Background
Before new national food safety standards take effect, a grace period is granted so that food producers can adjust and sell products under the old standards. However, over the past decade, the reference dates for implementing new standards have differed between food produced in China and imported food. This discrepancy resulted in a shorter grace period for overseas producers, creating trade barriers.
Result
The European Chamber’s Agriculture, Food and Beverage Working Group and its sub-working groups have carried out long-term advocacy on this issue. On 30th December 2022, the General Administration of Customs of China issued Notice No. 136, which for the first time clarified that imported food covered by the notice will enjoy the same reference date for standard implementation as domestic food.
Impact
- Ensured equal treatment for domestic and imported food producers;
- Removed longstanding trade barriers caused by inconsistent grace periods;
- Improved predictability and fairness in the implementation of food safety standards.
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