China Fully Unlocks the Import of Frozen Fruits from All Countries

Recently, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) updated the "National Food Catalogues of Traditional Trade & Meet the Requirements of Export to China" on its website. This catalogue serves as a positive list for importing high-risk food products, including dairy products, aquatic products, and plant-origin food products. Only products listed in the catalogue from permitted countries or regions can be exported to China. 

Screenshot of National Food Catalogues of Traditional Trade & Meet the Requirements of Export to China

The latest update adds a new note regarding frozen fruits: "For frozen fruit products, quarantine access management is no longer implemented." This means that the catalogue no longer applies to the import of frozen fruits, allowing them to enter the Chinese market from any country, provided they meet other requirements, such as food safety and quality standards. Industry insiders have confirmed that the imports of frozen fruits have now opened up. 

Frozen fruits are defined as fruits that have been processed by removing inedible peels and seeds, flash frozen at -18°C or below for at least 30 minutes, and stored and transported at -18°C or below. This process must comply with the CAC/RCP 8-1976 Code of Practice for the Processing and Handling of Quick Frozen Foods.

While frozen fruits no longer require quarantine access approval or an "Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit" when imported, processing plants and freezing facilities in the exporting country must still be registered with the relevant authorities. This registration must be submitted to the GACC for review and must be jointly approved by both parties.