Standards, Regulations
Agro Food Intellect supports stakeholders in navigating the complex landscape of agri-food standards, regulations, and policy requirements. Our work bridges scientific evidence, regulatory systems, and international benchmarks to strengthen compliance, enhance food safety, and facilitate market access.
Food Standards
Food standards are the foundation of safe, high-quality, and trustworthy agri-food systems. Agro Food Intellect provides expert advisory and regulatory intelligence to help stakeholders understand, interpret, and comply with national and international food standards governing food production, processing, labeling, and distribution.
Food Standards Framework in Pakistan
Pakistan’s food standards system operates through a federal–provincial structure:
→ Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) develops national food standards covering food composition, additives, contaminants, labeling, packaging, and shelf-life, with mandatory certification for selected products.
→ Provincial Food Authorities (Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan) are responsible for licensing, inspections, sampling, laboratory testing, and enforcement.
→Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) oversees halal standards and certification under PS:3733 – Halal Food Management System.
Core food laws regulate hygiene, sanitation, adulteration, misbranding, storage, transport, and food service operations across provinces.
Key Regulatory Areas
→ Food hygiene and sanitation
→ Food additives, contaminants, and residues
→ Labeling, traceability, and shelf-life
→ Halal compliance and certification
→ Food testing and laboratory accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025)
International Alignment
Pakistan’s food standards increasingly align with
→ Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO)
→ ISO 22000 and HACCP
→ OIC/SMIIC Halal standards
→ Export requirements of the GCC, EU, UK, and other markets
Strategic Gaps and AFI’s Role
Agro Food Intellect addresses food safety gaps through:
→ Policy and regulatory advisory
→ Harmonization of federal and provincial standards
→ OIC/SMIIC Halal standards
→ Compliance support for SMEs and exporters
Through science-based guidance and regulatory intelligence, Agro Food Intellect supports safer food systems, fair trade, and improved market access across the agri-food value chain.
Certifications & Compliance
Food standards form the foundation of safe, high-quality, and trustworthy food systems. Agro Food Intellect provides technical insights and advisory support on national and international food standards that govern food production, processing, handling, and distribution.
Our expertise covers
- Food safety management systems
- Quality assurance and audit preparedness
- Regulatory compliance frameworks
- Laboratory and accreditation-related systems
We provide guidance that helps organizations move beyond box-ticking compliance toward sustainable, system-based food safety practices.
Policy Frameworks
Effective policy frameworks are essential for building resilient, sustainable, and safe agri-food systems. Agro Food Intellect contributes analytical insights that support evidence-based policymaking and regulatory reform.
Our policy-focused work includes:
- Review and analysis of food and agriculture policies
- Regulatory gap assessments
- Alignment with international obligations and best practices
- Support for institutional strengthening and governance
We engage with policymakers, regulators, and development partners to promote coherent, science-based policy frameworks that strengthen food systems and protect public health.
Trade Regulations
Agri-food trade is governed by a complex set of regulations designed to protect public health, ensure fair trade, and maintain product integrity. Agro Food Intellect provides intelligence and analysis on trade-related regulatory requirements affecting agri-food products.
Our work in trade regulations includes:
- Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures
- Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
- Import and export regulatory requirements
- Market access and compliance risks
We support stakeholders in understanding regulatory obligations and navigating trade requirements in an increasingly interconnected global food system.