Pet Food Processing - November 2023 - 88

DISTRIBUTION
quirements, like the Pet Food
Institute, AFIA, American Pet
Products Association, World
Pet Association, Pet Industry
Joint Advisory Council,
Food Processing Suppliers
Association, etc., " Sher said. " In
addition to published requirements,
others may be mandated
ad hoc because of an unexpected
circumstance. For example,
a dioxin statement may be required
suddenly, although the
products are already in transit.
Exports are always a challenge. "
There are a number
of strict guidelines
that must be met
before US pet food
manufacturers can
sell their products in
the European Union.
©Filippo Carlot - stock.adobe.com
increases in the growth of dog and cat food consumption
in Vietnam. Another strong driver is an increasingly
strong movement within Vietnam to protect animals,
so the AFIA views Vietnam as a potential opportunity to
reach a new consumer base that is interested in promoting
good nutrition and health for their pets. "
Ensuring export safety
The health and safety of animal-based products crossing
international borders is a top priority for both regulators
and manufacturers. The Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) within the US Department
of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for regulating animal-based
products and ensuring they meet the requirements
of importing countries.
" APHIS uses an export certificate for all animal-based
products, the Veterinary Services Form 16-4, which allows
US exporters to verify that their products are free
of certain animal diseases not currently present within
the United States, " Tumbarello explained. " The AFIA is
currently working with APHIS to review all countryby-country,
product-by-product export certificates
to remove diseases not relevant to those products. For
example, if a pet food only contained poultry products
and the US broke with a foreign animal disease related
to swine only, that pet food should be able to still be exported
under this renegotiated certificate. "
Aside from APHIS, there are multiple domestic and
international organizations that provide assistance in
determining the safety and quality of animal-based
products for export. Pet food manufacturers must work
closely with these organizations to ensure their products
meet the necessary standards and regulations of their
target markets.
" APHIS, as well as a host of other domestic and international
institutions, provide assistance in determining
country-specific regulatory and/or certification re88
PET FOOD PROCESSING | November 2023 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
Logistical challenges
Besides regulatory and safety concerns and adapting
to global pet food preferences, companies also face logistical
challenges when exporting their products. This
includes navigating complex shipping and handling
procedures, as well as dealing with potential delays and
unforeseen issues at customs.
" Distributing pet food internationally presents logistical
challenges such as transportation, storage, customs
clearance, and maintaining product quality during
long journeys, " Croucher said. " This is where DKSH
Malaysia plays an important role for our clients like
Entering an international
pet food market requires a
comprehensive understanding
of trends, regulations and
market conditions. "
Reece Croucher, DKSH
Hill's Pet Nutrition Asia Limited. Its experts provide a
range of Market Expansion Services across the value
chain, ranging from importation and customs clearance
to marketing and sales, distribution and logistics, field
merchandising and promoter services, and other valueadded
services. "
Supply chain disruptions, particularly during political
unrest, have emerged as a predominant concern for many
industries, including the pet food sector. The intricate
web of international trade, which sees goods, raw materials,
and essential ingredients shuttled between countries,
often becomes vulnerable during geopolitical tensions.
" One of our biggest challenges currently is maintaining
a steady, stable flow of goods amid political upheaval
and supply chain disruptions, " Tumbarello said. " Our
http://www.petfoodprocessing.net
Pet Food Processing - November 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pet Food Processing - November 2023
