Tehran to Host Int’l Printing, Packaging Expo

The 24th International Exhibition of Printing, Packaging and Related Machinery is scheduled to be held at Tehran’s International Fairground from Dec. 13 to 16. About 450 Iranian and 200 foreign companies from Germany, Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Slovenia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, Armenia and Azerbaijan will exhibit their latest products, services and technologies in the event, IRNA reported.

Between 25% and 30% of Iran’s agro products are said to perish every year due to improper packaging, inflicting losses estimated at $10 billion annually. Most Iranian quality products, such as saffron, pistachio and honey, are wholesaled to neighboring countries where they are packaged and then exported under their own brand names to other countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration said that as of November 6, exports of fruit and vegetables are permitted only under the condition that they meet the packaging standards defined by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran and transported via refrigerated containers and vessels.

According to TPO, the wholesale trade of Iranian agricultural products in recent years has reduced their quality and prices. The new regulation is aimed at preventing agricultural products from going to waste and protecting Iranian brands.