Analysis of Imported Food Contact Product Inspection and Supervision in China

To ensure the quality safety of imported food contact product and strengthen its inspection and supervision, The Imported Food Contact Product Inspection and Supervision Norms issued by General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ) has been implemented on 10 April, 2016. Followings are the detailed highlights of the document.

First of all, this standard is applicable to the inspection and supervision of imported food contact products. The products include container, utensil and tableware that made by paper, wood, metal, porcelain enamel, ceramic, plastic, rubber, natural fiber, chemical fiber, glass, and other material or its composite material which will come into contact with food or food additives. It should be noticed that the inspection and supervision of food packaging, machinery and electric appliance which may contact with food should follow other relevant provisions.

Second, it is important and necessary for importers and import agents to do the imported food contact product record. Because recorded products conduct spot-checks, which can reduce the customs clearance time. What’s more, the validity of the product record certificate increased from 2 to 3 years and the spot-check percentage decreased from10% to 5%, compared with the former standard (issued in 2010).Therefore, how to apply for the imported food contact product record? First, provide application documents to the local inspection and quarantine institution; then send samples which consistent with the application content to designated laboratory for test; last, submit the test report to the inspection and quarantine institution for verify. Below is a table showing the detailed documents for application.

Table 1 Required Document

In addition, importers and import agents should pay attention to making correct and standard Chinese labels and instructions. As incorrect usage may cause unexpected accident and do harm to customer’s health, AQSIQ has attached great importance to it. Followings are the detailed requirements that a correct Chinese label and instruction should meet.

Table 2 Requirements for Chinese labels and instructions.

Last but not the least, it is necessary for enterprises to guarantee their products to meet the requirements of safety and hygienic standards, otherwise products will be directly rejected or destructed. In order to avoid unnecessary time and trade losses, it is better for enterprises to conduct the self-test complying with the requirements of relevant national standards. CIRS is providing finished product testing according to relevant Chinese National Standards in Appendix 6 of The Imported Food Contact Product Inspection and Supervision Norms (Chinese version download). Please pay attention to the GB name to identify the appropriate National standard, or please send your product information (pictures, instructions and formula) to us at Service@cirs-reach.com for more information.

If you have any question, please contact us at Service@cirs-reach.com without any hesitation.

Original Reference:

http://www.aqsiq.gov.cn/xxgk_13386/jlgg_12538/zjgg/2016/201604/t20160407_463981.htm