352 Batches of Imported Products Rejected by China Customs in December 2021

On January 21, 2022, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) published the list of non-compliant food products in December of 2021. A total of 352 batches of imported food from 43 countries/regions were rejected.

Most non-compliant imported food in December came from Japan (24%, mostly snacks), followed by South Korea (9%, mostly grain products and beverages), Vietnam and US (both occupied 7%). The major reasons for the import rejection were:

• Exceeding the use of food additives/nutritional fortification substances (21%)

• Lack of required documents or evidential materials (18%)

• Lack of inspection & quarantine permit (16%)

• Unqualified labeling (11%)

• Microorganism contamination (11%)

Noteworthy Product - Dairy 

Five dairy products failed customs clearance in December of 2021. Among them, three batches of milk powder were rejected for unqualified packaging. Notably, a batch of whey powder from an unregistered manufacturer in Poland were rejected for lacking of inspection and quarantine permit. So far only 87 Polish manufacturers have finished the registration and obtained the approval to export dairy products to China.

Noteworthy Reason – Unqualified labeling 

Unqualified label is one of the most commonplace reasons for food import rejection in China, which caused huge loss to overseas enterprises. As revealed by GACC, a total of 424 batches imported food were rejected in 2021 due to issues related to food labeling, accounting 15% of the total rejections. As GACC introduced new food labeling requirements in 2022, stakeholders should pay more attention on this issue. Check the new labeling requirements for imported food at ChemLinked News.

For the annual analysis of food import rejection in 2021, you are welcomed to check ChemLinked's food annual report and webinar for more details.