AQSIQ’s Special Inspection on Imported Infant Formula in 2016

Since the 15th of May 2016 local CIQs have engaged in a special inspection campaign on all infant formula products imported from overseas CNCA-approved IF manufacturers. The special inspection campaign will end on Oct 15th 2016.

Take home

According to the Notice on Conducting Special Inspection of Imported Infant formula released by AQSIQ on 28 Jul, AQSIQ asked local CIQs to carry out special testing on every imported IF product, which include full testing and daily testing.

	Full Testing	Daily Testing
Duration	15 Mar to 15 Oct, 7 months	1 Jan to 1 Dec, the whole year
Testing items	All items listed in GB 10765 and GB 10767 (excluding food additives). Every series under the same brand and every stage should be tested.	Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Iodine, Selenium, Inositol, Taurine, DHA, ARA and other items required by local CIQ

It’s worth noting that after 1 Sep 2016 if the number of tested samples is not enough, CIQ will select infant formula sold through CBEC as samples. If CBEC samples are flagged as noncompliant compared with national standards, the treatment measures for unqualified goods will be the same for generally imported goods. Although AQSIQ has not directly and clearly stated that CBEC infant formula products should be in compliance with Chinese standards, it’s highly possible that AQSIQ will require them to comply with GB standards, have Chinese labels, etc. The recipes of CBEC IF products should also be registered with CFDA. After 1 Jan 2018, unregistered ones including those sold through the CBEC channel will be banned from sale in China (see CL Food News on 14 Apr 2016).

This year, both domestic and imported IF products are under stringent surveillance subject to monthly post-market sample testing and frequent market entry inspection. The best solution for all foreign IF manufacturers and exporters is to make sure products are China compliant.

Reference Link

AQSIQ Notice