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http://www.austrade.gov.au/export/export-markets/countries/myanmar/industries/foodand-beverage#.VRuKP_mUeCk
Australia supplies food products for the processing and manufacturing sectors, particularly for noodles and
bakery products. Australias largest export to Myanmar is wheat, which increased by 45 per cent to A$96 million
in 2013/14 or 68 per cent of Australias merchandise exports to the country (Source: Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade, Burma Country Fact Sheet (PDF), 28 Jan 2014). Other significant items for food processing
include dairy ingredients such as milk, butter and cheese powders.
Growth of Australias exports of wine to Myanmar has been severely curtailed since late 2013 due to the
enforcement of restrictions on who can legally import alcoholic beverages (hotels and duty free stores only). If
these restrictions are relaxed as has been proposed, it is likely that demand would rebound, though volumes
would still be small relative to other markets in the region.
Opportunities
There are number of opportunities open to Australian suppliers, including:
Retail
fresh fruit and vegetables in season stone fruit, apples, citrus, table grapes, avocados, salad
vegetables, mushrooms, etc.
Food processing
Competitive environment
The main competitors across the food industry for Australian exporters are:
processed foods Thailand, Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, USA, UK, Europe, Singapore
The Ministry of Commerce issues import licences for most food products. The Department of Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is responsible for inspecting and clearing imported food at the border.
Importers must obtain a food import licence for each product line being imported (i.e. each SKU requires a
separate licence). Food import licences will only be issued if the importer presents a food safety
recommendation for each food product. Food safety recommendations for most products are issued by FDA. A
limited number of products require a recommendation from the newly formed Meat Inspection Board and the
Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, including fresh meat and fish products.
The application to the FDA for a food safety recommendation must be accompanied by:
an application letter
a certificate confirming that the product is allowed for sale as food in the country of origin (a free
sale certificate)
product description
ingredient list
nutritional information
microbiological standards
packing
manufacturing licence
The FDA reviews these documents and carries out a laboratory inspection on the product.
If granted, the FDA recommendation lasts for two years. The next time a consignment of the same product
arrives in Myanmar, a further recommendation isnt needed from the FDA up until the two year expiry.
Alcoholic beverages may only be imported by hotels and duty free stores.
Food labelling requirements
Food labelling is the responsibility of the Myanmar Food & Drug Administration, which comes under the Ministry
of Health. The relevant law is the Myanmar National Food Law 1997.
Following are the labelling requirements for pre-packaged food:
ingredients
country of origin
allergy information
nutrition information
While both options are allowed by the FDA, labelling prior to shipment means that the product can be both
cleared by Customs and registered with the FDA on arrival. The Customs Department forwards the paperwork
together with samples to FDA. If the label is attached by the distributor after the goods have arrived in
Myanmar, a separate application to FDA will be required once the labels have been attached.
Distribution channels
Myanmar has a traditional distribution structure of importer, distributor, wholesaler, retailer, though the largest
retail companies are vertically integrated across the whole distribution chain. The larger firms also have trading
companies in Singapore or Thailand that place orders and organise payment for shipments.
Hotels and restaurants generally order product through local importers and distributors rather than dealing
directly with international suppliers.
Austrade Yangon is able to help identify potential local partners for interested Australian companies.
Transport
Most imported products arrive by sea through Yangon port, Myanmars busiest port. Road transport overland
from neighbouring countries, particularly China and Thailand, is possible but the road systems are generally
poor and road freight rates can be very high.
There are a growing number of direct air links with key Asia cities, and these provide a channel for air freight for
perishable items. Air freight routes from Australia are typically through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok
airports.