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 Documents
| No. | Required Documents |
| 1 | Imported food contact product application form |
| 2 | The copy of Business License of Enterprise Legal Person (official seal) |
| 3 | The conformance statement of imported food contact product |
| 4 | The description of food contact materials (ingredient composition and chemical name) |
| 5 | Brand, model, origin, photos, labels, manuals, etc. |
| 6 | For the new food contact substance, provide the relevant documents issued by the NHFPC |
| 7 | The traceability system files of imported food contact product |
In addition, importers and import agents should pay attention to make 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
| No. | Requirements |
| 1 | Indicate the product name, material, manufacturing country or region, the importer's name, contact information and address |
| 2 | Indicate the quality guarantee period in a prominent position clearly |
| 3 | Indicate the applicable conditions, warning marks or warning specifications in Chinese for the product that is liable to damage itself or to endanger personal and property safety by misuse |
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 Ms. Jessie for more information.
Original Reference
http://www.aqsiq.gov.cn/xxgk_13386/jlgg_12538/zjgg/2016/201604/t20160407_463981.htm
Contact us
Ms. Jessie Shen Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs Department, CIRS China
11F Dongguan Building, 288 Qiuyi Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, China, 310020
Tel : +86 571 8971 6573 | Fax : +86 571 8720 6533
Email: jessie.shen@cirs-group.com
