China Customs Further Streamlines the Pre-Import Quarantine Approval for Imported Foods, Affecting Dairy & Aquatic Products

On November 12, 2024, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) issued a notice announcing further adjustments to the catalog of imported foods subject to pre-import quarantine approval. This follows a similar move in June, when certain animal and plant products were exempted from the same requirements.

According to the notice, quarantine approval is no longer required for cured meat products, casings, dairy products, aquatic products, and edible bird's nests intended for human consumption, effective November 12, 2024. However, these products must still meet stringent criteria: they must originate from countries or regions that satisfy evaluation and review requirements, and they must be produced by overseas enterprises registered with the GACC. Additionally, the products are required to comply with all relevant inspection and quarantine standards.

Impacts and analysis 

The adjustment of the catalog represents a significant step in advancing innovation within China's customs regulatory and service systems. By streamlining administrative processes, customs authorities have improved the efficiency of resource allocation and made regulatory procedures more scientific and precise.

Businesses in the affected sectors are no longer required to apply for quarantine permits, which simplifies import procedures and enhances customs clearance efficiency. This reform injects fresh momentum into both enterprises and the market, diversifying domestic supply and better meeting consumers' evolving preferences. Beyond facilitating trade, these measures help optimize the allocation of resources across industrial and supply chains, further bolstering China's strategic position in the global food market.

Despite these regulatory changes, the safety of imported food remains a priority. Products in the exempted categories must still meet rigorous inspection and quarantine requirements. Specifically:

1. The food safety management and disease control systems of the exporting country or region must pass GACC's evaluation and review.

2. The products must adhere to customs' inspection and quarantine standards.

3. They must meet the "three conditions for market access":

• Originate from approved countries or regions,

• Belong to permitted product categories, and

• Be produced by enterprises registered in China.

Upon arrival at Chinese ports, customs authorities employ a multi-layered approach, including automated logic controls, manual document reviews, and on-site inspections, to ensure compliance. These measures verify that all imported products originate from approved countries or regions and are produced by registered enterprises, thus maintaining the integrity and safety of China's food import system.