268 Batches of Imported Food Products Rejected by China Customs in September 2021

On Oct. 27, 2021, China General Administration of Customs (GAC) published the list of non-compliant food products in September. A total of 268 batches of imported food from 41 countries/regions were rejected.

The largest proportion of non-compliant imported food in September came from Japan (10.1 %, mostly grain products), followed by Vietnam (9.8%, mostly aquatic products) and  United States (9%, mostly health supplements). The major reasons for the import rejection were:

• Microorganism contamination (19%)

• Lack of inspection & quarantine permit (18%)

• Lack of required documents or evidential materials (16%)

• Unqualified food label (12%)

• The discrepancy between cargo and certificate (10%)

Noteworthy Products 

1. Dairy 

Four batches of dairy products were rejected in September. Among them, two batches of milk from Poland and Belarus were rejected due to excessive E. coli, and two batches of cheese from France failed customs clearance for unqualified packaging. 

2. Health supplements 

A total of 18 batches of health supplements from the US (8), Taiwan, China (5), South Korea (4) and Australia (1) were rejected. Involved dosage forms are tablets, oral solutions, gelatinized confections and powder. Most of batches were rejected for unqualified labeling and lack of required documents or evidential materials.

Recommended webinar: Things to Know Before Exporting Health Supplements & Vitamins to China

3. Sports nutrition 

Three batches of sports nutrition products failed customs clearance. One of them were rejected due to the excessive use of nutritional fortifier. Check China Food Additives Database for more information of the use of nutritional fortifier.

In addition, two batches failed for unqualified labeling. Notably, for sports nutrition products, it is not only necessary to meet the labeling requirements for general prepackaged foods in GB 13432-2013 Labeling of Prepackaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses, but also to meet the additional requirements in GB 24154-2015 General Standard for Sports Nutrition Food. Besides, stakeholders are also recommended to keep an eye on the regulatory changes from the latest draft for GB 24154. Check ChemLinked News for more details.