On June 28, 2023, the General Administration of China Customs released information on food and cosmetics whose entry was not allowed in May 2023. According to statistics, the national customs detected 118 batches of food that were unqualified of safety and health items and not allowed to enter in the port supervision link.

Most non-compliant imported food in May came from Vietnam (12.7%, mostly grain products), followed by Indonesia (10.2%, mostly seafoods) and Taiwan, China (9.3%, mostly snacks and coffee beans). The major reasons for import rejection were:

l Exceeding the use of food additives/nutritional fortification substances (40.7%)

l Unqualified labeling (27.1%)

l Lack of inspection & quarantine permit (11.9%)

l Microbial contamination (10.2%)

l Lack of required documents or evidential materials (7.6%)

Noteworthy Products

1. Dairy products

A batch of whole milk powder from New Zealand failed customs clearance for unqualified packaging. Even though China hasn't specified particular requirements for the packaging of milk powder, except the general requirements for the safe use of food contact materials (FCM) in packaging, stakeholders shall ensure the safety and integrity of packaging during shipment.

2. Beverages

Six batches of beverage, including three from Hong Kong, and three from South Korea, Australia and Malaysia respectively, were rejected by China customs. Four batches were failed for unqualified labeling, and two for the improper use of food additives. For more information on regulatory compliance of beverages in China, please refer to China Beverage Regulation.

The GACC stated that these non-entry foods have been returned or destroyed at the ports according to laws.

Source: GACC and Chemlinked

Note: This article is compiled by Antion. Please indicate the source for reprint.