On September 4, 2020, Tmall Global ^[1] unveiled its quality management standards for CBEC products. The standards cover nine categories and over 50 subcategories, including products like mom and baby products, health food, ordinary food, pet food, clothing, digital products, etc.

The formulation of standards is a response to the supervision requirements of CBEC products raised by MOFCOM (China's Minstry of Commerce) Notice ^[2] and GAC Notice ^[3] in 2018.

Although China recognizes the standards and regulations in a place of origin, imported CBEC products sold on Tmall Global should also meet specific regulated Chinese compulsory standards according to the release of these quality management standards.

In addition, Tmall Global, together with 23 professional institutes like SGS, TÜV, Intertek, will initiate a full-category quality inspection of imported products during the double 11 shopping festival.

Predictions of future trends

Tmall Global releasing these quality management standards for CBEC products is not surprising considering the implementation of the 2018 CBEC policies by Chinese authorities. In fact, CBEC transaction platforms (Tmall Global and JD.com) already had their own rules in the supervision of CBEC products and new entrants with Tmall Global releasing multiple technical specifications for CBEC food products ^[4] (Dairy products, Pet food etc.)

Chemlinked estimates that other CBEC platforms will follow suit which may result in a increased barrier for imported CBEC products.

*As of September 9, 2020, the full contents of these quality management standards have not been published online. Chemlinked will keep close watch and keep you updated on relevant information once it has been published.