Chinese applied series of imported goods control measures for Covid-19 prevention

Illustration image. Photo: M.Hùng

The inspection measures include taking samples of imported goods in containers to conduct inspections; carry out sterilisation of goods loading and unloading on import containers; and conduct fumigation for empty containers while cleaning, loading and unloading goods.

The inspection and sterilisation of pandemic prevention for container trucks and cargo packaging on the vehicle are done similar to the above process.

The above measures do not apply to goods that are dangerous substances, food, animal feed, feed additives or goods without packaging or with packages but easily absorbed disinfectants causing pollution. The inspection and sterilisation of containers of frozen goods for pandemic prevention are still carried out normally in accordance with the previous regulations of Chinese Customs.

The government of Guangxi, China (which has a border with Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang and Ha Giang provinces) has also issued a number of requests for strengthening the management of importing frozen food.

Specifically, if imported frozen food products do not have all the following four documents, they would not be allowed to be sold on the market, including certificate of testing and quarantine of imported goods; certified sterilisation; certification of legal traceability information; and confirmed negative nucleic acid assay for Covid-19.

Frozen food products imported into Guangxi through the border gates and seaports, when being stored, consumed and processed in the area must be imported into the local centralised supervision warehouse, strictly taking samples of nucleic acid, full surface sterilisation, and traceability of goods.

Products that have done the above work in other provinces and cities of China still have to be stored in a warehouse for comparison, then can be sold or processed.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade recommended enterprises producing and trading in agricultural and aquatic products to export to the Chinese market strengthen the quality control of goods and avoid violating Chinese regulations on standards of quality, testing, quarantine, and food safety, contributing to smooth cargo clearance.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is also working with the ministries of Vietnam to exchange with China to facilitate import and export activities between the two nations.