A promotion exercise is being carried out of the "Best Service" certification in the region in order to improve service and positioning of SMEs in tourism.
In order to improve the service and prestige of small and medium tourism enterprises in the region, the Federation of Tourism Chambers of Central America (FEDECATUR) is promoting the "Best Service" certification.
Central American experts receive training in Certification of Excellence in Tourism Service "Service Best" Seal to strengthen the touristic service in the region.
During the week of February 3rd to 7th, 18 experts represinting the Central American Federation of Tourism Chambers - FEDECATUR (BTIA-Belice, CAMTUR-Guatemala, CASATUR-El Salvador, CANATURH-Honduras, CANATUR-Nicaragua y CANATUR-Costa Rica) received a training in a Certification of Excellence in Tourism Service "Service Best" Seal in Saskatchewan, Canadá.
Included are new certifications for companies that promote the fulfillment of rights and guarantees of their workers.
Fairtrade International has announced changes in standards related to plantations and workers, where detailed requirements are included in order to ensure the rights of workers to organize freely.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Products entering the South Korean market must apply for certification from the Health Authority of that country.
From the 1st of January the Asian nation has required that imported organic products have a certificate, which must be requested from the Sanitary Authority of Korea (QIA) .
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) :
A little over a year after the launch of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council seal of approval there are now over 500 certified aquaculture products which have been released onto the world's markets.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
In the world market there are over 500 aquaculture products certified under the seal ASC, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (a nonprofit organization that certifies the sustainability of aquaculture products) a year and a few months since the launch of this new certificate.
A study commissioned by Fairtrade in 17 countries has confirmed the position of the Fairtrade certification as the most recognized ethical seal of approval.
From a report in Compromisorse.com:
Fairtrade becomes the most preferred ethical certification by consumers.
The 2012-2013 annual report published by Fairtrade International shows relevant sales figures and continued confidence by consumers, making Fairtrade the most preferred ethical certification by consumers worldwide.
"Global Gap" and "Fair Trade", are the most required certifications when exporting agricultural products.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The most sought after quality seals this year by the major agricultural export markets are Global Gap, which applies to fruits and vegetables, and Fair Trade, which ensures companies are socially responsible, said Armando Bonifaz, specialist in certifications marks and general manager of the certifying entity BCS OKO Garantie.
Panamanian food authorities have given permission for six facilities to export Uruguayan dairy to that market.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
On Wednesday May 22 this year, both the General Director of the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries of Uruguay (MGAP) Alberto Castelar, and the Director of the International Affairs Unit Alejandro Mernies of the same ministry announced a new breakthrough in international integration as part of the Government's strategic guidelines in market diversification.This news was that Panamanian food safety authorities have given permission for six facilities to export Uruguayan bovine dairy products to that market.
The seal which refers to Colombian beans became the first denomination of foreign origin to be accepted in Switzerland.
The certification process lasted five years, but from now on the Confederation will protect the coffee from this country as a unique product in the world.
"The application for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) was filed on January 31 last, after five years of negotiations", reported Prensalibre.com.
The function of the AEO is to contribute to the implementation of safety guidelines of the World Customs Organization in order to have a secure supply chain.
From Wikipedia:
"The AEO certificate, issued by customs authorities in the EU and many other countries using the same or a similar name, is a trusted certificate which Customs offices give to traders who meet certain requirements which demonstrate to the customs offices their reliability regarding customs processes, solvency and safety. It is granted to operators involved in the chain of international trade, whether natural or legal persons, provided that the professional activity of these operators is subject to customs regulations, such as importers, exporters, manufacturers, representatives at customs offices, bearers, carriers , terminal operators, shippers etc.
The National Agricultural Health Service has announced the certification of Honduran cattle for export to El Salvador and Guatemala.
The opening up of the market to Honduran beef came through certification of a Honduran plant based in Siguatepeque, Comayagua.
"We are working with some countries in the region and we have already opened up to El Salvador and we are finishing up the work on the poultry processing plant of Siguatepeque becoming certified by Guatemala", said the Director of SENASA, Heriberto Amador.
The Food and Drug Administration agency of the United States has extended the period for renewal of registration of food exporters until 31 January.
A statement from the Trade Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) states:
All companies that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption and export to the U.S. must renew its registration with the FDA, as part of the measures included in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), adopted at the beginning of this year.
Panamanian food exporters not register by December 31 at the FDA will not apply for the certification visit by the U.S. agency.
December 31 is the deadline for companies wishing to export to the U.S. to update their information or to register for the first time before the Food and Drug Agency of the U.S. government (FDA).
"Those who do not meet this requirement will not be analyzed by this agency," said the director of Export Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama, Ricardo Barnet.
Ecocert Greenlife, a certification body for sustainable development, is the first company to establish guidelines for certification for spa facilities.
A press release from the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office reads:
Ecocert Greenlife, certification body for sustainable development, is the first company to set guidelines for the certification of spa facilities.
The country has begun to increase the application of a regulation, which states that imported organic products must be certified by Chinese standards.
From a press release by Procomer:
According to the Department of Agriculture of the United States, many exporters of fresh produce to China will soon have to remove the word "organic" from labels on their food, because some officials in the Asian country have begun to increase the application of a regulation , which states that imported organic products must be certified by Chinese standards.
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