AQSIQ to Revise Animals and Plant Quarantine Rules

On Sep. 10, 2015, AQSIQ announced the revision of three important regulations related to food import and export, including “Administrative Measures on Examination and Approval of the Quarantine of Entry Animals and Plants”, “Provisions on Food Hygiene Supervision and Administration at Entry/Exit Ports”, and “Administrative Measures for the Quantity & Weight Inspection and Appraisal of Import and Export Commodities”, which will be open for public consultation until Oct. 8, 2015.

The main changes to the new regulations:

The revised regulation will not be applicable to the quarantine and inspection of agricultural genetically modified organisms.

The decision on whether an application for quarantine permit will be approved should be made within 20 days by AQSIQ. If it cannot be decided within 20 days, the maximum extension period is 10 days after the notification of relevant applicants.

AQSIQ will cancel the quarantine permit under the following conditions:

• expires without being renewed

• permitted amount on the quarantine permit is reached

• the State bans the entry of relevant commodities,                

• Applicants violate relevant stipulations on quarantine approval.

AQSIQ may authorize local CIQs to issue the quarantine permit or notice of within their administrative regions.