How to Obtain the Invima Sanitary Registration Step by Step in Colombia
If you’re a manufacturer or importer aiming to commercialize food products in Colombia, securing the Sanitary Registration from Invima is essential. This document permits the manufacturing, packaging, importation, and sale of food products intended for human consumption within the country. Below is a comprehensive guide to obtaining this registration.
Understanding Invima
The Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos (Invima) is the Colombian authority responsible for safeguarding public health through the scientific and technical control of food, medicines, and other products.
Exceptions to Sanitary Registration
Certain food products are exempt from requiring a Sanitary Registration, including:
- Unprocessed natural foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, grains).
- Raw, frozen, or refrigerated animal-origin foods without modification.
- Raw materials and foods used exclusively for manufacturing or culinary sectors.
Required Documents for Invima Sanitary Registration
For National Products:
- Completed application form.
- Certificate of existence and legal representation of both the owner and the manufacturer, or their commercial registration.
- Proof of payment matching the fee indicated in Invima’s tariff schedule.
For Imported Products:
- The same documents required for national products.
- Certificate of free sale from the country of origin.
- Authorization from the producer to the importer.
- Technical data sheet of the product as per Invima’s format.
Note: Include a power of attorney if the process is conducted through an advisor.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Invima Sanitary Registration
- Company Registration with Invima: Begin by registering your company with Invima to initiate the process.
- Product Categorization: Determine the category of your product based on the classification of foods for human consumption according to public health risk. This classification is detailed in the technical annex of Resolution 719 of 2015, which divides foods into high, medium, or low risk.
- High Risk: Requires a Sanitary Registration (RSA) valid for 5 years.
- Medium Risk: Requires a Sanitary Permit (PSA) valid for 7 years.
- Low Risk: Requires a Sanitary Notification (NSA) valid for 10 years.
It’s noteworthy that a single sanitary registration can cover multiple foods under certain conditions, such as:
- A food produced by various manufacturers under a single brand.
- The same food product marketed under different brands by the same natural or legal entity.
- Multiple presentations of the same food product.
- Products with the same basic composition but different secondary elements.
- Plant-based foods with the same specific name but different varieties.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the applicable fees at designated offices or opt for online payment to save time.
- Submission of Documents: Submit the required documents to Invima to apply for the sanitary registration.
Navigating these procedures can be complex. Seeking technical and legal advice can ensure a successful process, allowing you to obtain your product’s sanitary registration without complications.