In recent years, in order to more efficiently ensure the quality and safety of imported food, the customs has established a governance system covering the entire process of imported food, and implemented the "three-stage management model" of strict access before import, strict inspection and quarantine during import and strict follow-up supervision after import.

Strict access before import

China implements access assessment for eight categories of products, including meat, dairy products, aquatic products, bird's nests, casings, plant-derived foods, traditional Chinese medicine and bee products. The General Administration of China Customs evaluates and reviews the food safety system of the country (region) exporting the relevant food to China. Only those who meet Chinese regulations completely can export food to China.

At the same time, the customs implement the registration system for overseas manufacturers that export such as meat, aquatic products and dairy products to China. The General Administration of China Customs will organize an expert panel to review the enterprises that submit the application, and only those who pass the review can be approved for registration.

In addition, in order to prevent the risk of COVID-19 through imported cold chain food and protect the health and safety of consumers, the customs will implement emergency preventive measures against overseas manufacturers of imported cold chain food that are positive for the nucleic acid of COVID-19.

Strict inspection and quarantine during import

After the imported food arrives at the port, the customs will implement on-site inspection of the imported food and take samples for inspection in accordance with the requirements of supervision and management such as risk control instructions. After the comprehensive inspection and quarantine assessment is qualified, the customs will issue the Inspection and Quarantine Certificate for Entry Goods, which will be approved for sale and use. For the foods of non-conformity involving safety, health and environmental protection, the customs will order the parties to destroy them, or issue a return handling notice, and the importer shall go through the return procedures.

Strict follow-up supervision after import

According to requirements, importers should establish a food import and sales record system, and should truthfully record the relevant information of food import and sales in written or electronic form to ensure the traceability of the whole process. The customs will conduct follow-up supervision on importers. For food importers who have not established and abided by the food import and sales record system, the customs will order corrections, give warnings or fines, until order them to stop operating.

Source: Chongqing Customs

Note: This article is compiled by Antion, please indicate our source if reprint it.