Packaging and Labeling Policy
Document Type: Packaging and Labeling Policy (Domestic & International)
Document Version: 1.0 | Status: Active
OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE
- Objective: To establish a standardized framework for packaging, labeling, and handling of goods to ensure product integrity, safety, shelf-life preservation, and brand presentation during storage and transit.
- Scope: This policy applies to all agricultural commodities, processed foods, and eco-friendly products exported or sold domestically by Nirbhay Global Trading Company.
- Compliance: All packaging shall adhere to FSSAI standards (Domestic) and specific Import Country Regulations (International) including phytosanitary requirements.
GENERAL PACKAGING STANDARDS
- Material Safety: All primary packaging materials in direct contact with food products must be 100% food-grade, virgin material, and non-toxic.
- Durability: Packaging must withstand mechanical stress, humidity variations, and handling during multi-modal transport (Sea, Road, Air).
-
Tiered Packaging:
- Standard Packaging: Focuses on cost-efficiency and durability (e.g., Standard PP Bags, Plain Corrugated Boxes).
- Premium Packaging: Focuses on aesthetics, extended shelf life, and branding (e.g., Multi-layer printed pouches, gold-foiled boxes, vacuum packing).
PRODUCT-SPECIFIC PACKAGING GUIDELINES
3.1 Grains, Pulses, Rice, Millets & Flour
- Protection Priority: Moisture control and pest prevention.
- Consumer Packs (500gm – 5kg):
- Multi-layer laminated pouches (PET/Poly) for moisture barrier.
- Stand-up zipper pouches for Premium Rice/Millets.
- Vacuum packing available for high-value organic lines.
- Bulk Packs (10kg – 50kg):
- PP Woven Bags: High-strength, UV stabilized (for export).
- BOPP Bags: Laminated woven bags with high-quality printing for branding.
- Jute Bags: Hydro-carbon free jute bags (optional for specific buyer requirements).
- Inner Liner: LDPE inner liner provided for flours and moisture-sensitive grains.
3.2 Spices (Whole & Powder) and Salt
- Protection Priority: Aroma retention, color preservation, and anti-caking.
- Packaging:
- Three-layer metallized polyester pouches to prevent volatile oil loss.
- PET Jars or Glass Bottles with induction sealing for Premium retail segments.
- Bulk spices packed in HDPE bags with double liner protection.
3.3 Dry Fruits and Makhana
- Protection Priority: Crispness and prevention of oxidation/rancidity.
- Packaging:
- Nitrogen-flushed pouches to maintain crispness (essential for Makhana).
- Vacuum packing for Cashews and Walnuts.
- Rigid boxes or Tin cans for gifting/premium tiers.
3.4 Fresh Produce (Vegetables, Fruits, Coconuts)
- Protection Priority: Ventilation and cushioning.
- Packaging:
- Vegetables/Fruits: Corrugated Fiber Board (CFB) boxes with ventilation holes.
- Coconuts: Mesh bags (leno bags) for aeration or semi-husked individually shrink-wrapped (Diamond cut) for premium export.
- Padding: Foam nets or paper dividers used for delicate fruits to prevent bruising.
3.5 Eco-Friendly Products (Dinnerware, Bagasse, Agarbatti, Candles)
- Protection Priority: Physical damage prevention and moisture shielding.
- Areca/Bagasse Plates:
- Shrink-wrapped in sets (e.g., 10/25/50 pcs) with silica gel desiccant.
- Master cartons made of 5-ply or 7-ply corrugated board.
- Agarbatti & Candles:
- Inner rectangular boxes (Mono cartons).
- Master cartons strictly labeled "Fragile" and "Keep Away from Heat."
- Candles to be packed with temperature-insulating liners if shipping to hot regions.
3.6 Industrial Powders (Guar Gum)
- Protection Priority: Contamination free and moisture proof.
- Packaging:
- Multi-wall paper sacks with inner ply poly-liner.
- Heavy-duty HDPE bags.
- Palletized with shrink wrap to ensure stability.
STANDARD WEIGHT AND FORMAT CLASSIFICATION
The company offers the following standard configurations, customizable by request:
4.1 Retail / Consumer Packaging
- Small Pouch/Sachet: 10gm to 100gm (Spices, Samples).
- Standard Retail: 500gm, 1kg, 2kg.
- Formats: Pillow Pouch, Stand-up Pouch, Box (Mono-carton), Jar.
4.2 Wholesale / HORECA Packaging
- Mid-Size: 5kg, 10kg.
- Format: Non-woven fabric bags (with handles), heavy-duty pouch, master poly-bag.
4.3 Industrial / Bulk Packaging
- Heavy Bags: 20kg, 25kg, 50kg.
- Format: PP Woven, HDPE, Jute, Paper Sack.
SECONDARY AND TERTIARY PACKAGING (LOGISTICS)
-
Master Cartons:
- All consumer packs are consolidated into 5-Ply or 7-Ply corrugated boxes.
- Cartons are sealed with BOPP tape (Custom printed tape available).
- Plastic strapping applied for reinforcement.
-
Palletization (Export Standard):
- Use of ISPM-15 compliant heat-treated wooden pallets or high-grade plastic pallets.
- Stacking: Column or interlocked stacking based on load stability.
- Stabilization: Entire pallet wrapped in Stretch Film (LLDPE) and secured with PP straps.
- Corner Boards: Applied to protect carton edges during strapping.
COMPREHENSIVE LABELING POLICY
6.1 Statutory Requirements (Domestic - FSSAI)
- Mandatory Declarations:
- Name of Food.
- List of Ingredients (in descending order of weight).
- Nutritional Information (Energy, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Sugar).
- Net Quantity.
- FSSAI Logo and License Number (Min height 2.5mm for logo).
- "Green Dot" Symbol (Vegetarian) inside a square.
- Manufacturer Details: Complete address of the manufacturing unit and the marketing firm (if different).
- Consumer Care: Name, address, and telephone number/email of the person to contact in case of consumer complaints.
6.2 International Compliance (Export Specifics)
- Codex Alimentarius Standards: Labels shall strictly adhere to international food standards or specific importing country regulations (e.g., FDA for USA, EU Food Law).
- Language Translation:
- Middle East: English + Arabic translation for ingredients and product name.
- Europe: Language of the destination country (e.g., French, German) alongside English.
- General: English is the default primary language.
- Country of Origin: "Produce of India" must be prominent and legible.
6.3 Health, Safety, and Allergen Declarations
- Allergen Warning:
- Mandatory bold declaration for: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten (Wheat), Soy, Sesame, Sulphites.
- Cross-Contamination Disclaimer: "Processed in a facility that also handles nuts/wheat/soy" (if applicable).
- Storage Instructions: Clear icons or text for "Keep in Cool Dry Place," "Refrigerate after Opening," or specific temperature requirements.
6.4 Barcoding and Traceability
- Retail Packs: EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes (GS1 Standard) for Point of Sale scanning.
- Trade Units (Outer Cartons): ITF-14 barcodes for inventory management.
- Batch Coding: Every unit must carry a laser-printed or stamped Batch No., Mfg Date, and Expiry Date for full lot traceability.
6.5 Eco-Labeling and Disposal
- Material Identification: Plastic recycling codes (e.g., PET-1, LDPE-4, PP-5) printed on pouches/bags.
- Disposal Instructions: "Keep your city clean" or "Dispose of responsibly" symbols (Tidyman logo).
6.6 Shipping Marks (Master Cartons)
- Consignee Name and Address.
- Destination Port / Final Destination.
- Gross Weight / Net Weight (in Kg).
- Carton Dimensions (L x W x H in cm).
- Case Number (e.g., Case 1 of 500).
- Handling Symbols (Fragile, Umbrella/Keep Dry, This Side Up).
CUSTOMIZATION POLICY
- Private Labeling (OEM): We offer full white-label services where packaging is printed with the buyer's brand artwork.
- Custom Weights: Non-standard weights (e.g., 12.5kg, 40lbs) are available upon request.
- Sample approval: For all customized packaging, a digital or physical proof must be approved by the buyer before mass printing.
Approved By:
Management
NIRBHAY GLOBAL TRADING COMPANY