Imports of products of animal origin from China

Monday 8 August 2005

From 26 July 2005 some products of animal origin can be imported into the European Union from China as long as they comply with specific animal and public health conditions.

This means that products previously banned under Commission Decision 2002/994/EC can enter the EU providing each consignment undergoes pre-shipment checks for the presence of the illegal veterinary medicines chloramphenicol and nitrofurans and their metabolites, and is accompanied by a signed declaration from the Chinese competent authority with the analytical check results.

These products are:

• aquaculture fishery products
• peeled and/or processed shrimps
• crayfish of the species Procambrus clarkii caught in natural fresh waters by fishing operations
• casings
• rabbit meat
• honey
• royal Jelly
• poultry meat products from Shandong Province heat treated to 70°C (from September 2008)

In addition, from 1 July 2008 consignments of aquaculture fishery products need to undergo pre-shipment checks for the presence of malachite green and/or crystal violet, and/or their metabolites, and be accompanied by a signed declaration from the Chinese competent authority with the analytial check results.

Consignments of aquaculture fishery products that are not accompanied by the chemical test results may, for a period of no more than six week from 1 July 2008, enter the EU providing they undergo tests at points of entry to detect the presence of malachite green and/or crystal violet, and/or their metabolites. Consignments will be detained until the results of the tests are available. Consignments found to contain malachite green or crystal violet, or their metabolites may be refused entry.

The following products can now come in without any restrictions:

• Fishery products except: those obtained by aquaculture; peeled and/or processed shrimps; crayfish of the species Procambrus clarkii caught in natural fresh waters by fishing operations
• Gelatine
• Pet Food (as regulated under Regulation (EC) No. 1774/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council)

The import restrictions for poultry meat from China remain in place at present due to deficiencies in sanitary conditions, and the outbreak of avian (bird) flu. Further information on avian flu can be found below.

No other products of animal origin are permitted for import from China into the EU.