Packaging and Labeling Tips: Africa

1. What are some challenges that companies face when getting packaging approved in the African market?

U.S. companies often face challenges related to regulatory variation and documentation requirements across African countries. Each country has its own standards authority or food regulatory agency (e.g., KEBS in Kenya, SON in Nigeria, SABS in South Africa), and while these bodies may align with Codex Alimentarius or ISO standards, interpretations and enforcement differ.

Another key challenge is product registration timelines — approval processes can take several months, especially when importers must submit both packaging samples and lab analyses for validation. Language requirements in bilingual or multilingual markets (such as French in West Africa or Arabic in North Africa) also pose hurdles for U.S. exporters. In addition, environmental packaging rules — such as restrictions on plastics or requirements for recyclable materials — are becoming stricter, requiring suppliers to adapt their packaging materials accordingly.

2. What do packaging and labeling regulators look for in imported food products?

• Regulators prioritize clarity, accuracy, and traceability. Labels must include:
  • Product name and description
  • List of ingredients (in descending order by weight)
  • Nutritional information panel
  • Country of origin
  • Importer’s name and physical address (a local contact is often mandatory)
  • Manufacture and expiry/best-before dates
  • Storage instructions

In some countries, allergen declarations and batch numbers are also required for traceability. Regulators increasingly emphasize truth in labeling to prevent misleading claims and require that labeling information be in English or another widely understood local language. For animal or dairy products, additional veterinary or health certifications may be required to accompany the packaging.

For Africa, we are looking at several countries, so this will vary from one country to another, but above is the general answer.

3. Are there any upcoming changes that companies should be aware of?

Across Africa, there’s a growing push toward harmonization of labeling standards under regional blocs such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the East African Community (EAC), and ECOWAS. These initiatives aim to standardize packaging and labeling requirements to facilitate intra-African and international trade.

Additionally, several governments are implementing or expanding environmental packaging policies — including single-use plastic bags and requirements for biodegradable or recyclable materials. Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa are leading in this area, and others are following suit. U.S. companies should also be aware that digital labeling and QR codes are being explored in some markets to provide product traceability and authenticity verification.

4. Where can U.S. companies learn about packaging and labeling requirements in the Africa region?

U.S. suppliers can access packaging and labeling information through:

• National standards authorities such as:
  • Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) – www.kebs.org
  • Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) – www.son.gov.ng
  • South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) – www.sabs.co.za
  • The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) publishes the General Labelling Rules (L.I. 1541) covering imported products.
  • The Food and Drugs Authority (Ghana) (FDA-Ghana) provides “Guidelines for Food Products” including a section titled General Labelling Requirement and “Guidelines for the Registration of Food Products”.
  • The Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires (ONSSA) oversees the regulatory environment for food labeling, and the U.S. FAS has prepared reports such as “Food Labeling Requirements – Morocco (FAIRS).
• The Egyptian National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) via Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) Report provides detailed requirements.
• Regional trade bodies like the EAC, COMESA, and ECOWAS, which publish regional standards.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) country reports and Market Development Cooperator Programs, which regularly update packaging and labeling guidelines.
• Local importers or distributors, who are often best positioned to advise on current market practices and compliance expectations.