AQSIQ Emphasizes Testing Information for Imported Dairy Products

In order to reinforce the safety of milk products, it is well-known that the China’s new Administrative Measures on Inspection, Quarantine and Supervision of Import and Export Dairy Products (AQSIQ Order 152 of 2013) is about to come into effect from 1 May 2013 (see Chemlinked news on 4 Mar), which regulates manufacturers, distributors and importers of colostrum, raw milk and milk products to comply with corresponding requirements.

Recently, the AQSIQ released Announcement 53 to further clarify its applicable scope, requirements for dairy products imported for the first time, testing reports as well as testing institutions.

The Announcement 53 of 2013 has clearly pointed out that infant formulas for special medical purposes are uncovered within the management scope of the Measures.

Under the Measures, overseas dairy product manufacturers must get registered with the AQSIQ. Thus, it is expected that a registration guideline will be published in the near future and a certain grace period will be given during which producer are still permitted to export milk products unregistered to China.

It is strongly worth noting that after the implementation date of the Measures, milk products that are shipped from overseas and arrive at a certain port of China for the first time will be regarded as “products imported for the first time”. Testing obligations for products imported for the first time are different from those that are not:

Imported for the first time	Testing report
Yes	Testing report with indexes of certain substances/chemicals in line with relevant food safety national standards, such as mycotoxins, contaminants, heavy metals,etc
No	The copy of the testing report used for the first time; Testing report with items required by the AQSIQ (see the list of testing items for dairy products imported not for the first time)

The Announcement 53 of 2013 also requests testing reports from overseas official labs, third-party testing agencies or companies’ labs. Those issued by domestic institutions with food inspection qualifications are also acceptable.

Besides, companies of the raw milk, products mainly made from raw milk and pasteurized milk should apply for quarantine approval according to Measures on the Administration of Examination and Approval of the Quarantine of Entry Animals and Plants (AQSIQ Order 25 of 2002).

If the label of an imported product bears a certain prize, honor or certification mark, the relevant supporting document confirmed by Chinese embassies are requisite.