As revealed by a GAC notice [1] released on Dec 23rd, 2019, GAC renewed the registration of 9 overseas infant formula manufacturers. Abbott applied to cancel the registration of one of its facilities producing liquid infant formula and also successfully renewed the registration of one of its infant formula milk powder products. Abbott's withdrawal is likely attributable to underperformance in China’s liquid infant formula market. The development of China’s liquid infant formula sector is being held back by several factors such as lack of consumer recognition, misalignment with Chinese dietary habits, concern about product safety, etc. View more market analysis and regulatory compliance in China Slow to Accept Liquid Infant Formula [2].
To the nine manufacturers granted GAC registration renewal, the renewal date starts from Jan 1st, 2020. Abbott's cancelled liquid IF registration certificate means that products manufactured before Jan 1st, 2020, can still be exported to China as long as the products have greater than three months left before the expiration date (calculated from customs clearance approval date to product expiration). Products produced after Jan 1st, 2020, are banned.
9 Overseas Manufacturers Granted with GAC Registration Renewal
State | Manufacturer Name | Product for approval |
New Zealand | Alpha Laboratories (NZ) Limited | infant formula milk powder |
New Zealand | Blue River Dairy LP | infant formula milk powder |
New Zealand | Yashili New Zealand Dairy Co., Limited | infant formula milk powder |
Australia | Camperdown Powder Pty Ltd | infant formula milk powder |
Australia | Farmland Dairy PTY LTD | infant formula milk powder |
France | UNION LAITIERE VENISE VERTE | infant formula milk powder |
The USA | Maple Island Inc. | infant formula milk powder |
The USA | Abbott Laboratories | infant formula milk powder |
The Netherland | Industriële Diensten Heino B.V. | infant formula milk powder |
1 Overseas Manufacturers Cancelled Registration Certificate
State | Name | Product for approval |
The USA | Abbott Nutrition, Abbott Laboratories. | infant formula liquid milk |