operating in foreign markets.

It goes without saying that not only one of these objectives may be applicable, but several of them
depending on the company’s particular situation. After having defined the objectives and targets,
the evaluation of suitable new markets may begin.

4.6 Market Research - How to Collect Information on Foreign Market Conditions

Obntaining information on markets in different geographic areas is not always easily accessed if there
are no existing contacts which may be used as sources. The decision of whether to enter a market
or not should not only be based on estimations of the capacity of a market, but also on external
factors which have an impact on a company’s marketing activities in a particular market. Quite a
lot of information can be collected from informal and official sources in printed form.

♦ Official Publications on Economic Conditions

Issued either by chambers of commerce, trade ministries of a country, or provincial authorities, these
contain a lot of useful information regarding a market’s general development, major industries,
trade relations and development projects.

♦ Official Periodical Publications

Foreign trade and financial authorities of many countries publish periodicals commenting on current
developments, and the general market’s political and social situation. Official publications may be
obtained either from the issuing authority directly, or from the trade liaison office at a country’s
local embassy or consulate.

♦ Reports and Statistics issued by International Organizations

A great deal of background information regarding a market’s economical, political and social situation
and development may be obtained from literature published by international organizations (World
Trade Organization [WTO] or United Nations [UN]).

♦ General Economic Information Bulletins

Published by banks, insurance companies, shippers’ councils or similar industrial associations, these
bulletins can give an idea about existing industrial and logistical infrastructure in a market, its
monetary system, balance of payment, foreign trade balance, etc.

♦ Press Surveys
Some leading publishers issue periodical surveys on global economic or selected geographical areas,
providing background information on economic, political and social development (i.e. “The Annual
Global Survey” published by The Economist). These publications often also offer information regarding
a country’s market structure and characteristics of the population (educational levels, employment
rate, cultural surroundings, etc.).

15
4.7 Market Capacity

♦ Official import statistics of a country

This is a somewhat difficult source of information, as these statistics offer only rough ideas regarding
the imported volume of product categories, declared import values as well as, the countries of
origin. They may be useful as an indicator of market trends, but give no evidence as to whether a
growth in imports reflects the overall position according to the tariff nomenclature or just one or
two products included in the same position.

♦ Official export statistics of a country

The same goes for export statistics, with one difference - provided there is existing export for a
company’s product range from a potential target market, this might prove over-capacity of local
production in the country in question. Entering this market would mean having to cope with strong
local competition.

♦ Industrial Associations’ Reports

Provided your customers’ industrial sector is well organised in an industrial association, reports on the
industry’s production outputs for domestic as well as for foreign markets can give a good idea of the
consumption of raw materials, intermediates, as well as end products in the particular market.

♦ Annual Reports of Potential Customers and Competitors in the Target Market:

Annual reports contain useful information regarding the development of an industrial sector, and
they give an idea of the economic development of potential customers in a market.

4.8 Limiting Circumstances

♦ Transport Regulations
International shipping companies are the best source of information regarding limiting circumstances
during transport, handling, and warehousing of products in foreign markets (transport safety, special
packaging regulations, customs clearance procedures, fees and duties to be paid, etc.).

♦ Legislation
Although many regulations have been harmonized internationally in recent years, most countries still
have their own individual legislation, i.e. regarding environmental protection, working conditions,
product labeling and certification, waste disposal, foreign currency exchange, etc. Information on
these subjects may be collected from chambers of commerce or from the respective country’s trade
liaison office at the embassy.

Additional preliminary information may be collected from informal sources:

♦ Seminars and Conferences

These are usually arranged by trade promotion organizations, banks, government agencies, and
chambers of commerce. These events offer an opportunity of gaining first hand information from
local people in the target market.

♦ Personal Discussions
These discussions can be held with representatives of companies doing business or with experience
in developing business in the target market.

4.9 Checklist

Important things to consider in order to make a basic decision on whether to enter a new market
or not include the following:

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♦ Corporate Strategy
• Does developing new export markets comply with the company’s corporate strategy?
• Does the company have the appropriate financial, logistical and human resources to
enter new markets?
• What are the quantitative as well as the qualitative objectives to be achieved?

♦ Market Conditions
• Does the corporate image comply with the respective market’s political, cultural and
social environment?
• Does the respective market offer sufficient capacity to allow achievement of the
quantitative and the qualitative objectives?
• Does the price structure in the respective market allow profitable marketing of the
company’s products?
• Are there any regulations restricting the free exchange of products (import restric
tions, health and safety regulations, and certification requirements)?
• What are the existing distribution channels, and are they available for the company?
• Is a qualified and skilled workforce available to ensure appropriate handling of the
company’s products during transport, storage and usage?
• Is a qualified and skilled workforce available locally to ensure appropriate customer
service (technical assistance, maintenance)?

♦ Product Range
• Which products in the company’s manufacturing program may be marketed in the
new market?
• Do these products require additional adaptation or conditioning to be suitable for
marketing in the new market?
• Will additional adaptation and conditioning be effected in the company’s domestic plant
or locally in the export market (subcontracting, licensing, availability of appropriate
infrastructure and human resources)?
• Are the users’ manuals issued in compliance with the consumers’ skills and educational
level, as well as with product liability regulations in the respective market?

♦ Logistics
• Is the packaging of the products in compliance with local regulations (safety during
transport and storage, labeling)?
• Is local logistical infrastructure available to ensure appropriate distribution in accordance
with the market’s demand and requirements?

♦ Investments
• What additional investments have to be made to ensure successful market entrance
(regarding quality required, just-in-time delivery)?
• Compared to the expected returns, are the required additional investments
justified?

5.0 Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO)

Before a company exports its product from Belize, it is important that it registers the products mark
with the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO). BELIPO was established under Part II of the
Patents Act, Chapter 253, and is the National Intellectual Property Registry for Belize. BELIPO’s three
major functions are:

1. To administer the -
• Patents Act, including the registration of patents and utility models

17
• Trade Marks Act, including the registration of trademarks, service marks, collective marks,
and certification marks
• Industrial Designs Act, including the registration of industrial deisgns under the Hague Agree-
ment (1960 Act). The Hague Agreement’s principal objective is to enable protection to be
obtained for one or more industrial designs in a number of States through a single deposit
filed with the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• Protection of the New Plant Varieties Act, including the registration of new plant varieties
• Protection of Layout Designs (Topographies) of the Integrated Circuits Act, including the
registration of integrated circuits

2. To advise the Government of Belize on matters of policy pertaining to intellectual property

rights, including Treaties, Conventions, and legislation. Belize’s Intellectual Property Laws
became compliant with the Trade-Related Aspects of of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
in June of 2000.

3. To promote knowledge of intellectual property law in Belize.

5.1 Intellectual Property

Intellectual property deals with creations of the mind such as inventions, literary and artistic works,
symbols, names, and images, that are used in commercial activities. Intellectual property is divided
into two categories - industrial property and copyright.

A. Industrial Property

1. Trade marks - A trade mark is a sign which distinguishes the goods or services of one company
from those of another, and can be graphically represented. The sign may consist of words, designs,
letters, numbers, or the shape of goods or their packaging. Trade marks protect the owner of the
mark by ensuring that he/she has the exclusive right to use it to identify his/her goods or services,
or to authorize another to use it in return for payment. Trade marks can be initially protected for
ten years, and can be further extended for periods of ten years.

2. Industrial Designs - An industrial design is the aesthetic qualities of a product. The product is
decorative as opposed to functional. Industrial designs cover a wide range of products of industry
and handicraft including - technical and medical instruments, watches, jewelry, electrical appliances,
vehicles, textiles, and leisure goods. Industrial designs are protected for five years, and can be ex-
tended for two further consecutive terms of five years.

3. Patents - A patent is the exclusive right to make, use, or sell an invention for a specified period
of time, and is the title granted to protect an invention. An invention is a product or process that
provides a new way of doing something. Patents protect the patent owner from the commercial
exploitation of his or her invention without consent. The patent owner can authorize others to use
his invention by granting a patent license. A patent is protected for twenty years.

Industrial designs differ from patents in that patents must be “new” and industrial designs do not.
Trade marks differ from industrial designs in that the trade mark must always be distinctive, whereas
industrial designs are more decorative; trade maks can also be protected indefinitely, whereas in-
dustrial designs are only protected for a fixed period.

B. Copyright

Copyright is the legal protection that is given to the creator of an original work. Work protected
by copyright include novels, plays, broadcasts, newspapers, computer programs; films, musical com-
positions; paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculpture; architecture; and advertisements, maps,

18
and techinical drawings. Copyright applies only to works that are written down or recorded. The
duration of protection of literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic works is the life of the author plus
fifty years. The duration of the protection of sound recordings, films, broadcasts, and cable pro-
grammes is fifty years from the end of the calendar year in which they were made.

More information on BELIPO, its activities, and its fees, can be obtained by contacting them at:

Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO)

5014 Baldy Beacon Street, East Piccini Site
P.O. Box 592
Belmopan, Belize
Tel: 501-822-1381/2073
Fax: 501-822-1382
Email: belipo@btl.net
Website: www.belipo.bz

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6.0 The Export Process

Besides all the physical considerations of the products for the foreign market, the most predominant
difference between trading within Belize and trading with a foreign country is the process of
documentation. A number of documents must accompany every shipment, and these documents must be
correct. Documentary requirements vary depending on the country that the exports are destined for.

If the documents are not complete or are incorrect, it can create delays at customs and incur additional
charges - at times for both the exporter and the importer. A customer will think twice about future
business with an exporter who has been negligent in the documentation of cargo. Losses due to
improper documentation may be exacerbated when dealing with perishable goods. However,
once the proper procedures and requirements are learnt, the whole process becomes easier, and
although the exporter has the option of hiring the services of a freight forwarding agent to fill out
the documents and arrange transportation, it is important that he/she acquaint himself/herself with
the documentation procedures.

6.1 The Major Documents

The major documents that any exporter must become familiar with include:
• Export License
• Customs Entry Forms
• Commercial Invoices
• Consular Invoices
• Certificate of Origin
• Certificate of Value
• Health/ Sanitary Certificate
• Certificate of Inspection, Analysis, or Weight
• Packing List

Not all of the above documents are required for all goods by all countries. The exporter must
find out which ones are necessary in each case. It is also important to know where to obtain the
documents needed.

6.1.1 Export License - This is the fist document an exporter must be concerned with. The following
goods require an export license prior to exportation:

1. Live animals, excluding pets

2. Fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, excluding aquacultured species
3. Logs and lumber (except logs and lumber from Rosewood and Zericote trees, which are wholly
prohibited)
4. Sugar
5. Citrus Fruits
6. Beans

Export licenses are issued by the Ministry of Industry, however consultation is conducted with the
government body or association responsible for the product before the license is granted.

In the case of live animals, it is recommended that the exporter obtain a letter from the Belize
Livestock Producers Association (BLPA) or the Pig Council, recommending the export of the product.
For exports of fish and other seafood, the Ministry of Industry will consult the Fisheries Department
before granting the license. The Forest Department is consulted for exports of logs and lumber, and
the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) for citrus exports. Licensing for beans and sugar is automatic.
A sample Export License can be found in the Appendix.
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6.1.2 Customs Entry Form
When exporting any type of good from Belize, a Customs Entry Form is required. This document,
which is collected at the port of export, is used mainly for compiling statistics on the volume and
value of a country’s exports. Within Belize, this form is known as the “Customs Declaration (Import/
Export) Form C100”. The form must be prepared and authorized by a licensed customs broker. Four
copies are needed whenever a shipment arrives or leaves Belize. The forms can be purchased at
major Bookstores in Belize.

6.1.3 Commercial Invoice

This document gives the information on which duty will be assessed. It can usually be prepared on
the exporter’s own form but the contents must comply with the regulations of the importing country.
Amounts must be set out clearly and the cost of goods shown separately from the cost of transport
and insurance. Some commercial invoices must be accompanied by a declaration that the exporter
himself prepares and signs. Commercial invoices accompanied by such declarations are known as
‘certified’ commercial invoices.

6.1.4 Customs Invoice

The customs invoice is usually required by Commonwealth countries, and is a commercial invoice
prepared on a special form prescribed by the customs authorities.

6.1.5 Consular Invoice

The consular invoice is a specific invoice used by the Consul of the importing country. Many importing
countries, mainly less developed countries, have already phased out the use of this invoice. It is used
for customs clearance and other purposes, and as such any errors or omissions on the invoice may
cause problems and fines at customs in the importing country.

In Belize, these forms can be acquired from the Consular office of the importing country, and the
Consul must authenticate the forms. When consular invoices need to be validated, a fee is usually
charged for the validating service.

6.1.6 Certificate of Value

The certificate of value is an official declaration stating the value of a shipment of merchandise, and is
usually included in the consular invoice. This certificate must confirm the values shown in the invoice.
It will state that the invoice contains a true and full statement of the price paid for the goods, and that
there is no other understanding between the exporter and the importer about the purchase price.

6.1.7 Certificate of Origin

The main purpose of this document is to establish the right of the product to preferential duties to
which it may be entitled in the importing country. In certain cases it may include such information
as the local material and labour contents of the product. Certificates of origin may also be needed
to prove that goods do not come from a country against which the importing country has trade
restrictions. There are several types of certificates of origin, and below is a listing of some of the
most common ones.

a. Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Form A - Under the GSP, a free or reduced duty
is granted by developed countries (country of destination, or “donor country”) to certain
manufactured goods from the least developed countries (country of origin, or “beneficiary
country), in order to help increase exports and economic growth. Countries that accept the
GSP Form include the US, UK, Canada, and Japan, among others.

b. Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin - The importer or the importing country may
require a specific certificate of origin form issued by the local Chamber of Commerce in the
exporting country. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) provides this service
at a cost of BZ$15.00

21
 c. Exporter’s Certificate of Origin - Unless the Letter of Credit (L/C) specifies a particular
certificate of origin form, the exporter may issue his/her own certificate of origin using the
company letterhead. The Exporter’s Certificate of Origin contents includes basically the same
data as in the commercial invoice and packing list, with the addition of a declaration which
states that the goods in question are manufactured in the exporting country, and that the
amount shown on the invoice is the true and correct value.

6.1.8 Health/Sanitary Certificate

This certificate is required when animals, animal products (Zoo-sanitary Certificate), or plants and
plant products (Phyto-sanitary Certificate) are shipped. It confirms that the goods are free from
disease or insect pests. In the case of food, it may state that the goods have been prepared to meet
prescribed standards, and a Sanitary Certificate is issued. These certificates are issued by the Belize
Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) at a service fee.

6.1.9 Certificate of Inspection

The customer sometimes demands a certificate of inspection to ensure that the goods he is buying
meet a certain standard. The exporter must arrange beforehand with the customer who is to carry
out such an inspection and who is to pay for it. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is
capable of providing such services for agricultural and food products.

6.1.10 Packing List

This document is often little used and supplements the commercial invoice when numerous units of the
same product are being used or when quantities, weight, or contents of individual units in a shipment vary.
Generally, a separate list is prepared for each package, showing the weight, measurements, and contents.
Customs officials usually carry out a partial examination by checking a certain number of the cases. If the
packing list proves to be accurate for these, the rest of the shipment is assumed to be in order.

22
7.0 Export Documentation Procedures
When an exporter has obtained a buyer for his product in a foreign market, the next step will be to
prepare the goods for shipment.

For any shipment of goods (for commercial purposes) leaving Belize, the following documents will
be required by Customs:

1. C100 Form - completed by a licensed Customs Broker

2. Commercial Invoice
3. Certificate of Origin (for countries with which Belize has special trade agreements, i.e the
US, CARICOM, the EU)
4. XCH2 Form

The XCH2 Form is a type of monitoring mechanism of the Central Bank of Belize to facilitate the
exporter. Through the XCH2 Form the Central Bank of Belize keeps track of the amount of foreign
currency coming into and leaving the country. It also states that all Belizean exports must be paid in
United States (US) dollars or a currency easily converted to US currency. Payments for exports cannot
be deferred longer than six (6) months without permission from the Central Bank. The forms must
be completed in duplicate. A sample XCH2 Form can be found in the Appendix.

For shipments of goods to the European Union (EU), a special form called an “E100 Form” is required
as well. The customer at the foreign end of the business provides this form to the Belizean exporter.
The form is then filled in, and taken to the Customs Department who plays the role of the certifying
agent. The Comptroller of Customs is EU certified, and all E100 Forms must be signed by him/her.
The E100 Form also serves as a certificate of origin, to confirm that the goods originate in Belize.

7.1 Classification of Exports

Non-Commercial Exports

This classification is relevant to small amounts of product that may be sent to individuals, firms, or
institutions as samples for analysis; personal effects being sent outside of the country; and items for
repair that cannot be done in Belize (computers, engines). No monetary returns are expected from
these exports. These exports are less complicated as no tight controls regulate their movement
across frontiers, and they usually have few specific requirements.

Commercial Exports

Commercial exports are any large quantities of goods for sale at the destination country. The exports
are expected to bring foreign exchange into Belize.

8.0 Plant Health Export Certification Procedure

The certification of plants and plant products for export is the sole responsibility of the Plant Health
Department of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). The Plant Health Department en-
sures the agricultural health protection for plants from invasive pests and diseases. The Department’s
role has also become increasingly important in areas such as certification of wholesomeness of raw
plant products for export; negotiation of phytosanitary measures; crop loss assesment due to pests,
diseases, and natural disasters, and in the regulation of all important plant and plant products
through Pest Risk Analysis.
23
It is the responsibility of the exporter and the Plant Health Department to find out the exact require-
ments of the importing country for the product that will be exported. The Department will ensure
that the proper infrastructure is in place by the producers/exporter to receive, treat, and package
the product to be exported.

The Plant Health Department must sign a “Compliance Agreement” with the farmer or producer -
whereby the farmer agrees to keep his/her farm or work area at a certain prescribed standard - and
then register the farmer. Data on each farm or production area is kept in regards to:
• Owner’s name
• Variety of plant(s) being cultivated
• Location (GPS) of farm
• Cleanliness
• Use of chemicals, pesticides, etc.
• Use of Irrigation

The location is visited frequently by the certifying officer to verify and record the pests present, and
to keep the incidence of these as low as possible. A sample of the Compliance Agreement can be
found in the Appendix.

8.1 Packing Area Procedures

The certifying officer will look at the overall cleanliness of the packing area - which must be clean
and organized. It is here that the product for export will be treated (if necessary) and visually in-
spected by the officer. The officer will inspect a representative sample of the export product and
make sure that it is free from pests. The officer must ensure that the packages are properly sealed
and labeled. Treatment of the product, packaging, labeling, etc. must comply with the requirements
of the importing country.

When the officer is satisfied that the commodity to be exported is free from pests, and that all the
requirements of the importing country have been fulfilled, the Phytosanitary Certificate is issued.
The Phytosanitary Certificate will include:
• Name and address of exporter
• Name and address of importer
• Name of product
• Batch number
• Quantity of product
• Phytosanitary Status
• Treatment
• Date of treatment and packaging
• Name and signature of certifying officer
• Number of the container
• Origin of the product

A sample Phytosanitary Certificate can be found in the Appendix.

8.2 Procedures During Transport

The certifying officer is responsible for ensuring that the container or transportation into which
the consignment is loaded is clean and free from pests before the shipment is loaded into it. After
loading, the container must be properly sealed, with all the proper documents, and be transported
to the point of export. Data will be taken at this stage and includes:
• Container number
• Vehicle license number
• Stops to be taken en route to the port of exit
• Contents of the container
• Route(s) to be used
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8.3 Procedures at the Port of Export

When the shipment reachs the port, a Quarantine Officer will verify that the documents attest to
the phytosanitary status of the product being exported. The officer will verify: the date of export,
existence of the product, phytosanitary certificate, number of the container, seal, and stamp of the
company exporting the product at the port. The Quarantine officer will record the shipment in
their logbook of exports which assists with traceability.

8.4 Port Authority Procedures

Port Authority Officials are responsible for securing the shipment to be exported once the contents
of the container have been verified with the Quarantine officials. The container is sealed and placed
in an appropriate storage place so as to ensure that it maintains its phytosanitary integrity.
The container is then shipped to the importing country.

8.5 Phytosanitary Certificate for Re-Export

The Plant Health Department is also responsible for the issuance of “Phytosanitary Certificates for
Re-Export”. Such certificates are issued when an imported consignment is repackaged here in Belize
before being sent to the importing country; or if the Department did not require a phytosanitary
certificate for the imported commodity, but the commodity is being shipped to another country that
does require a phytosanitary certificate. In this instance, the Department issues the phytosanitary
certificate required by the next country.

9.0 The Commodities Certification Program

The National Medfly surveillance program was established in 1976 under a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Government
of Belize with the intention of reducing the risk of introduction of the Mediterranean fruit fly
(Medfly) to the U.S. Territory. The Commodities Export Certification Program was introduced later to
guarantee the freedom of pests and diseases on commodities being exported to the U.S. All Districts
of Belize were officially recognized as a Medfly free area by the USDA through the publication of
its rule in 7 CFR Parts 300 and 319 (Docket No. 00-006-2) on August 28th, 2001. The government of
Belize through the Belize Agricultural Health Authority continues to maintain active surveillance
and implements necessary measures to eradicate any Medfly introduction into Belize.

As stated in the work plan agreed upon under the MOU est. 1976 and revised on February 2000, any
farm located within a Medfly detection site radius of four and a half (4.5) miles will not be allowed
to operate under the Export Certification Program for an established period of three (3) Medfly life
cycles (or 90 days) without repeated captures. Furthermore, growers and packers approved under
the Export Certification Program are subject to signing a compliance agreement to participate in
the program. This is done between the stakeholder and the executing agency, BAHA.

BAHA will provide trained personnel to supervise all program activities which include: field
supervision, packing activities, post packing storage, loading and inspection during loading, with
the issuance of a phytosanitary certificate.

A list of commodities, growers and packers approved for participation in the program is maintained
by BAHA. Additional growers and packers must register with BAHA and sign a compliance agreement
for participation.

25
Packers/Producers are required to advise BAHA of their weekly fruit packing schedules so that BAHA
inspectors can inspect field and packing plant operation prior to the issuance of the phytosanitary
certificate. The USDA will provide oversight supervision of all inspection procedures.

9.1 Safeguards

Under the Compliance Agreement, the following conditions must be met to permit continuation
in the program:
(i) Medfly Surveillance - Medfly Jackson traps must be placed in the fields - one (1) trap per
every five (5) acres - and is to be serviced on a weekly basis.
(ii) Pest and disease management - Standard phytosanitary practices such as weed control, insect
and mite control, as well as disease management, are monitored and implemented in a timely
manner using approved pesticides as indicated by the USDA authorities.
(iii) Field Sanitation - Fields are to be kept free of over ripe and fallen fruits, and these are to
be disposed of at a minimum distance of two hundred (200) metres from any certified field,
treated, and buried in pits.
(iv) Harvest - Fruits that fall during the harvesting operations must be rejected. Weekly harvesting
schedules and packing schedules should be submitted to BAHA, so that inspectors can inspect
fields and ensure compliance of field sanitation practices prior to harvesting for export.
(v) Field Inspection - BAHA inspectors conduct weekly inspections of all farms included in the
program. The previous criteria are evaluated and if satisfied that conditions are met, a field
phytosanitary certificate is issued. The certificate must be presented to the packing house
inspector in order for the harvested product to be accepted for packing .

9.2 Pack House Specifications

The following are the required specifications for Packing Houses involved in Export Operations:
• The packing house doors and windows must have proper screening to prevent the entrance
of pests.
• The entrance and exits must have an inner and outer door with a dead space between. Both
doors should not be opened at the same time during packing. Air curtains must be used at
the first entrance. Doors must be closed while fruits are being packed.
• Adequate space must be provided for all operations, i.e. unloading, washing, inspections and
packing.
• The unloading area must not be the same as the packing area.
• Unauthorized fruit and culled fruits should not be kept or stored in the packing area while
export commodities are being packed.
• Herbicides, insecticides, fuels and other hazardous substances must not be stored in or near
the packing area.
• Storage spaces for supplies (carton, boxes, and flats) should not be in the packing area.
• The perimeter or surroundings of the packing house must be maintained free of weeds,
insects and mammalian pests by use of appropriate means.
• The packing house must follow every procedure that prevents insects from getting into
the packing area, into the areas where cardboard boxes are stored, and into the wooden
pallets.
• The packing house must have an employee who is capable of implementing and enforcing
these guidelines.
• Rejected fruit should be removed from the packing compound within a maximum of 24
hours.

9.3 Packing House Inspection Procedures

• The exporter/packer must ensure, and BAHA officers must verify, that any fruit not authorized
for inclusion in the program is not present in the packing house during periods when a
commodity for export is being packed.
26
 • BAHA and USDA inspectors will inspect each shipment of fruit and randomly select a minimum
of 1 percent of the fruit and examine them for the presence of pests. A written record is kept
of all pests found. The detection of a quarantine significant pest will be cause for rejection
of the infested lot of fruit and immediate notification to the US Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS).
• Nighttime loading of packed fruit for export is prohibited.

9.4 Post-Packing Procedures

• Packed fruits must be refrigerated prior to transportation.

• Loading ramps must be properly sealed to prevent entrance of insect pests into the
shipping container.
• Containers must be fogged washed and ventilated prior to loading.
• It is not permissible to store or transport unauthorized fruit with approved fruit. Packing
houses and conveyances must be approved and maintained in good phytosanitary conditions
so as to preclude pest infestation or contamination of approved fruit.
• The BAHA inspector will be present at the loading of the produce. The normal site for carrying
out phytosanitary inspections, depending on type of shipment, will be:

ÿ Overland Via Guatemala - Packing house inspection during loading of container

ÿ Sea freight - Belize seaport
ÿ Air freight - Packing house or prior to aircraft loading

• Boxes of inspected and certified fruit will be individually stamped “Quarantine Inspection
Service, Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Belize C.A”. BAHA maintains control of stamps
to prevent unauthorized use.

• The Phytosanitary Certificate is issued by BAHA for each shipment after ensuring that
satisfactory sanitary practices have been carried out at the packing facility.
• Containers will be sealed in the presence of a BAHA inspector and customs official.

A sample “Farm Visit Report” can be found in the Appendix.

10.0 Food Safety Health Certification Procedures

The Food Safety Department of BAHA has a mandate to monitor, evaluate, and take action on any
matters that may have a direct or indirect effect on the safety of the food supply. This is done for
both the export market and for local consumption. Providing safe, wholesome and nutritious food
is also regarded as a requirement under the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement, to which
Belize is a signatory.

A certification program, based on the implementation of the Hazard Analysis and Crititical Control
Points (HACCP) food safety system was established for fish and fishery products processing indus-
try in Belize, which has enabled Belize to export these products freely to the US and the European
Union (EU). BAHA’s “farm to table” approach of the food safety program, provides for food safety
assurances along the entire chain - from the production site on the farm with the application of
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), to the processing plants’ implementation of Good Manufactur-
ing Practices (GMP), Standard Sanitary Operating Procedures (SSOP) and HACCP systems that are
verified and certified by BAHA’s inspectors and sanitary auditors.

Exports of food products and animal feed from Belize into international markets must, as a general
rule, must be accompanied by a health certification that satisfies the importing country’s conditions.
The importing country sets out the conditions that must be satisfied, and the checks that must be
undertaken, if imports are to be allowed. The details of the certification required are usually set
27
out in specific legislation, which frequently includes models of the certificates to be used by the
exporting country. In Belize, BAHA is the competent authority for the sanitary certification of
products of agricultural origin including food.

The certification must be signed by an official veterinarian or official food safety inspector (as indi-
cated in the relevant certificate). BAHA applies strict rules to the production, signing and issuing of
certificates, and they confirm in compliance with international codes of practice for certification.

Each category of food product or animal feed has its own set of animal, plant and/or public health
requirements that may be specific for the market to which the product is destined. Particular
attention must be paid to ensure that the correct certification is used, and that all of its provisions
have been met.

10.1 Product Compliance Procedure

The following sequence is generally followed (although it may vary according to the food product/
feed concerned):

(1) Representative of establishment seeking certification of the product must submit a formal
request for approval to the Food Safety Services of BAHA. This can be done using established
application forms or through a letter of application from the requesting party. The application
should include the following information:
(a) Name and address of exporter and establishment registration number (if applicable)
(b) Address of importer and country of import
(c) Type of food product for which approval is sought. Full details of all animal or
plant origin products should be given
(d) Volume or weight of the products to be exported
(e) Origin or source of primary materials involved
(f) Description of process or minimum treatment (heat, maturation, acidification
etc) applied to the products
(e) Means of transport of the final product

The application should also include confirmation that the establishment has been approved for
export. BAHA is the authority responsible for approving establishments for exporting products of
an animal or plant nature.

(2) BAHA acknowledges the request and determines when an inspection of the establishment
should be carried out

(3) Bilateral contacts and arrangements between the national authorities of the importing country
and BAHA (if applicable) is consulted to determine certification requirements

(4) If the Food Safety Services of BAHA is satisfied with the information provided, an on-the-spot
inspection may be organized by BAHA

(5) If the establishment is already registered with BAHA and is currently being subjected to its
inspection and sampling protocol on a program basis with good results, depending on the
class of products to be exported (ready to eat products, products for further processing, etc.),
certification applicable to the products may be granted forthwith.

(6) If the outcome of the inspection (and testing where applicable) is satisfactory to BAHA and
all other outstanding issues have been resolved, BAHA then prepares the necessary health
certification based on the importing country’s requirements.
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(7) Following completion of the inspection, including results of any testing undertaken from
samples submitted to the official laboratory, (The Central Investigation Laboratory in Belize
City) a copy of the inspection report is sent to the Director of Food Safety Services and to the
establishment.

(8) The certificates are authenticated with the BAHA Food Safety Seal and submitted to the party
requesting certification of the food product after payment of all relevant fees.

(9) If for any reason, an establishment or exporter who makes a request, is dissatisfied with the
inspection or certification services of BAHA, the applicant can submit a letter detailing the
reasons for such dissatisfaction and direct it to the Director of Food Safety Services where it
will receive prompt attention with the view of resolution of any discrepancies.

10.2 Certification Compliance

The following are the compliance requirements that are to be met by establishments requesting
certification of food products by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority:

(a) Sanitary Certificate

(1) Completed application form or letter of application outlining the details of the products
to be certified
(2) Establishment is registered with BAHA as an approved food processing facility
(3) Establishment is subjected to BAHA Food Safety Services Inspection and Sampling
Protocols

29
 (4) Proof that the product has been handled, prepared or processed, identified, stored and
transported under a competent Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and
sanitary program, consistently implemented and in accordance with the requirements
laid down in the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (Food Safety) Regulations, 2001
(5) For Fish and Fishery Products, the establishment must comply with the Belize Agricultural
Health Authority (Fish and Fisheries Products Inspection) Regulations, 2001 of the Laws
of Belize

(b) Certificate of Free Sale

(1) The product is sold freely in Belize, and is not under any legal restrictive measures
imposed upon the establishment by BAHA or another competent authority
(2) Submit a completed application form or letter of application to BAHA outlining the
details of product(s) to be certified

A sample of the Certificate of Free Sales can be found in the Appendix.

(c) Veterinary Health Certificate

(1) Submit a completed application form or letter of application to BAHA outlining the
details of product(s) to be certified
(2) The products establishment of origin is subjected to the Food Safety Services Inspec-
tion and Sampling Protocols
(3) The product has been tested and found to be free of relevant diseases
(4) Testing records that are no more than 4 months old are available

(d) Certificate of Compliance (Veterinary Drugs)

(1) Submit a completed application form or letter of application to BAHA outlining the
details of the product(s) to be certified
(2) Establishment is subject to BAHA Food Safety Services Inspection and Sampling
Protocols
(3) Demonstration that the product is free of, or does not exceed, established Maximum
Residue Limits (MRL) of relevant veterinary drugs
(4) Testing records that are no more than a month old are available

(e) Certificate of Facility Registration

(1) Submit a completed application form to BAHA
(2) The establishment, its processing and support areas, must meet the requirements set
out by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority
(3) The establishment is free from serious contamination

11.0 Animal Health

The Animal Health Department of BAHA, in its mandate to protect animal health and life, provides
veterinary services that stimulate the growth of the livestock industry. Its assists in achieving a level
of animal production that can sustain the nations’ food of animal origin needs while contributing
the necessary veterinary support to the livestock industry, which can then be expanded for export
markets.

In order to obtain certification for exporting live animals, or animal products, the following must
take place:
1. The exporter must obtain an import permit from the importing country
2. BAHA will review the importing country’s conditions for importation

30
3. BAHA will conduct an inspection of the exporter’s facilities
4. Once the inspector finds that the exporter meets all the requirements of the importing coun-
try, the request for approval will be granted, and certification will be given
5. BAHA will issue the exporter an International Veterinary Certificate (IVC). A sample IVC can
be found in the appendix of this manual.

Depending on the importing country, certification may require pre-shipment quarantine for live
animals. For products of animal origin, a Sanitary Certificate may also be required, as well as testing
for residues. A sample Sanitary Certificate can be found in the appendix of this manual.

The requirements for importing live animals and animal products differ depending on the importing
country. The general import requirements for Belize’s major trade partners consist of:
A. Approval of the veterinary infrastructure in Belize by the importing country, including
animal health status
B. Approval of the exporting establishment. This approval is given following a site visit
to the establishment by the officials of the importing country.

11.1 Qurantine & Inspection Department

The Quarantine Department of BAHA, was formerly under the Ministry of Agriculture, and began
its operations in 1981. Its first task was to eliminate threats posed to Belize by the Mediterranean
Fruit Fly (MedFly) which was intercepted in the states of Florida and California in the US. Since then,
the Quarantine Department is seen as the first line of defense against the introduction of foreign
pests or diseases that could threaten animal, plant, or human health. This is done through various
certification programs. Quarantine Inspectors are located at all official points of entry into Belize,
and are responsible for the inspection of luggage, vehicles, commodities and any receptacle that
may be considered a vehicle for the introduction of pests or diseases.

12.0 U.S. Bioterrorism Act 2002

The events of September 11th, 2001, reinforced the the need to enhance the security of the United
States. The US Congress responded by passing the “Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Prepared-
ness Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act)”, which was signed into law on June 12th, 2002 by President
George Bush. As a result of the Act, companies who export food for human or animal consumption
to the US are required to register with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For companies which were exporting at that time, certain requirements needed to be complied with
before December 12th, 2003. The requirements are as follows:

Before December 12, 2003 Registration with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
This applies to all facilities that store, hold, pack, process, trans-
port, or export food to the United States

Five days before and after Prior Notice of Consignments being exported to the United
States

On and after December 12, 2003 Record Keeping and Maintenance for Traceability in the event
that the FDA requires information on any product that has been
exported to the US

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12.1 Frequently Asked Questions

(1) Why should I register with the FDA? Failure to register with the FDA will result in consignments
not being allowed entry into the US. Failure to comply with the Bioterrorism Act will be classified
as a federal offense by the USA.

(2) Is there a cost to registering with the FDA? No. Registering online with the FDA is free.

(3) Where do I register with the FDA? Registration with the FDA can be done online at the follow-
ing website: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~furls/ovffreg.html

(4) Who needs to register with the FDA? Owners, operators, or agents in charge of domestic or
foreign facilities that:
• Manufacture
• Process
• Pack
• Hold or store food for human or animal consumption in the US

(5) What is considered a foreign facility? A foreign facility is any facility not located in the States
or territories of the US, in the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(6) What do you need to comply with in the registration process? To comply, you will need a US
Resident FDA Agent (any person: an individual, partnership, corporation or association, that resides
or maintains a place of business in the US and is physically present in the US); Fill in the form with
accurate information.

(7) What foods are included under the FDA?

• All fruits and vegetables
• Fish and Seafood
• Dairy products and shell eggs
• Raw agricultural commodities for use as food or components of food
• Live food animals
• Infant formula
• Bakery goods, snack food, candy, and chewing gum
• Canned and frozen foods
• Beverages (including alcoholic beverages and bottled water)
• Animal feed and pet food
• Food packaging
• Additives such as colouring, preservatives, and flavours
• Dietary supplements and dietary ingredients

(8) What foods are exempted from the Act? Bulk shipments of chicken and beef or commodities
strictly regulated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are exempted from meeting the
requirements of the Act.

(9) When should prior notice be given to the FDA? Prior notice should be given five (5) days or
eight (8) hours before the consignment arrives in the US. With the exeption of food arriving by
international mail, prior notice cannot be submitted more than five (5) days before arrival.

Arrival by land via road: Prior notice must be given no less than two (2) hours before the food ar-
rives at the port of arrival

32
Arrival by air and land via rail: Prior notice must be given no less than four (4) hours before the
food arrives at the port of arrival.

Arrival by water: Prior notice must be given no less than eight (8) hours before the food arrives at
the port

Food carried by or accompanying an individual: Time is based on method of transportation

Food arriving by international mail: The prior notice must be submitted before the food is
mailed.

(10) What are the requirements for food arriving by international mail? You will need to state:
• The anticipated port of arrival, date, and time of arrival
• Importer, owner, or ultimate consignee
• Mode of transport
• Carrier and planned shipment information
• HTS code
• Date of shipment
• US recipient

(11) How should prior notice be submitted? It is recommended that prior notice be done electroni-
cally.

(12) How often should prior notice be given? Prior notice is required for every consignment enter-
ing the US.

13.0 Exporting to the European Union (EU)

The European Union (EU) is a union of twenty-five (25) independent European states, and was
founded to enhance political, economic, and social cooperation.

The following table lists the memebers of the EU:

13.1 EUREP GAP

The Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group (EUREP) sets out a framework for developing Good Ag-
ricultural Practices (GAP) globally for horticultural products (i.e. fruits, vegetables, potatoes, salads,
cut flowers, and nursery stock).

The EUREP framework generally outlines the minimum standard acceptable to leading retailers in
Europe, and is based on Integrated Crop Management (ICM) - a philosophy that recognizes the need
for crop production to be economically and environmentally sustainable.

33
13.2 The Key Points of EUREP

1. Record Keeping - Up-to-date records are required to demonstrate compliance with GAP and
to ensure traceability of produce from farm to final consumer
2. Varieties & Rootstocks - Choice of rootstock must meet the customers specified quality
standards; seed quality and germination rate should be checked; susceptibility to pests and
diseases should be known
3. Site History - A permanent record of each field should be kept; ensure that crop rotations
maintain soil conditions
4. Soil Management - A soil map is recommended; avoid chemical fumigations where possible
5. Fertilizer Usage - Routine soil samples should be taken to determine nutrient requirements
of the soil
6. Irrigation - Crop requirements of water should be predicted using a recognized method; irri-
gation water should be analyzed for microbial, chemical, and mineral pollutants, and records
kept
7. Crop Protection - Crop protection systems should be developed to minimize the use of ag-
rochemicals; Integrated Pest and Crop Management Systems (IPM/ICM) should be adopted;
use of only approved chemicals
8. Harvesting - Workers must have access to toilet and washing facilities, and receive hygiene
training before handling fresh produce; store harvested produce to adequately avoid pest
contamination
9. Post Harvest Treatments - Post-harvest chemicals should be avoided where possible but if
used, must be in strict accordance with product label requirement
10. Waste and Pollution Recycling - Identify all possible waste products and pollutants; develop
a plan for responsible disposal
11. Worker health, safety, and welfare - Training should be provided to those using agrochemi-
cals, or operating dangerous machinery; establish accident procedures, and provide for first
aid training; have first aid kits on hand; ensure that there is no exploitation of labour
12. Environmental Issues - Farming activity should not impact adversely on the environment;
growers should have a policy for enhancing wildlife and conservation

Certification is important because most European retailers and processors need assurance that the
produce they buy has been grown in a responsible way, that it is safe, and that any chemical residues
are within permitted levels.

When you believe that your farm/facilities meet the required status, “CMI Certification” a leading
provider of independent assurance and certification services, can register you and the products you
want to grow, inspect your farming operation, and then provide a EUREP GAP Certificate if you
meet the requirements of the scheme. More information on CMI Certification and can be found on
the company’s website at www.cmi.plc.com

13.3 Food Labelling

All foodstuffs marketed in the EU must comply with EU labelling rules, which are aimed at ensur-
ing that consumers get all the essential information to make an informed choice while purchasing
their foodstuffs.

Labels of foodstuffs must contain the following particulars:

• The name under which the product is sold
• List of ingredients
• Net quantity

34
• Date of minimum durability consisting of day, month and year (in that order) and preceded
by the words “best before” or “use by” for highly perishable goods
• Special conditions for keeping or use
• Name of business and address of the manufacturer, packager, or importer
• Place of origin
• Instructions for use
• Acquired alcoholic strength for beverages containing more than 1.2% alcohol by volume
• Lot marking on pre-packaged foodstuffs with the marking preceded by the letter “L”

These particulars must appear on the packaging or on a label attached to the pre-packaged food-
stuffs. In the case of pre-packaged foodstuffs intended to be sold in bulk, the compulsory labelling
particulars must appear on the commercial documents, while the name under which it is sold, use-
by-date, and the name of the manufacturer must appear on the external packaging.

13.4 Export Documentation

Exports to the EU must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. E100 Form (obtained from the Importer)
2. Commercial Invoice
3. Transportation documentation (Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, etc.)
4. Packing List
5. Sanitary Certification
6. Certificate of Origin (to be eligible for preferential treatment)

There is an EU Help Desk website that gives a vast amount of detailed information for exporting
products to the EU. The web address is www.export-help.cec.eu.int Information on exporting
particular products can be obtained by typing in the tariff code, along with the country of origin
(Belize), and the destination country for the products.

14.0 Transportation and Handling

14.1 Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is the most widely used form of transportation in international trade, due mainly to
the fact that it is the cheapest mode of transport for delivering large quantities of goods over long
distances. The procedures and arrangements can sometimes be complex, and the exporter may
choose to use the services of a Shipping and Forwarding Agent. The following must be done before
shipping takes place:

• Determine Freight rates

• Select shipping line and particular vessel
• Book shipping space
• Register cargo on a Bill of Lading (B/L) and send B/L to shipping company
• Register details of products to be shipped on Customs Entries Forms, and send to
Customs
• Arrange adequate packing for products
• Receive notice from shipping company to deliver goods to port
• Send goods to Port Authority
• Receive Bill of Lading from shipping company
• Pay freight bill
• Endorse the B/L and send copies to the shipping line and customer, or to the bank acting
as an intermediary

35
A detailed list of Ocean Freight carriers located in Belize can be found in the Appendix of this
manual.

♦ Shipping and Forwarding Agents

Small exporters may find it easier to use Shipping and Forwarding Agents, usually referred to as
“International Freight Forwarders”. An International Freight Forwarder is an agent for the exporter
in moving cargo to an overseas destination. These agents are familiar with the import rules and
regulations of foreign countries, the methods of shipping, and the documents related to foreign
trade.

The job of the International Freight Forwarder involves booking space, arranging documentation,
collecting the goods from the place of business and transporting them to the port, airport, or road
collection point. They also deal with customs entries and other formalities, arrange payment of
freight charges and insurance if necessary, and handle the collection of necessary documents.

Fees are based on the percentage of the freight carried and any charges incurred are usually paid
to the International Freight Forwarder.

The most commonly used shipping type is that of “Conference Line Vessels”, which make regular
journeys and offer special discounts to exporters who use them regularly.

♦ Freight Rates
Freight rates are charged for most types of cargo by either weight or volume. The shipping company
quotes “per freight ton W/M ships option”. This means the shipping company will charge by weight
(W) or measure (M) whichever is greater. On occasions an ad valorem freight rate is charged, which
is a charge based on the value of the goods transported.

36
♦ The Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the most important document when shipping goods by ocean freight. It
is a receipt for your goods given to you by the shipping company. It serves as title to the goods and
evidence of a contract by the shipping company to you to carry the goods from your port to the
port of destination. The Bill of Lading also acknowledges that the goods were received in good
order and condition and binds the ship to deliver them in similar condition unless the perils of the
sea, fire or enemies, prevent him from doing so.

Usually, three (3) originals and copies are made. They are signed by the shipping company and
become the negotiable title to the goods that the B/L covers. The exporter arranges for the B/L to
be sent to the customer. It can either travel with the goods, or it can be mailed to the customer;
direct or through a bank, depending on the method of payment.

The B/L may be made out to the customer or to a bank if the exporter wishes the bank to collect
payment on his/her behalf.

There are two methods of obtaining the B/L when consignment is made to a bank. The first option
is a “sight draft” in which the B/L is released to the customer when payment is made, and the goods
have arrived at their destination port. The second option is an “acceptance” in which the customer
receives the B/L upon arrival of the goods, and payment is arranged on 30, 60, or 90 day credit.

If it is agreed that the customer should collect the goods at the port of destination, and pay on
“open account”, the B/L should be made out in the customers name to indicate his ownership of the
goods. Normally, the customer takes the original B/L and presents it to the ships agent, upon which
he receives a delivery order on a particular shed or warehouse at the port. Upon presentation of
this order at the proper location the goods will be released.

14.2 Air Freight

Air freight is a more recent form of transportation from Belize and is most practical for goods which
have a high unit-value. The biggest advantage is speed of delivery. For items such as fresh flowers
and fruits, air freight is the only logical mode of transport if the intended destination is far away. It
may also be practical for fashionable goods that have a short selling life, or for seasonal products.

Air freight also presents advantages such as the exporter receiving payment faster, and storage
savings cost as smaller inventories of raw or finished product need to be maintained. Cost savings
may also arise from the following:
• Greater security in transit
• Less disturbance in transit
• Lower insurance costs (smaller risk of pilferage and damage)

Air freight procedures are newer and simpler than shipping procedures. Nevertheless, an Air Cargo
agent may still be used to facilitate and speed up procedures and documentation.

♦ Air Freight Rates

Air freight rates vary more than shipping rates. The basis of calculation is normally a price per
kilogram (or 427 cubic inches) with certain minimum charges. Bulky cargoes present problems to
airlines and rates are then charged by volume rather than weight. Other costs may include terminal
charges for customs clearance, sorting, pick-up and delivery, and transit charges at the airport.

♦ Airway Bill
The exporter normally begins the process by completing an air-consignment note, or letter of
instruction, to the airline. This note provides the basic details of the cargo, the customer’s name

37
and address, and the services that the exporter requires, such as “Cash on Delivery (COD)” or special
insurance arrangements. From these instructions, the airline can prepare the airway bill.

The document is:

• a receipt from the airline acknowledging that it has received the consignment from the
exporter
• a contract between the exporter and the airline for moving the goods
• an instruction sheet
• a customs declaration
• a bill for the freight
• a certificate of insurance, if the amount and extent of insurance are included in it

The airway bill becomes a valid document when both the exporter and the airline representative
have signed it. The airway bill is an internationally standardized document, printed in English and
in the language of the air carrier.

Unlike the bill of lading, the airway bill does not give title to the goods. It is not a negotiable
document and by handing it to the airline, the exporter does not lose ownership of the goods. He
only has to present his copy of the airway bill to the airline to exercise his “right of disposal” to the
goods. The “right of disposal” is especially important in the event that any difficulties between the
shipper and consignee arise. The “right of disposal” can be exercised at any time.

The airway bill is composed of three (3) original copies, one each for:
• the carrier (airline)
• the consignee (receiver)
• the consignor (exporter)

14.3 Packing for Shipment

Regardless of the mode of transport, the cargo will require some form of packing. Packing methods
for a particular product will depend largely on the following factors:

• The characteristics of the product itself

• The mode of transportation
• The climatic conditions during the different stages of the journey
• The customers requirements
• Governmental or other regulations

Packing for transit must provide a casing/crate strong enough to withstand the hazards of
transportation (pilferage, rough handling, corrosion, crushing, etc.). It must also be as compact as
possible in order to minimize the cost of transportation. It is estimated that approximately 80% of
all cargo worldwide is shipped by volume rather than by weight. Therefore, the savings on a few
centimeters on the dimension of the each packing case in a large shipment could make a sizeable
difference in the freight cost.

14.3.1 Marking Requirements

The first mark to be considered by the exporter is the “mark of origin”. The mark of origin indicates the
country of origin of the particular goods, ex. “Made in Belize”. Some countries require a compulsory
mark of origin. The mark of origin must be legible, indelible, and easily seen. The exporter should
investigate the importing country’s marking regulations before packing goods for export shipment.
The particular way in which the mark is applied depends on the particular country.

38
♦ Labeling
Special rules govern the labeling of certain products including beverages, prepared foodstuffs,
pharmaceuticals, toilet preparations, and others. The label should clearly identify the quantity and
quality of the goods. The information on the labels may include:

• Name and address of manufacturer

• Weight or volume of contents
• Ingredients
• Percent recommended daily allowance (RDA) [if food product]
• Other relevant details

Note that the information is frequently required in the language and weights and measures of
the importing country. The Bureau of Standards is the exporter’s source for information regarding
compliance with requirements for packaging, labeling, and other standards.

For further information regarding labeling requirements and other international standards
contact:

The Bureau of Standards

Ms. Helen Reynolds-Arana
53 Regent Street
Belize City, Belize
Tel: (501) 227-2314
Email: bbs@btl.net

♦ Shipping Marks
All cases and crates have to be marked for shipping or other transportation. Some customers may
have their own shipping mark so that consignments due to him are easily recognized at the port
of destination.

Essential data includes the name of the exporter and his/her address, the name of the customer and his
shipping mark, and often a case or crate number. Other data may include weight of the packages, name
of the ship, port of shipment, and destination and origin of goods. Handling instructions are based
on those recommended by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). For example,
to indicate that goods should be handled with care, there is an international sign of a wineglass.

14.4 Unitization

Unitization refers to the way a product is handled on its journey to the export market. Cargo
unitization describes how small items of cargo are put together and handled as a unit of standard
size, most often using mechanical equipment. This process speeds up the handling and reduces the
amount of labour required to move the goods.

♦ Containerization
This is the most widely used form of cargo unitization and consists of packing cargo into standard
size containers so that they can be handled quickly and easily by standardized equipment. Inside the
container the goods are almost completely protected from corrosion and pilferage. The possibility of
rough handling is reduced, and therefore lighter packaging can be used. This results in cost savings
to the exporter, and thus he can quote his customer a lower price. Both ports of embarkation and
of entry must have the facilities for containerized cargo.

♦ Palletization
Palletization is frequently used in developing countries. The goods are carried in flat wood or
metal frames known as “pallets”. These are of a standard size designed to be picked up and put
39
down quickly and easily by forklifts and other equipment. Pallets are then stacked on top of each
other or in racks. However, there is the possibility however, that other cargo may be stacked on top
of your cargo, increasing the chance of damage. To alleviate the possibility of damage, it is a good
idea to ensure that packing is strong and damp proof.

♦ Barge-Carrying Vessel
The Barge-carrying vessel is one of the most versatile forms of cargo unitization, since it does not
need any specialized port facilities. The barges may be loaded with containers or pallets. The barges
are usually large enough to carry a much wider range of cargo than either the container ship or the
pallet ship. The barges are hoisted completely on the ship.

15.0 Terms of Delivery

The terms of delivery that the exporter offers may make all the difference between profit and loss.
Therefore, it is vital to be able to select the right terms. An agreement of terms of delivery between
the buyer and the seller binds them legally to the vital aspects of the transactions:

a) Which costs are paid by the buyer and which by the seller
b) Which documents the exporter will obtain and at whose expense
c) When the title to the goods and the responsibility for them passes from the seller to the
buyer
d) When and where the goods are delivered

15.1 International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS)

The INCOTERMS (International Commercial Terms) is a universally recognized set of definitions of

international trade terms, such as FOB, CFR and CIF, developed by the International Chamber of
commerce (ICC) in Paris, France. It defines the trade contract responsibilities and liabilities between
buyer and seller.

In international trade, it is best for exporters to refrain, wherever possible, from dealing in trade
terms that would hold the seller responsible for the import customs clearance and/or payment of
import customs duties and taxes and/or other costs and risks at the buyer’s end (Ex. DEQ - Delivered
Ex Quay and DDP - Delivered Duty Paid). It is also best for importers to not deal in EXW (Ex Works)
which would hold the buyer responsible for the export customs clearance, payment of export customs
charges and taxes, and other costs and risks at the seller’s end.

A listing of the INCOTERMS and their descriptions follows.

TERMS DESCRIPTION CODE

Ex-Works ‘Ex-Works’ means that the seller’s only responsibility is to make the EXW
goods available at his premises (warehouse, factory, or mill). The buyer
is responsible for loading the goods onto a truck or container at the seller’s
premise, and for the subsequent costs and risks. This term represents the
minimum obligation for the seller.
Free Carrier The seller fulfills his obligations when he delivers the goods into the cus- FCA
tody of the carrier at a named point, at the seller’s expense. The buyer is
responsible for the main carriage/freight, cargo insurance, and other costs
and risks. Some manufacturers may still use the former terms FOT (Free on
Truck) and FOR (Free on Rail) in selling to export-traders. These two latter
terms should only be used when the goods are to be carried by rail.

40
 Free on FOB means ‘Free on Board’. The goods are placed aboard a ship by the FOB
Board seller at a port of shipment named in the sales contract, at the seller’s ex-
pense. The risk of loss or damage to the goods is transferred from the seller
to the buyer when the goods pass the ships rail. FOB Origin means that
the buyer is responsible for the freight and other costs and risks, and FOB
Destination means that the seller is responsible for the freight and other
costs and risks until the goods are delivered to the buyer’s premises.
FOB Airport FOB Airport is based on the same principle as FOB, but the seller fulfills FOA
his obligations by delivering the goods to the air carrier at the airport of
departure.
Free Along- Under ‘Free Alongside Ship’, the seller’s obligations are fulfilled when the FAS
side Ship goods have been placed in the dock shed or at the side of the ship on the dock
or lighter, within reach of its loading equipment so that they can be loaded
on the ship at the seller’s expense. The buyer is responsible for the loading
fee, main carriage/freight, cargo insurance and other risks and costs.
Cost and The seller is responsible for paying the costs and freight necessary to bring CFR
Freight the goods to a specified destination, but the risk of loss or damage to the (C&F still
goods is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods pass the commonly
ships rail at the port of departure. used )
Cost, Insur- This term is basically the same as CFR, but with the addition that the seller CIF
a n c e a n d has t obtain marine insurance against the loss or damage of the goods
Freight while in transit. The seller contracts with the insurer and pays the insur-
ance premium.
C a r r i a g e Under this term, the delivery of goods is made to the named port of discharge, CPT
Paid To at the seller’s expense. The buyer is responsible for the import customs
clearance and other costs and risks. In the export quotation, the place of
destination should be included after CPT (ex. CPT Miami or CPT Taiwan).
Carriage and The delivery of goods and procurement of insurance is made to the named CIP
I n s u r a n c e place of discharge at the seller’s expense. The buyer assumes the import
Paid To customs clearance, payment of customs duties and taxes, and other costs
and risks.
Delivered at The seller’s obligations are fulfilled when the goods have arrived at the DAF
Frontier border, but before the “Customs Border” of the country named in the sales
contract. Usually used in road transport.
Delivered Ex The seller is obligated to make the goods available to the buyer on board DES
Ship the ship at the named destination. The seller bears the full cost and risk
in bringing the goods there. The buyer assumes the unloading fee, import
customs clearance, payment of customs duties and taxes, cargo insurance,
and other costs and risks.
Delivered Ex The seller is obligated to make the goods available at the wharf (quay) at DEQ
Quay the named destination. The seller must bear the full cost and risk involved
in bringing the goods there. The seller is responsible for the import customs
clearance, and payment of customs duties and taxes at the buyer’s end. The
buyer usually only assumes the cargo insurance and other costs and risks.

15.2 Payment and Financing

♦ Getting Paid
Payment and financing arrangements are more difficult for exporting than for the local market. This
is so because of the use of different currencies, different regulations, language or communication
barriers, other customs, and the difficulty of legal recourse if legal action becomes necessary. There
is also the handicap of the distance that separates the seller and the buyer.

41
♦ The Export Invoice
The export invoice is a basic document in exporting and the preparation of such invoices is the first
step in getting paid for the goods. It is the bill for the goods, and it has a wider use than just the
ordinary invoice.

The export invoice is used by the customer to obtain custom clearance of products once they reach
his country. He may also use it to make insurance claims. The export invoice is normally sent to the
customer at the same time that the goods are shipped and usually accompanies the bill of lading if
traveling by ocean freight. It is usually made out as a consignment to a customer after information
is obtained on custom entries, insurance, and transportation charges.

15.3 Terms of Payment

Whenever goods are sold, the seller must agree with his customer on the period of time that
will be allowed before the goods must be paid for. This is known as the “period of credit”. The
determination of payment conditions is part of the contractual agreement negotiated between the
exporter and the importer.

The exporter is normally interested in the largest possible guarantee of financial coverage for the
goods supplied according to the sales contract. The importer is interested in the availability, quantity,
and quality of the goods before he pays the agreed price. The terms of payment influence the
degree of solvency of the exporter and the importer.

The credit worthiness of a customer and his/her country is extremely important to know. Some
countries impose restriction on foreign exchange payments. The economic, financial, and political
situation of an importing country must also be known before extending credit abroad.

42
This type of risk is called “country risk”. Once credibility and a good working relationship are
established between the two parties payments are expedited promptly.

In order to establish a customer’s credit rating, an exporter can consult with the Belize Trade and
Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) for assistance in finding out the credibility and
financial situation of importing companies abroad. This information may be obtained through the
Belize Foreign Trade attaché to the particular country, through banks, or by utilizing the services of
firms such as Dun and Bradstreet, and the Blue Book. These organizations publish major companies’
financial situations and their credit ratings in a directory.

In any international trade transaction, credit is provided by either

• The supplier (exporter),
• The buyer (importer)
• One or more financial institutions, or
• A combination of the above

There are a variety of methods of payment available to individuals involved in international trade:

• Prepayment
In a prepayment agreement, the exporter will not ship the goods to the buyer until the goods have
been paid for. Goods must be paid for before the shipment is dispatched, and goods are available to
the buyer, once payment has been made. This method poses no risk to the importer. The importer
must rely completely on the exporter to ship the goods as ordered.

• Letters of Credit (L/C)

Letters of credit (L/C’s) are usually the most common method of receiving payment for exports. They
are issued by a bank on behalf of the importer promising to pay the exporter upon presentation of
the shipping documents. Payment is made by the buyer when the shipment is sent by the exporter
and the goods become available to the buyer after payment is made. The exporter faces little or no
risk, but the importer relies on the exporter to ship the goods as described in the documents.

Important Terms:
• Applicant – The party who instructs the bank to open a letter of credit in favour of the
beneficiary. The applicant is usually importer or buyer of the goods and services.
• Beneficiary – the party in whose favour the applicant’s bank opens the letter of credit. The
beneficiary is usually the exporter or seller of the goods and services.
• Issuing Bank – The bank that opens the letter of credit in favour of the beneficiary at the
request, and on the instructions of the applicant.
• Advising Bank – Advises the beneficiary that a letter of credit opened by the issuing bank is
available to him and informs the beneficiary about the terms of the L/C.

The required documents for a L/C typically include the following:

• Bill of lading (receipt for shipment)
• Insurance policy or certificate
• Commercial Invoice
• Draft (Sight or Time, which designates the terms of payment)

Other documents may be needed to meet customs requirements such as:

• Consular Invoice
• Certificate of Origin
• Health certificate (Phyto-sanitary or Zoo-sanitary certificate)
• Weight note
• Packing List

43
• Types of Letters of Credit
Revocable Letter of Credit – a letter of credit issued by a bank that can be cancelled at any time
without prior notification of the beneficiary (exporter). This type of credit is not used very often
– usually only when there is a high degree of trust between the exporter and buyer, but a credit is
required as a method of financing.

Irrevocable Letter of Credit – a letter of credit issued by a bank that cannot be cancelled at any time.
This is the most common type of L/C currently in use.

Confirmed Letter of Credit – a letter of credit in which the exporter’s bank (advising bank) guarantees
payment to the exporter even if there are foreign exchange difficulties.

Unconfirmed Letter of Credit – a letter of credit in which the advising bank does not guarantee
payment.

Most exporters usually insist on a ‘confirmed, irrevocable’ letter of credit. Under all circumstances
they will receive payment for their goods, as long as they abide by the conditions stipulated in the
contract.

Some reasons for not using Letters of Credit are:

• Cost - Local bank’s commission of 1.0 – 1.2%, plus any fax/cable costs, and a basic handling
fee. This is in addition to the foreign bank charges. Total cost may be from 2% upwards.
• Loss of Time - Due to the movement of documents through the banks delays can be created
and costs at the ports may escalate.
• Slow Settlement by Banks - Delays frequently occur in remittance of payments and the
differences in the way banks deal with money may cause some of these delays.
• Good Business Relationships - It is common practice to wire money as a method of payment
for goods. Once a good business relationship is established between exporters and customers,
bank drafts may be a faster method of doing business and dealing with payments.
• Inflexibility - The letters of credit are specific legal documents. Any deviation renders the
contract void. Any protection sought and paid for by the exporter is lost and he is left with
his goods stranded at a foreign port.

• Drafts (Bill of Exchange)

Drafts are unconditional promises drawn by the exporter instructing the buyer to pay the face
amount of the drafts. Banks on both ends usually act as intermediaries in the processing of shipping
documents and the collection of payment. In banking terminology, the transactions are known as
‘documentary collections’.

The two types of drafts commonly available are ‘sight drafts’ and ‘time drafts’.

• Sight draft – Sight drafts are ‘documents against payment’, which means that when the
shipment has been made, the draft is presented to the buyer for payment. Payment must be
made on presentation of the draft to the buyer by the bank, and the goods become available
to the buyer once payment has been made. The exporter faces the risk of having to dispose
of unpaid goods and the buyer has to rely on the exporter to ship the goods as described in
the documents.

• Time draft – Time drafts are ‘documents against acceptance’, which means that when the
shipment has been made, the buyer accepts (signs) the presented draft, and has a specified
amount of time before payment will be demanded. Payment is made for the goods upon
maturity of the draft, and goods are available to the buyer before payment is made. The
exporter relies on the buyer to make payment for the goods, and the importer has to rely
on the exporter to ship the goods as described in the documents.

44
• Consignments
In a consignment method of payment, the exporter retains actual title to the goods that are shipped
to the buyer. The exporter is paid only when the importer sells the goods to a third party. The
goods are available to the buyer before payment is made. The exporter is at risk because he/she
allows the importer to sell the inventory before he/she is paid for the goods. In this instance, the
importer faces no risk at all.

• Open Accounts
In an open account the exporter ships the merchandise and expects the buyer to remit payment
according to the agreed upon terms. The exporter and the buyer must agree upon the terms of
payment, and goods are available to the buyer before payment is made. In this instance, the exporter
is exposed to the most risk as he has to rely completely on the buyer to pay for the goods as agreed
upon. The importer faces no risk. Because of the high risk involved with open accounts it is best
that this method of payment be used only with customers who have a well established working
relationship with the exporter.

16.0 Financial Aspects of Exporting

As an exporter it is important to establish a close relationship with a financial institution to ensure

that affordable financing is available for your production cycle and for unanticipated costs. You
may want to consider commercial and development banks.

16.1 Commercial Banks

The first step in obtaining financing from a commercial bank is to present your export project to
your bank. Discuss the need for capital goods, working capital, and overdraft facilities. The bank
can provide you with information about the services that they offer to exporters. It is also important
to negotiate favourable interest rates for any financing that may be obtained. The bank’s main
concern will be security and whether the presented project will be viable.

The bank will want to know the following information:

• Do you have a contractual agreement with your buyer?
• Is the buyer credible?
• How will the buyer will pay you for the goods?
• What type of services you will require from us?
• What collateral will be provided to secure the loan?

16.2 Development Banks

Development banks traditionally provide funds at lower interest rates than commercial banks; hence
they are more popular for financing of development projects. Presently, Belize does not have any
large development banks that provide capital for export projects. However, the Small Farmers and
Business Bank (SFBB) and the Belize Enterprise for Sustainable Technology (BEST) provide micro credit
to small and medium enterprises interested in exporting. These banks are however, limited in the
amount of loan funds that they can provide because they are relatively small.

These banks do not usually advertise the availability of funds for export development projects,
therefore, it is in the best interest of the exporter to inquire. The banks require a business plan to
assess the soundness and viability of the project.

Unlike other countries, Belize does not yet have a National Export-Import Bank that specializes in
providing financial assistance to importers and exporters. This is normally considered to be the
least cost means of financing exports. Export-Import Banks provide services such as pre and post-
45
shipment financing facilities, export development funds, small business discount facilities, and export
credit insurance.

16.3 Export Finance (Pre-Shipment Financing)

Pre-shipment financing is an important aspect of funding the exporter with limited capital resources.
This includes small scale manufacturers and exporters who might not have sufficient financial resources
to meet production costs. It is extremely necessary in circumstances much times elapses and heavy
investment is needed between the receipt of an order and the dispatch of the finished goods.

Financing might be in the form of a bank advance, overdraft, or loan against confirmed orders from
a customer. The value of the advance is up to the equivalent of the Free on Board (FOB) value of
the particular contract.

Some exporters obtain this type of funding through loans obtained from their country’s Export
Association. Interest rates are normally low to encourage export and repayment periods are adequate
to prevent foreclosure before the exporter collects payment for his/her shipment.

16.4 Post Shipment Financing

Post-shipment financing is more common than pre-shipment financing and is commonly used to
bridge the gap between the shipment of the goods and the actual payment for the goods. Loans
may be on a short, medium, or long term basis.

46
 1. Short Term Financing - Short-term financing involves loans which must be paid within twelve
(12) months. The financing institution may give the exporter an advance of up to 80-90% of
the FOB value of the contract against the valid export bills. The exporter must present the
appropriate shipping documents, letter of credit, and export bills, and gives and unconditional
guarantee to repay the loan.

2. Medium Term Financing - Medium-term financing is usually considered for consumer durable
and light capital goods. It requires the existence of specialized financial institutions specially
geared to deal with medium term credit (ex. ‘export banks’).

3. Long Term Financing - Long-term financing is for capital goods, the erection of complete
plants, factories, infrastructural works, etc. These loans may be for ten (10) years or more
and require a large element of government endorsement. They are normally for 70-80% of
the contract value, and the interest rates are higher than other types of financing.

Risk management is an essential part of the financial structure of the exporter’s company. Risk
management must analyze:
• Possibilities of damage occurring due to unforeseen events
• Possibilities of minimizing losses already sustained due to certain unfavourable conditions
• The possibilities to recover the damage from other companies or other parties

The right risk management has to clearly state:

• What part of the liquid assets is involved?
• What will be the maximum amount of money per transaction?
• What will be the maximum amount of time between delivery of goods and payment of the
transaction?

There are normally two kinds of risk: political and commercial.

Political risks are uncontrollable for suppliers of goods and services, and occur via governmental
measures. These measures can be the reason for non-payment of importers to exporters.

Commercial risks are the normal non-payment problems between two or more trading partners. An
insurance company, delivery conditions, and payment conditions can cover commercial risks.

17.0 Insurance

17.1 Insurance Companies

In general terms, only insurance companies cover 30-40% of all international transactions. Most of
the time the insured transactions are those that are too big, too risky, and for an extended period
of time. Insurance companies can also be involved in risk coverage during production and storage
of the goods before delivery.

There is one form of insurance available to the exporter to protect against non-payment for goods
shipped against an order marine insurance. Other countries have export credit insurance which
is devised to protect exporters against non-payment for goods covered by their policy. The risks
covered under export credit insurance are different from those covered by marine insurance.

17.2 Export/Import Cargo (Marine) Insurance

Export/Import Cargo Insurance, or Marine Insurance, as it is commonly referred to, is designed to

reimburse the exporter for loss caused by an insured peril. This is usually the invoiced value of
47
the goods plus freight and other costs. The declared value for insurance purposes is normally ten
(10) percent more than the total invoiced value.

The risks covered are stated in the policy and the limits within which it applies will also be stated-
usually from the point of delivery to the carrier to the wharf of the importing country. It is however,
possible to negotiate coverage from the exporter’s warehouse to the importer’s warehouse.

18.0 Preferential Trade Agreements

Any international investment company that invests in Belize has the additional benefit of expanded
market accessiblity through special international trade arrangements to which Belize is party.
Investors have a wide range of lucrative export outlets for their products as a result of the following
programs and trade agreements.

18.1 The Cotonou Agreement

In 2000, the Cotonou Partnership Agreement replaced the Lome Convention. Since 1975, the Lome
Convention provided a framework for trade, aid, and political relations between the European
Union (EU) and seventy-seven African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries (ACP). The Cotonou granted
the ACP countries open, non-reciprocal access to the EU market for almost all industrial goods, and
a wide range of agricultural products. The Lome Convention also provided ACP countries with
development assistance through the European Development Fund.

At the end of February 2000, the fourth Cotonou Convention expired, and on March 1st, 2000 it was
replaced with a new agreement. This new agreement, known as the “Cotonou Agreement”, was
signed on June 23rd, 2000 in Benin and one of its main objectives is to integrate the ACP countries
into the global economy. In November 2001, at the Doha Ministerial Conference, a World Trade
Organization (WTO) waiver was granted which allowed the preferential arrangements under the
Cotonou Agreement to remain in place until the end of 2007, at which time new WTO compatible
arrangements will have to be made. These new arrangements (Economic Partnership Agreements
EPAS) will come in the form of reciprocal Free Trade Areas between the EU and groups of ACP
countries. The groups have yet to be defined.

Under the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, Belize’s exports are granted preferential access to the EU
market. Belize currently exports sugar, bananas, and rum under these preferential arrangements. The
Cotonou Agreement guarantees the duty-free entry of sugar and banana quotas at above-market
prices, as well as a tariff advantage for citrus concentrate.

18.2 Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)

The Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) is intended to facilitate the economic development and export
diversification of the Caribbean Basin economies. The CBI was initially launched in 1983 through
the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), and was expanded in 2000 through the U.S-
Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA). Under the CBI, twenty-four beneficiary countries
are granted duty-free access to the U.S market for most goods.

The CBTPA came into effect on October 1st, 2000 and will continue until September 30th, 2008, when
a bilateral free trade agreement is negotiated or when the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas
(FTAA) takes effect, whichever materializes first.

The twenty-four countries which benefit from the CBI program and, may potentially benefit from
the CBTPA are:

48
 Antigua & Barbuda Barbados Aruba
Belize Bahamas British Virgin Islands
Costa Rica Dominica Dominican Republic
El Salvador Grenada Guatemala
Guyana Haiti Honduras
Jamaica Montserrat Netherlands Antilles
Nicaragua Panama St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia St. Vincent & the Trinidad & Tobago
Grenadines

Under the CBTPA, previously excluded products such as tuna, footwear, and textiles were included
in the program. Duty-free treatment is granted for some items and reduced-duty treatment for
others. All duties are subject to a phase out period, and items must meet the program’s rules of
origin, quality standards, and plant and animal health requirements of the United States Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) in order to qualify.

18.3 CARIBCAN

CARIBCAN, created in 1986, is the Canadian Government’s program which provides duty-free access
to the Canadian market for most Commonwealth Caribbean exports.

Products, with the exception of textiles, clothing, footwear, luggage and handbags, leather, oils,
lubricating oils, and methanol, are eligible for duty-free status if they meet specific Rules of Origin
requirements (a minimum of 60% input of the ex-factory price of the product must originate in the
Commonwealth Caribbean or in Canada).

Anguilla Antigua Bahamas

Bermuda Barbados Belize
British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Costa Rica
Dominica Grenada Guyana
Jamaica St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia
St. Vincent & the Trinidad & Tobago Turks & Caicos
Grenadines

18.4 Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)

The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) was established by the Treaty of
Chaguaramas, which was signed by Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, and came
into effect on August 1st, 1973. CARICOM is aimed at the eventual integration of its members and
economies, and the creation of a common market the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME).

CARICOM Members
Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and
Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Barbados,
Dominica, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago

CARICOM Observers
Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Bermuda,
Dominican Republic, Netherlands Antilles

On May 1st, 1971, Belize (then, British Honduras) became a member of CARICOM. Within CARICOM,
Belize is listed as a Less Developed Country (LDC), and has been designated as one of the disadvantaged

49
countries in the Community. Belize can export most of its products to CARICOM duty-free. Products
which do not meet the qualifying conditions (i.e. Rules of Origin) must face the import duties as
prescribed in the Common External Tariff (CET).

18.5 CARICOM-Venezuela Trade and Investment Agreement

The CARICOM-Venezuela Agreement on Trade and Investment was signed in October 1992, and went
into effect on January 1st, 1993. It is a one-way preferential agreement aimed at increasing CARICOM
exports to Venezuela. Approximately 22% of the products are subject to tariff elimination (primarily
fresh produce, confectionary, cosmetics, jams and jellies, medicines, wooden furniture, horticultural
products, spices, processed foods, and toilet preparations), and 67% enjoy tariff reductions. As usual,
the Rules of Origin, and plant and animal health requirements apply.

18.6 CARICOM-Colombia Agreement on Trade and Investment and Technical

Cooperation

On July 24th, 1994, CARICOM signed an agreement with Colombia which provides for trade
liberalization and facilitation, as well as promotion and protection of investment.

Under this agreement, Belize can export a wide variety of products to Colombia duty-free, while
others enter under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates of duty. The agreement has very lenient
Rules of Origin requirements, and plant and animal health certification is required. The agreement
also carries “limited reciprocity”, in that Colombia can also export to CARICOM, but only in a very
limited number of products and only to the markets of the More Developed Countries (MDCs) of
CARICOM.

18.7 CARICOM-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement

The CARICOM-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement is the first free trade agreement into which
CARICOM has entered so far. The FTA was signed on August 22nd, 1998 and established a free trade
area between CARICOM and the Dominican Republic. In addition to trade in goods, the agreement
deals with services, investment, and government procurement. The Belizean Government, has not
yet however, finalized the chapter on trade in services.

18.8 CARICOM-Cuba Trade Agreement

The CARICOM-Cuba Trade Agreement was signed on July 5th, 2000 and provides for duty-free
treatment on specific goods. In addition to trade in goods, the agreements deals with taxation,
trade promotion and facilitation, services, tourism, investment, intellectual property rights, among
other topics. Belize has ratified this agreement, and it was approved by Cabinet in early 2003.

50
 APPENDIX 1
TRANSPORT & CARGO SERVICES
AIRLINES
AMERIJET
PSW Goldson International Airport
Ladyville, Belize
Phone: 501-225-3184
Fax: 501-225-3185
Contact: Sandro Ayala
Email: sayala@amerijet.com
Website: www.amerijet.com
American Airlines
San Cas Plaza
P.O. Box 1680
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-223-2522
Website: www.aa.com
TACA International Airlines, S.A
41 Albert Street
P.O. Box 244
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-7363
Fax: 501-227-5213
Email: bzadventur@btl.net
Website: www.taca.com
Continental Airlines
80 Regent Street
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-8309
Fax: 501-227-8114
Contact: Kim Aikman
Website: www.continental.com
Aero Dispatch Services Limited
41 Albert Street
P.O. Box 244
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-7185
Fax: 501-225-2453
Contact: Angel Alpuche
Email: aerodispa@btl.net
BANKS
Alliance Bank of Belize Limited
106 Princess Margaret Drive
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-223-6783/6784
Fax: 501-223-6785
Email: alliance@btl.net
51
Atlantic Bank Limited
Freetown Road
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-223-4123/3921
Fax: 501-223-4114
Email: atlantic@atlabank.com
Website: www.atlabank.com
The Belize Bank Limited
60 Market Square
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-7132/7082
Fax: 501-227-2712
Email: bblbz@belizebank.com
bzbnk@btl.net
Website: www.belizebank.com
First Caribbean International Bank
21 Albert Street
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-7211/7054
Fax: 501-227-8572
Email: steven.duncan@firstcaribbeanbank.com
Website: www.firstcaribbeanbank.com
Scotiabank(Belize) Limited
Albert Street
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-7027/7415
Fax: 501-227-0184
Email: bzecity@scotiabank.com
patrick.andrews@scotiabank.com
Website: www.scotiabank.com
CUSTOM BROKERAGE SERVICES
Billy Valdes Custom House Brokers
160 North Front Street
P.O. Box 4
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-7436
Fax: 501-223-5527
Contact: Billy Valdes
Email: bvaldes@btl.net
E.P Brokers
#7 B Neal Pen Road
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-3112
Fax: 501-227-5622
Contact: Ernesto Perera (Cell: 614-9367);
Jorge Martinez (Cell: 610-3840); or
Robert Alfaro (Cell: 610-3175)
Email: vicbry@btl.net
Herbert Bradley Custom House Broker Eurocaribe Shipping Services
29 Cemetery Lane 14 Fort Street
Belize City, Belize P.O. Box 281
Phone: 501-227-0717 Belize City, Belize
Fax: 501-227-0727 Phone: 501-227-8855
Contact: Herbert Bradley Fax: 501-227-7713
Email: hbradley@btl.net Contact: Mike or Martha Williams
Email: eurocaribe@btl.net
Universal Custom Broker Agencies Limited
5736 Lottie Waight Street Belize Logistics Services Limited
King’s Park, Belize City, Belize 34 Albert Street
Phone: 501-223-3582 Belize City, Belize
Fax: 501-223-3591 Phone: 501-227-1710
Contact: Enoe Medina Fax: 501-227-3754
Email: unibrokers@btl.net Contact: Jose Gomez
Email: jose@belizetransport.com
COURIER SERVICES
Belize Ship Handlers
DHL Worldwide Express 6480 Mahogany Street
38 New Road Belize City, Belize
Belize City, Belize Phone: 501-222-4075
Phone: 501-223-4350 Fax: 501-222-4724
Fax: 501-223-1712 Contact: Ellison Flowers
Contact: Ines Cowo Email: seatrade@btl.net
Email: ines.cowo@dhl.com
Caribbean Shipping Agencies Limited
Belize Transportation Agencies Limited (BTAL) Agents for Hyde Shipping Corporation
Agents for Federal Express (FEDEX) 115 Albert Street
#1 Mapp Street Belize City, Belize
Belize City, Belize Phone: 501-227-7396
Phone: 501-224-5221 Fax: 501-227-7681
Fax: 501-224-5319 Contact: Russell or Stanley Longsworth
Contact: Dave Tasker Email: stanlong@btl.net
Email: davetasker@btalco.com
Website: www.fedex.com INSURANCE COMPANIES

Trans Express Worldwide Express Fire and General Assurance Company of Belize
Agents for United Postal Service (UPS) 6 Fort Street
41 Albert Street P.O. Box 438
Belize City, Belize Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-2332 Phone: 501-227-7493/ 7494
Fax: 501-227-5213 Fax: 501-227-8617
Contact: Kim Turner Contact: Christopher Roe
Email: texpress@btl.net Email: info@fandginsurance.com

SHIPPING AGENTS Home Protector Insurance Company Limited

3808 University Blvd, University Heights
Marine & Services Limited P.O. Box 455
95 Albert Street Belize City, Belize
Belize City, Belize Phone: 501-224-4510/ 223-1986
Phone: 501-227-2112 Fax: 501-223-0875
Fax: 501-227-5404 Contact: Norman Moore
Contact: Jose Gallego Email: hoproincom@btl.net
Email: marserve@btl.net

52
Insurance Corporation of Belize (ICB) Capital Life Insurance Company Limited
7 Daly Street 212 North Front Street
P.O. Box 519 Belize City, Belize
Belize City, Belize Phone: 501-223-3147
Phone: 501-224-4328/ 5329 Fax: 501-223-7390
Fax: 501-223-1317 Contact: Cynthia Awe
Contact: Erdulfo Nunez Email: capitalbe@btl.net
Email: icb@icbinsurance.com
Website: www.icbinsurance.com Belize Insurance Center (Insurance Agents)
Limited
N.E.M (West Indies) Insurance Limited (NEMWIL) 212 North Front Street
600 Northern Highway Belize City, Belize
P.O. Box 36 Phone: 501-227-1594/ 7310
Belize City, Belize Fax: 501-227-4803
Phone: 501-224-4407/ 5672 Email: bicl@btl.net
Fax: 501-223-0025 Website: www.belizeinsurance.com
Contact: Phillip Gallaty
Email: vlbryant@btl.net

Regent Insurance Company Limited

81 North Front Street
P.O. Box 661
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-227-3744
Fax: 501-227-2022
Contact: Anthony Flynn
Email: regent@btl.net

Atlantic Insurance Company Limited

Cor. Freetown Road & Cleghorn Street
P.O. Box 1447
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-223-2657
Fax: 501-223-2658
Contact: Martha Guerra
Email: atlainco@btl.net

British Fidelity Assurance Company Limited

16 North Park Street
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-223-1937/ 6185
Fax: 501-223-4525
Contact: Wilfredo Aguilar
Email: bsabze@btl.net

Bryant’s Insurance Company Limited

600 Northern Highway
P.O. Box 36
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 501-224-4407/ 5672
Fax: 501-223-0025
Contact: Phillip Gallaty
Email: vlbryant@btl.net

53
 APPENDIX II Bureau of Standards
53 Regent Street
IMPORTANT CONTACTS Belize City, Belize
Tel: 501-227-2314
Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) Fax: 501-227-0711
Cor. Forest Drive & Hummingbird Highway Contact: Helen Reynolds-Arana
P.O. Box 169 Email: bbs@btl.net
Belmopan City, Belize
Tel: 501-822-0818/1378 Commercial Free Zone Management Agency
Fax: 501-822-0271 (CFZMA)
Email: baha@btl.net P.O. Box 167
Website: www.baha.bz Corozal District, Belize
Tel: 501-422-3810
Belize Business Bureau Fax: 501-422-3829
69 Albert Street Email: cfzma@btl.net
P.O. Box 1882
Belize City, Belize Customs and Excise Department
Tel: 501-227-0164 Comptroller of Customs
Fax: 501-227-0190 Customs House
Contact: Dr. Cardo Martinez or Marga Sanchez Port Loyola
Email: bzbusbureau@btl.net P.O. Box 146
Belize City, Belize
Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry Tel: 501-227-5031
63 Regent Street Fax: 501-227-4970
P.O. Box 291 Email: cus@btl.net or comptroller@btl.net
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 501-227-3148 International Business Companies Registry
Fax: 501-227-4984 Marina Towers, Suite 201
Contact: Kevin Herrera Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize
Email: bcci@btl.net Tel: 501-223-5108
Website: www.belize.org Fax: 501-223-5124
Email: ibc@btl.net
Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO)
5014 Baldy Beacon Street, East Piccini Site
P.O. Box 592
Belmopan, Belize
Tel: 501-822-1381/2073
Fax: 501-822-1382
Contact: Mr. Alhaji Tejan-Cole
Email: belipo@btl.net
Website: www.belipo.bz

Belize Trade and Investment Development

Service (BELTRAIDE)
14 Orchid Garden Street
Belmopan, Belize
Tel: 501-822-3737/0175
Fax: 501-822-0595
Contact: Lourdes Smith - Executive Director
Email: beltraide@belizeinvest.org.bz
Website: www.belizeinvest.org.bz

54
Appendix III - Export Forms

C100 FORM

55
56
 COMMERCIAL INVOICE

XYZ EXPORTS
123 Blue Bird Street
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 501-222-1234 /Fax: 501-222-5678
Email: xyz@btl.net
For Account and risk of Mssrs. Commercial Invoice No. Date

Letter of Credit No. Date

Issuing Bank

Buyer’s P.O. or Contract No. Import Permit/License No. Date

Buyers Department/ Store No. Marks & Numbers

Carrier- Voyage/Flight No. Shipment on or About

From (Port of Loading) To (Port of Discharge)

Via (Trans-ship At) For Trans-shipment to

Item No. Description of Goods Quantity Unit Price Amount

XYZ EXPORTS

(Signature &/or Stamp)

57
 GSP FORM

1. Goods consigned from (Exporters business name, Reference No.

address, and country)

GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES

CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN
(Combined declaration & certificate)

FORM A
2. Goods consigned to (Consignee’s name,
address, and country) Issued in ____________________
(Country)

3. Means of transport and route (as far as 4. For official use:

known)

5. Item number 6. Marks 7. Number and 8. Origin 9. Gross 10. Number and
and numbers kind of packages; criterion weight or date of invoices
of packages description of goods other quantity

11. Certification 12. Declaration by the Exporter

It is hereby certified, on the basis of control The undersigned hereby declares that the
carried out, that the declaration by the ex- above details and statements are correct;
porter is correct. that all goods were produced in
______________________________
(Country)

And that they comply with the origin re-

quirements specified for those goods in the
Generalized System of Preferences for goods
exported to
_____________________________________
Place & Date, signature of authorized signatory ______________________________
(Importing Country)

_____________________________________
Place & Date, signature of authorized signatory

58
XCH2 FORM

59
60
IMPORT LICENSE

61
62
EXPORT LICENSE

63
64
 COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT

BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

COMMODITIES CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME

COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT

1. Name and address of Producer/Packer or Firm: _______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Location: _____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Regulated Article(s): ____________________________________________________________________________

4. Appliance of Quarantine Regulations: as specified by: PART 7, SECTION 35 OF THE BELIZEAGRICULTURAL

HEALTH AUTHORITY ACT, CHAPTER 211 OF THE REVISED EDITION 200O OF THE LAWS OF BELIZE.
The grower or packer agrees to the following:
a. To abide by all requirements in the Medfly work plan and applicable regulations
b. To immediately report to BAHA irregularities in execution of work plan requirements and to execute neces-
sary corrective measures on a timely basis.
c. To register with BAHA.
d. To follow standard phytosanitary recommendations for weed, disease, mites and insect control and ensure
that all fields are kept free of over-ripe or fallen fruits.
e. To allow quarantine inspectors to visit fields regularly without hindrance.
f. To allow inspection of containers or trailers before loading and if necessary, to clear the containers or trailers
of plant debris, insects or soil contamination.
g. To allow inspection of a minimum of 1% (randomly selected) for the presence of pests by BAHA or APHIS
personnel.
h. To ensure and be verified by BAHA that any fruit not authorized for inclusion in the programme is not present
in the packing houses or stored and transported with approved fruits. Packing houses and conveyances must be
maintained in good phytosanitary condition to preclude the infestation or contamination of approved fruits.
i. To ensure that no pesticides, fuels and other hazardous substances are stored in or near the packing area.
j. To ensure that storage space for supplies (carton, boxes, flats) are not stored in the packing area.
k. To ensure that fruit is not transported through or offloaded in other Medfly infested areas (or area infested with
other fruit fly species that attack that commodity) while enroute to the United States without the approval of
APHIS.
l. Consumption of food is not allowed in the pack house.
m. To ensure adherence to pack house specification and maintenance as provided in The Work Plan For The
Belize Certification Programme For Medfly Host Commodities.
n. To inform BAHA weekly of their fruit packing schedules so that BAHA can make necessary arrangements
for inspectors to issue Phytosanitary Certificates.
o. To be responsible for the phytosanitary standards of fruit after it has been certified.
p. To make proper arrangement for payment of services provided by BAHA

5. Signature (grower /packer): ________________________

6. Title: _______________________
7. Date Signed: __________________________
8. Agreement No. ___________________
9. Date of Agreement: _________________
10. Expiration Date: ____________________
11. Signature: ___________________________ ____________________
Managing Director Witness
BAHA Quarantine Inspector
Date: ____________ Date: ___________

65
 PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE

Belize Agricultural Health Authority

PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE
INSPECTION SERVICE
PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE
Certificate No.

TO: PLANT PROTECTION ORGANIZATION (S) OF:_________________________________________

CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that plants, plant products, or other regulated articles described herein have been inspected and
/or tested according to appropriate official procedures and are considered free of quarantine pests specified by the
importing contracting part and to confirm with the current Phytosanitary requirements of the importing contracting
part, including those for regulated non-quarantine pests.

DISINFESTATION AND/OR DISINFECTION TREATTMENT

Date:…………… Treatment……………….Duration and Temperature………………………………………..
Chemical (active ingredient)……………………………….Concentration………………………………………
Additional Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Additional Declaration………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Date Inspected………………………………………………..
Place of Issue…………………………………………………
Name of Authorized Officer…………………………………
Stamp of Service Date Issued…………………Signature………………………

DESCRIPTION OF CONSIGNMENT

Name and address of exporter………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Name and address of consignee………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
No. and Description of packages, weight……………………………………………………………………………..
Distinguishing marks………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Origin(Grown at*)……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Means of Conveyance……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Point of Entry in Importing Country…………………………………………………………………………………
Quantity and name of produce…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Botanical Name…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
* State precise location.

This certificate is issued from information found or believed to be correct and no liability attaches to the
Belize Agricultural Health Authority or any of its officers in respect of this certificate.

66
 PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE FOR RE-EXPORT

Belize Agricultural Health Authority

PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE
INSPECTION SERVICE
PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE FOR RE-EXPORT
Certificate No.

TO: PLANT PRTOECTION ORGANIZATION (S) OF:_______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________ (contracting party(ies) of imports)

DESCRIPTION OF CONSIGNMENT

Name and address of exporter:_______________________________________________________

Declared name and address of consignee:_______________________________________________
Number and description of packages:_________________________________________________
Distinguishing marks:______________________________________________________________
Place of Origin:____________________________________________________________________
Decalared means of conveyance:_______________________________________________________
Declared means of entry:____________________________________________________________
Name of produce and quantity declared:_______________________________________________
Botanical name of plants:____________________________________________________________

This is to certify that the plants, plant products or other regulated articles described above_________were
Imported into (contracting party of re-export)________________ from _______________ (contracting
party of origin) covered by Phytosanitary Certificate No._____________ *original □ certified true copy □
of which is attached to this certificate; that they are packed □ repacked □ in original □ * new □ containers,
that based on the original Phytosanitary Certificate □ and additional inspection □, they are considered to
confirm with the current Phytosanitary requirements of the importing contracting party, and that during
storage in ______________ (contracting party of re-export), the consignment has not been subjected to the
risk of infestation of infection.

* Insert tick in appropriate □ boxes

ADDITIONAL DECLARATION

DISINESSTATION AND/OR DISINFECTION TREATMENT

Date_____________ Treatment_____________________ Duration and temperature___________________

Chemical (active ingredient) ___________________________ Concentration________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_
Place of issue___________________________________
(Stamp of organization) Name of authorized officer________________________
Date Issued_____________ Signature _______________

This certificate is issued from information found or believed to be correct and no financial liability with respect
to this certificate shall be to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority or to any of its officers or representatives.

67
 FARM VISIT REPORT

QUARANTINE & INSPECTION SERVICE

Belize Agricultural Health Authority

FARM VISIT REPORT

No. 0000001
Name of Farmer___________________________________________________________________________________
Location of Farm_____________________________________________________________________
Date of Visit________________Arrival_________________Departure_________________________

OBSERVATIONS:
Weed Control YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Ripe Fruits on trees YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Ripe fruit on ground YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Culled fruits on ground YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________

PEST/DISEASE STATUS:
Mealy bug YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Pink Hibiscus Mealybug YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Spider mites YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Papaya Leaf Hopper YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
White Flies YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Cercospora YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Anthracnose YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Scale Insects YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Papaya Mosaic Virus YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Bunchy Top virus YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Papaya Ring Spot Virus YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________
Pepper Weevil YES‫ڤ‬ NO‫ڤ‬ Remarks_________________________________________

OTHER OBSERVATIONS_________________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATIONS:__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________ ________________________________________
FARMER’S SIGNATURE QUARANTINE INSPECTOR’S SIGNATURE

68
 CERTIFICATE OF FREE SALE

Belize Agricultural Health Authority

Food Safety Service
Central Investigation Laboratory
P.O. Box 181, Belize C.A
Phone: 501-224 4794 Fax: 501-224 52301
E-Mail: foodsafety@btl.net
____________________________________________________

CERTIFICATE OF FREE SALE - BELIZE

BAHA-FSS- CERT-02-FREE SALE-01

Exporting Country: BELIZE

Competent Authority: BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

Department: FOOD SAFETY

District: BELIZE

I. Identification of the products

Type of Products:

II. Origin of the products

Address of the establishment of Origin:

Name and address of exporter:

III. Attestation

The undersigned Food Safety Official certifies that the products described above satisfy the follow-
ing requirements:

The above named product is freely available for sale in Belize.

Official Stamp: Issued at: Belize City on October 31st , 2002

Name and address of Food Safety Official

Signature:

69
 INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY CERTIFICATE

BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

VETERINARY SERVICES
CENTRAL FARM, BELIZE C.A.
TEL: (501) – 824 4872/4899 FAX: 824 4889 EMAIL: baha@btl.net

INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY CERTIFICATE FOR LIVE ANIMALS

CERTIFICADO VETERINARIO INTERNACIONAL PARA ANIMALES VIVOS
Ref:
I. Identification of animals/ Identificación de los nimales.
Species:
Especie:

Official Identity / Marca de identidad oficial Breed / Raza Sex / Sexo Age / Edad

Total animals to be exported (Total de animals a exportar):

II Origin of animals / Procedencia de los animales
Name and address of exporter
Nombre y dirección del exportador
Place of origin of animals
Lugar de origen de los animals

III Destination of animals / Destino de los animales

Country of Destination
Pais de destino
Name and address of consignee
Nombre y dirección del destinatario
Nature and identification of means of transport
Naturaleza e identificación del medio de transporte

IV Sanitary Information / Datos Sanitarios

The undersigned official veterinarian certifies that the animals described above and examined on this day :
El Veterinario oficial infrascrito certifica que los animales anteriormente citados y examinados en el dia de hoy:

Name and address of Veterinarian Name of Officer, degree, registration number

Nombre y direccion del veterinario Belize Agricultural Health Authority
Central Farm, Cayo, Belize

Issued at / Expedido en:…Central Farm, Cayo, Belice……… on / el día ……………… 2005

Signature/Firma :………………………………………………………………………………….
Official stamp / sello official:

70
 INTERNATIONAL SANITARY CERTIFICATE - ANIMAL ORIGIN

Belize Agricultural Health Authority

Food Safety Service
Central Investigation Laboratory
P.O. Box 181, Belize C.A
Phone: 501-244794 Fax: 501-2-452301 E-Mail: baha@btl.net
____________________________________________

INTERNATIONAL SANITARY CERTIFICATE FOR PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN

DESTINED FOR USE IN ANIMAL FEEDING.

Exporting Country:
Competent Authority:
Department:
District:

I. Identification of the products

Type of Products:
Number of Packages:
Identification Marks:
Net Weight:
II. Origin of the Products

Address of the establishment of Origin:

III. Destination of the products

The above-mentioned products are being sent from:

to

Nature and identification of means of transport:

Name and address of exporter:

Name and address of consignee:

IV. Sanitary Information

The undersigned Official Veterinarian certifies that the products described above satisfy the following requirements:

The manufacturing processes and the sanitary measures taken by this company are subject to the control of the Be-
lize Agricultural Health Authority, being the Competent Authority for food safety (processing plants) in Belize.

The feed described herein originates from a company that is not subjected to any legal restrictive measures
relating to epizootic diseases imposed on them by the Animal Health Authority of Belize.

The products of this company may be sold in Belize.

Official Stamp: Issued at: on

Name and address of Veterinarian

Signature:

71
 INTERNATIONAL SANITARY CERTIFICATE - PLANT ORIGIN

Belize Agricultural Health Authority

Food Safety Service
Central Investigation Laboratory
P.O. Box 181, Belize C.A
Phone: 501-224-4794 Fax: 501-224-5230 Email: foodsafety@btl.net
____________________________________________________________

INTERNATIONAL SANITARY CERTIFICATE FOR PRODUCTS OF PLANT ORIGIN

DESTINED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

Exporting Country: BELIZE BAHA-FSS- CERT- BSI-02/8-PP-02

Competent Authority: BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

Department: FOOD SAFETY

District: BELIZE
I. Identification of the products

Type of Products:
Number of Packages:
Identification Marks:
Net Weight:
II.
III. Origin of the Products

Address of the establishment of Origin:

IV. Destination of the products

Name and address of exporter:

Name and address of consignee:
Nature and identification of means of transport:

V. Sanitary Information

The undersigned Official Food Safety Officer certifies that the products described above satisfy the following require-
ments:

The manufacturing processes and the sanitary measures taken by this company are subject to the control of the
Belize Agricultural Health Authority, being the Competent Authority for food safety (processing plants) in Belize.

Reference Phytosanitary Certificate No. 00502, we advise that the product sold to Gopaul and Company Ltd., is
a type of sugar known and sold in Belize as Plantation White Sugar and is manufactured in Belize under good
sanitary conditions.

The product described herein originates from a company that is not subjected to any legal restrictive measures re-
lating to any pest or diseases of quarantine importance imposed on them by the Plant Health Authority of Belize.

The products of this company may be sold in Belize.

Official Stamp: Issued at: Belize City on August 5th , 2002

Name and address of Food Safety Official:

Signature:

72