Food imports to China will soon face stricter regulations to ensure better food safety.

  Two decrees announced by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) earlier this year will take effect on January 1, 2022.

  Decree 248 focuses on registration requirements while Decree 249 aims to bring food import safety measures up to code. The GACC said the new rules are in line with China's updated Food Safety Law.

  "The two decrees will not only better protect food consumers, but also enhance the confidence of consumers in food imports and benefit the expansion of consumption. The two decrees also improve the food safety supervising system, clarify the stakeholders' responsibilities, and facilitate and promote a sustainable food trade," said Bi Kexin, director of Import and Export Food Safety Bureau of the GACC.

  After Decree 248 is implemented, one significant change is that all overseas food manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities will need to be registered with the GACC. Among them, 18 categories of food, such as meat and aquatic products will be subject to the registration recommended by the competent authority of the home country.

  Decree 249 will provide new enforcement tools for the GACC to inspect food imports, and suspend or prohibit food imports into China when violations are identified.

  Resource: CGTN