(2)　On the Labeling of Canned Lichee

Mr.William Fauman,manager of the Canned Fruit Trading Corp.,Boston,US,has been exchanging e-mails with China Oil & Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO) about a trial order of canned litchi.The negotiation gets bogged down on the question of labeling.To try to smooth things out,Mr.Fauman comes to the China Import and Export Fair to meet Mr.Zhang of the COFCO.After the preliminaries,Mr.Fauman comes to the point.

F:I wish to make it clear at the outset that this matter of labels is entirely our problem.

Z:I should say it is something we have never come across before.

F:The US Federal Food and Drug Administration,or the FDA as we call it for short,imposes a whole set of regulations on the import of food products to the United States.Over the years,they have become so rigid and complicated that they are now quite a headache for us importers.

Z:In my opinion,overly strict regulations are just another way of restricting imports.

F:Ah,there’s something in what you say.According to the present FDA regulations,the Ma Ling labels as they are cannot be used if the litchi is to be offered for import into the United States.

Z:Why not? Our canned litchi and other canned provisions have already been widely sold in various markets abroad,and the Ma Ling label has now been accepted by most of overseas customers and importers.Is it quite impossible for you to use the Ma Ling labels as they are?

F:I’d be quite willing to if I could,but we must comply with the label requirements according to our law,or we can’t clear the consignment of litchi through the Customs.

Z:In that case,what can we do to help you? Have you any suggestions?

F:Would you consider quoting us for the order with neutral (unlabelled) cans on a CIF basis for delivery in Hong Kong? Our associated company there will have the labels printed to comply with the FDA regulations.

Z:Do you think that’s the only way out? You know we usually do the labeling ourselves as we are responsible for the brand labels of our products.

F:Well,the present label won’t do.Is it possible for you to get round the Ma Ling Factory to print different labels for us?

Z:Yes,I think they might consider it as long as your requirements are reasonable.

F:This is great.I could wish for nothing better.

Z:Well,let’s hear what you have in mind,so that we can pass them on to the manufacturers.

F:The FDA insists that only two languages be used on the labels.Since there are two principal display panels on the label,one can be in English and the other in Chinese.The important point is to have information on one of the panels in English only.

Z:The German or Dutch description on the current labels is to be deleted then,isn’t it?

F:Yes,that’s what we want.

Z:Any other changes?

F:Yes,one more thing.The net weight must be indicated in a type of required size that is,one-eighth of an inch minimum,and placed in the lower 30% of the panel.

Z:I see.What about the wording of the information?

F:That’s all right.The brand name and the artwork,which are very nice,need not be changed.

Z:Good.Since your request involves only a slight change on the label,we shall give it our immediate attention.

F:I’m sorry to cause you so much trouble,but we have to submit to the regulations of our government.I hope you understand.

Z:If there is anything else we can do to help you,we shall be glad to.

F:Thanks for your help.

Z:Not at all,I’ll give you a final word in a couple of days.