Import and export of food
It is prohibited to import food into the country that does not comply with the provisions of food law in the Federal Republic of Germany, as set out in Section 53 Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 1 of the LFGB. We are happy to offer consulting services for the import and export of existing products to Germany or the European Union. We check the ingredients, in particular whether they are new food ingredients that are imported or exported, and we can customize or create labels and other product information. Agricultural trade between the European Community and third countries requires concessions in certain circumstances, with the exception of certain authorisations.
​
Dietetic products, also known as foods for special medical purposes or products to support a balanced diet (according to DietV), are specifically designed for patients who, due to certain diseases, disorders or special circumstances, cannot meet their nutritional needs through the consumption of normal foods. These products are intended for patients with limited ability to absorb, digest, absorb, metabolize, or eliminate conventional foods or products. They contain specific nutrients or metabolites required for medical care or meet other medical nutritional needs that cannot be met through normal dietary changes.
Special regulations apply when producing products for special diets. These products must be specifically developed and tailored to the specific nutritional needs of a particular group of people and their nutritional suitability must be based on generally accepted scientific evidence. In addition, the provisions of Regulation (EC) No. 258/97 on new foods and food ingredients must be observed. When food for special medical purposes, infant formula and food for premature babies and small children are placed on the market for the first time, a report must be made to the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).
​
In addition to reporting, premature baby food and infant food, such as infant formula, are subject to a test procedure in which the BVL checks whether the product meets the dietary requirements or complies with Regulation (EU) No. 609/2013. If the product does not meet the requirements, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection can temporarily prohibit its marketing or impose conditions. Food within the meaning of Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 may in principle be sold in the Federal Republic of Germany without further approval.
​
Micronutrient-fortified foods are a special category of functional foods that outwardly resemble conventional foods such as yogurt or juice. They only differ from conventional foods in that they contain nutritionally active substances such as vitamins, minerals, bacterial cultures, fatty acids or other nutrients or that certain substances such as fat, salt or sugar have been reduced or removed.
The fortification of food micronutrients is subject to various regulatory requirements. Since July 2007, Regulation (EC) No. 1925/2006 has regulated the addition of vitamins, minerals and certain other substances to food. However, national laws such as the Food and Feed Code (LFGB) must still be complied with due to the transitional measures provided for in the regulation. The need for a micronutrient fortification license depends on the nutrients added.
The sale of products containing prohibited nutrients such as most minerals and trace elements as well as vitamins A and D can be excluded under certain conditions or the BVL can issue corresponding regulations. The placing on the market of food is subject to the general regulations of the Food and Feed Code (LFGB) and the corresponding legal regulations.
​
The official control and monitoring of the products placed on the market is carried out by the country's food control authorities.