China AQSIQ Releases Requirements for Imported Food Certificates

Takehome:

• All foods exported to China should come attached with a certificate issued by the competent authority in the country/district of origin from Oct. 1, 2017.

On Jun. 5, 2017, China AQSIQ notified WTO of the “Measures for the Administration of Certificates Attached to Foods Exported to China”, which will take effect from Oct. 1, 2017. A grace period may be given contingent on prior agreement between the exporting country (district) and AQSIQ.

It is stipulated in the new regulation that all foods exported to China should be attached with a certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country (district), which will be used to prove that food is sourced from enterprises under the effective supervision of the competent authority in the country/region of origin. This kind of certificate includes certificate of hygiene or quarantine certificate that has already been recognized by the exporting country (district) and AQSIQ.

The certificates are required to include the following information:

• Manufacturer information: manufacturer name, address, registration number (if any), etc.
• Product information: product name, brand, specifications, packaging pattern, weight/quantity, manufacturing/packaging date, country (district) of origin, etc.
• Trading information: exporter/importer name, address, exporter/importer filing number, place of departure/destination, transportation facility, container number, sealing number, etc.
• Supervision information: the expression proving the product is produced, processed, stored, transported and exported under the effective supervision of the exporting country (district)

The certificates can be provided in Chinese, English or Bilingual (recommended) either electronically or in paper form. Also the template should be filed with AQSIQ.

Reference link

China AQSIQ Announcement