[Updated] China to Cancel the COVID-19 Testing on Imported Cold-Chain Foods and Non-Cold-Chain Goods

As revealed by GACC officials at the Press Conference of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council on July 8, 2022, GACC has decided that emergency preventive measures to suspend import declaration will no longer be implemented for overseas food manufacturers whose cold-chain foods exported to China have tested COVID-19 positive. At the meantime, GACC released a notification to improve the COVID-19 prevention and control measures over imported cold-chain food products, so as to ensure the safety of supply chains.

Major Content 

As per the notification, GACC will strengthen the supervision towards the countries/regions of origin. To be specific, GACC will carry out COVID-19 nucleic acid tests and monitoring on imported cold-chain food products. In light of the test results, the customs will inspect and investigate the preventive measures taken by the exporting countries/regions to confirm whether their safety management systems and conditions meet China's import requirements. Measures such as rectification within a time limit, suspension of imports, cancellation of registration, etc., shall be taken for overseas enterprises with problems. Additionally, for imported cold chain foods with positive COVID-19 nucleic acid test results, they'll be disposed of per their category and risk levels. 

ChemLinked's Analysis 

No more "emergency preventive measures to suspend import declaration" doesn't imply a relaxation of prevention and control on imported cold-chain food. Instead, an enhanced prevention and control on the sources has been adopted by the customs. Over the past months, GACC has taken many effective measures to deal with the import risks, such as strengthening its communication with competent authorities of exporting countries/regions, making greater efforts on remote video spot check, as well as urging overseas food manufacturers to fulfill their responsibilities in risk prevention. 

This action is also deemed as an upgrade to a more scientific and accurate prevention and control strategy. It is noteworthy that overseas food manufacturers that fail to meet the preventive measures may still face penalties such as rectification within a time limit, suspension of imports, or even cancellation of registration by the customs. In May this year, the manufacturer registration of two facilities in India were revoked by GACC for COVID-19 positive (more details). Therefore, stakeholders should not be negligent in pollution prevention when exporting food to China.