Imported Food Rejected by China Customs Hit Record Level: 399 Batches in November 2021

On December 20, 2021, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) published the list of non-compliant food products in November. The number of rejected products reached 399 batches from 40 countries/regions, which hit a new record high.

Most non-compliant imported food in November came from India and Taiwan, China (both occupied 13.5%), followed by Hong Kong, China (9.8%, mostly grain products) and Ecuador (9.5%, all aquatic products). The major reasons for the import rejection were:

• Unqualified labeling (26%)

• Exceeding the use of food additives/nutritional fortification substances (19%)

• Lack of required documents or evidential materials (14%)

• Lack of inspection & quarantine permit (9%)

• Microorganism contamination (8%)

Noteworthy Products 

1. Dairy & Infant Formula 

A total of 19 dairy products failed customs clearance in November. Among them, 16 batches of butter and cheese from France were rejected for exceeding shelf life. When arranging the import of foods with short shelf lives, importers are recommended to learn the import procedure and make preparation in advance to gain a faster customs clearance, so as to avoid such import failure.

Besides, one batch of infant formula from Denmark were rejected for unqualified labeling. Please check China Infant Formula Food Regulation and China Food Labling Regulation for labeling requirements for infant formula.

2. Aquatic Product  

The number of rejected aquatic products reached a striking 88 batches, occupying over 20% of the total rejection. It is noticeable that one batch of frozen cod from Russia was rejected for the overseas manufacturer failing to register in China. Overseas manufacturers of imported aquatic products as well as other three categories of imported food, namely, meat, dairy and bird's nest products, have always been required to register with GACC before import. With the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food (Decree 248)" released, overseas manufacturers producing the food of all categories including the four mentioned above are obliged to finish the registration from January 1, 2022.

Recommended news: All You Should Know About GACC Decree No. 248: Provisions for Overseas Food Manufacturer Registration

Recommended webinar: Prepare for China's Overseas Food Manufacturers Registration Under New GACC Requirements