China Customs Rejected 118 Batches of Imported Food in May 2023

On June 28, 2023, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) published the list of non-compliant food products in May of 2023. A total of 118 batches of imported food from 31 countries/regions were rejected.

Most non-compliant imported food in May came from Vietnam (12.7%, mostly grain products), followed by Indonesia (10.2%, mostly seafoods) and Taiwan, China (9.3%, mostly snacks and coffee beans). The major reasons for import rejection were:

• Exceeding the use of food additives/nutritional fortification substances (40.7%)

• Unqualified labeling (27.1%)

• Lack of inspection & quarantine permit (11.9%)

• Microbial contamination (10.2%)

• Lack of required documents or evidential materials (7.6%)

Noteworthy Products 

1. Dairy products 

A batch of whole milk powder from New Zealand failed customs clearance for unqualified packaging. Even though China hasn’t specified particular requirements for the packaging of milk powder, except the general requirements for the safe use of food contact materials (FCM) in packaging, stakeholders shall ensure the safety and integrity of packaging during shipment.

2. Beverages 

Six batches of beverage, including three from Hong Kong, and three from South Korea, Australia and Malaysia respectively, were rejected by China customs. Four batches were failed for unqualified labeling, and two for the improper use of food additives. For more information on regulatory compliance of beverages in China, please refer to China Beverage Regulation.