Measures on the Administration of Labels for the Import and Export
Transcription
Measures on the Administration of Labels for the Import and Export
Foreign Agricultural Service GAIN Report Global Agriculture Information Network Required Report - public distribution Date: 6/24/2002 GAIN Report #CH1044 China, People’s Republic of Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Import-Export Food Labeling Management Regulation 2001 Approved by: Larry M. Senger U.S. Embassy Prepared by: Ralph Gifford, Zhang JianPing, Adam Branson Report Highlights: This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People’s Republic of China Export Food Labeling Management Regulation and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation of the regulations is accurate. Includes PSD changes: No Includes Trade Matrix: No Annual Report Beijing[CH1],CH GAIN Report #CH1044 This report was prepared by the Office of Agricultural Affairs of the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Beijing People’s Republic of China for U.S. exporters of domestic food and agricultural products. While every possible care was taken in the preparation of this report, information provided may not be completely accurate either because policies have changed since its preparation, or because clear and consistent information about these policies was not available. It is highly recommended that U.S. exporters verify the full set of import requirements with their foreign customers, who are normally best equipped to research such matters with local authorities, before any goods are shipped. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS SUBJECT TO THE IMPORTING COUNTRY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AS INTERPRETED BY BORDER OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY. Summary This Regulation applies to the labels of all imported or exported foods. It provides for more stringent verification and inspection for the enforcement of import and export food product labeling. Also, the regulation streamlines previous requirements and provides for greater control over false, counterfeit, or poor quality products. China’s national State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine (formerly CIQ) has undergone a merger to become the State Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ). Customs Inspection and Quality offices (CIQ) at the provincial levels have not completed the merger. National AQSIQ and provincial CIQ offices have statutory authority over the inspection of import or export food labels. Import-Export Food Labeling Management Regulation Announcement No. 19 (February 15, 2000) The “Regulation on Management of Import-Export Food Labeling” is announced. It is effective April 1, 2000. Signed by Li Changjiang, Chief Administrator, State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine. Chapter One: General Provisions Article 1: In order to strengthen the management of import-export food labeling and guarantee import-export food quality, this regulation is developed in accordance with the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on ImportExport Food Inspection” and the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on Food Sanitation”, as well as other relevant implementation regulations. Article 2.: Food labeling in this regulation includes written language, graphs, symbols and all explanation materials on packages of “pre-packaged food” (see article 18). Article 3: This regulation is implemented for the management of label verification and inspection of import and export food (hereafter referred to as “import-export food”). Article 4: China State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine headquarters (hereafter referred to as “AQSIQ”) shall be responsible for national import-export food labeling management, labeling verification, approval and issuing certificates. AQSIQ shall select some branch offices (hereafter referred to as “selected CIQ offices”) to be responsible for preliminary labeling verification and inspection. Article 5: All food labeling shall be verified and approved with a “Certificate of Import-Export Food Labeling” Chapter Two: Labeling Verification Article 6: Food traders or trading agencies shall apply with selected CIQ offices for food labeling verification before importing or exporting food. Article 7: When applying for verification, the following documents shall be presented: 1. Application; 2. Explanation of food labeling design and any other appropriate materials to certify the design; 3. Explanation of food content stated on labels; 4. Six sets of labeling samples or photo reproductions when unable to provide samples; 5. Regulation for relevant food labeling in destination country (exports only); 6. Other necessary documents. Article 8: Import-export food of the same variety and same production method, but to different packaging or specification, can have a consolidated application. Article 9: When applying for verification, relevant inspection samples shall be presented. The samples shall be representative. Samples shall meet verification requirements. Article 10: Selected CIQ offices shall accept applications for import-export food verification and carry out preliminary verification according to relevant regulations. After preliminary verification, selected CIQ offices shall send the preliminary evaluation results and all application documents to AQSIQ for final verification and approval. Food nutrition and food quality shall be tested and evaluated in laboratories selected by AQSIQ. Article 11: Verification includes whether labeling design is correct and accurate, and whether food quality conforms to label stipulations. All imported food labeling shall be in standard Chinese. Article 12: Import food labeling shall be verified according to China’s relevant laws, regulations and standards. Export food shall be verified according to the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the importing country. Article 13: After final verification, AQSIQ shall issue the “Certificate of Import-Export Food Labeling” to qualified food label applications and make a public announcement. Chapter Three: Labeling Inspection Article 14: When a food trader or trading agency applies to an inspection and quarantine office for food inspection, it shall present the “Certificate of Import-Export Food Labeling”, otherwise the inspection and quarantine office shall not accept the application. Article 15: When an CIQ office carries out import-export food inspection, it shall inspect food labels and generally evaluate the food quality according to inspection results. Article 16: Import-export food labeling inspection includes: 1. Confirming whether labels on food applications for inspection conform with established labels; 2. Confirming whether food quality conforms with label stipulations; 3. Confirming whether import-export food labeling can be used in the country that sells the food. Article 17: Imported food shall not be allowed on the market and export food shall not be allowed to be exported without labeling inspection and certification. Chapter Four: Additional Articles Article 18: “Pre-packaged food” is food that is packed in containers for market consumption. Article 19: Anybody who violates this regulation shall be punished according to the relevant laws and regulations. Article 20: AQSIQ shall be responsible for interpreting this regulation. Article 21: This regulation shall be effective on April 1, 2000. The previous laws regarding labeling shall be annulled at the same time. The previous laws include trial “Regulation on Management of ImportExport Food Labeling” (Guo Jian Jian Han No. 158,1994) announced jointly on May 24, 1994 by former China Administration of Commodity Inspection and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, and “Regulation on Management of Labeling Inspection Attached to Import and Export Food” (Guo Jian Jian Han No. 112, 1994) announced on April 21, 1994 by former China Administration of Commodity Inspection. Measures on the Administration of Labels for the Import and Export of Food Measures on the Administration of Labels for the Import and Export of Food Chapter I : General Provisions Article 1 Pursuant to the Law of the People's Republic of China of Inspection of Imported and Exported Commodities and the corresponding measures for implementation as well as the relevant provisions in the Food Hygiene Law of the People's Republic of China, these Measures are formulated for the purpose of strengthening the administration on labels for the import and export of food and ensuring the quality of imported and exported food. Article 2 The term "food label" in these Measures refers to letters, pictures, symbols and other specifications which are shown on the containers of pre-packed food. Article 3 These Measures shall apply to the administration of inspection, examination and approval of labels for pre-packed imported and exported food hereinafter referred to as imported and exported food. Article 4 The State Administration for Entry and Exit Inspection and Quarantine (hereinafter referred to as State Administration of Inspection and Quarantine) shall take charge of the administration of labels for the import and export of food throughout the country, and be responsible for the examination, approval and issuance of certificates on food labels. The inspection and quarantine offices designated by State Administration of Inspection and Quarantine hereinafter referred to as designated inspection and quarantine offices shall be responsible for the preliminary examination and inspection on food labels. Article 5 Labels for the import and export of food must be examined, approved and issued examination and approval certificates of labels for the import and export of food. Chapter II : Examination and Approval on Labels Article 6 Traders of imported and exported food or their agents shall, before importing or exporting food, apply to designated inspection and quarantine offices for the examination and approval of food labels. Article 7 When applying for the examination and approval of a food label, the following materials shall be submitted: an application for the examination and approval of a food label; 2. materials explaining the design of a food label and proving its suitability for use; 3. materials explaining contents of the food label; 4. relevant stipulations on food labels in importing countries or regions; 5. six sets of samples of the food label concerned; 6. other materials. Article 8 An application for the examination and approval of labels for the import and export of food may be filed jointly if these foods are of the same category and made in the same technique but different only in their sizes and packages. Article 9 Corresponding samples shall be submitted in the application for examination and approval of food labels. The samples shall be representative and meet the requirements for label examination and approval. Article 10 Designated inspection and quarantine offices shall take charge of the acceptance of applications and the organization of preliminary examination of labels for imported foods. After the preliminary examination, the application materials and preliminary examination results shall be reported to the State Administration of Inspection and Quarantine for approval. The inspection of nutrition ingredients and evaluation of functions shall be undertaken by laboratories appointed by State Administration of Inspection and Quarantine. Article 11 The contents of examination and approval of labels for the import and export of food shall include the forms and lay-out of print of food labels and quality-related contents shown on food labels. The language used in the labels for the import and export of food shall be formal Chinese language. Article 12 The examination and approval of labels for the import of food shall be conducted according to relevant laws, regulations and standards of the People's Republic of China; and the examination and approval of labels for the export of food shall be conducted according to the relevant laws, regulations and standards of importing countries. Article 13 For the food labels qualified in the examination and approval, a copy of the Certificate of Examination and Approval of Labels for the Import and Export of Food shall be issued to the applicant. The food labels for which a certificate has been issued shall be made public by State Administration of Inspection and Quarantine. Chapter III : Inspection on Labels Article 14 When applying for inspection on imported and exported food, the applicant shall submit the Certificate of Examination and Approval of Labels for the Import and Export of Food; otherwise the application shall be refused by inspection and quarantine offices. Article 15 In the process of inspecting the imported and exported food, the inspection and quarantine offices shall inspect the food labels, and make a comprehensive evaluation of the food quality on the basis of food label inspection results. Article 16 The inspection of labels for the import and export of food shall include: 1. whether the food labels subject to the application are identical with the food labels examined and approved; 2. whether the contents shown on food labels are identical with the food; 3. whether the food labels may be used in the countries where the food is to be sold. Article 17 Where any label for the import and export of food has not been examined and approved, or have not passed the examination and approval, the imported food shall not be sold, and food for export shall not be exported. Chapter IV : Supplementary Provisions Article 18 The term "pre-packed food" in these Measures refers to food pre-packed in containers for delivery to consumers. Article 19 Any violation of these Measures shall be punished in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Article 20 The right to interpret these Measures shall remain with the State Administration of Inspection and Quarantine. Article 21 These Measures shall enter into force on April 1st, 2000. The Provisional Measures on the Administration of Labels for the Import and Export of Food (Letter No. 159 1994, State Administration of Inspection on Commodities) promulgated by the State Administration of Inspection on Commodities and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation on May 24th, 1994 and the Rules 011 the Administration of Food Labels Affixed to the Imported and Exported Food Letter No. 1 1 2 1994, State Administration of Inspection on Commodities^) promulgated by State Administration of Inspection on Commodities shall be repealed simultaneously. NO. 21 (2002) The former CIQ (National Administration of Entry and Exit Inspection and Quarantine) successively promulgated in 2000 the "Regulatory Measures for Verification of Import and Export Food Labelling (CIQ Order no. 19 (2000)) and the "Regulatory Measures for Supervision and Inspection of Import and Exported Cosmetics" (CIQ Order no. 21 (2000)); the following related notice is now given concerning the implementation of the above two sets of regulatory measures: 1: From 1st July 2002, according to relevant stipulations in CIQ Orders 19 and 21 (2000), imported and exported food products and cosmetics must all undergo customs declaration procedures accompanied by a labelling verification certificate (or certificate of acceptance for the same). 2: When labelling verification procedures are underway for cosmetics or food products, a "Certificate of Acceptance for Labelling Verification" may be obtained. For products for which application for labelling verification has been made but for which no labelling verification certificate has yet been granted, customs declaration formalities may be completed prior to 1st November 2002 at the entry and exit inspection and quarantine authorities with this "Certificate of Acceptance for Labelling Verification". 3: If goods have arrived at port but the importer has not organised labelling verification in advance, they may apply for labelling verification to the entry and exit inspection and quarantine authorities at the port of entry of the goods, and complete import formalities within the time limit with a "Certificate of Acceptance for Labelling Verification". After 1st November 2002, customs declaration formalities must all be completed on the basis of a "Labelling Verification Certificate". Both imported cosmetics and imported food products must conform to the stipulations of relevant Chinese standards. 4: Every entry and exit inspection and quarantine authority accepting applications for labelling verification and initial labelling verification for imported food products and cosmetics must complete all its work in strict observance of the time stipulated. 5: All importers and exporters may enquire about relevant details from the entry and exit inspection and quarantine authorities or authorities for final verification of labelling, established in every locality by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. 1st March 2002 Reglementation sur 1'etiquetage des produits d'import-export alimentaires Date d'entree en vigueur: 1" avril 2000 Directeur: LI Changjiang Lel5fevrier2000 REGLEMENTATION SUR L'ETIQUETAGE DES PRODUITS D'LMPORTEXPORT ALIMENTAIRES Chapitre 1 Principes gen£raux Article 1 - Cette reglementation est destinee, sur la base des eloments en matiere de la « Loi sur I'lnspection des marchandises exporters et importers» et de ses decrets d'application, ainsi que de la « Loi relative a l'hygiene des produits alimentaires » , a renforcer le controle en matiere d'etiquetage des produites alimentaires et έ garantir la qualito des dits produits. Article 2 - On entend par otiquetage de produits alimentaires les inscriptions, Schemas, symboles et tout explicatif figurant sur le pro-conditionnement des dits produits. Article 3 - Cette reglementation s'applique ä tout controle, examen ou approbation Error! Reference source not found, de produits alimentaires pro conditionnes. Article 4 - L'Administration d'Etat de I'lnspection et de la Quarantaine ä l'Importation et ä L'Exportation (CIQSA) est chargee du controle ä l'ochelle nationale de 1'etiquetage des produits alimentaires entrants ou sortants, et egalement de l'examen, de l'autorisation, et de l'attribution d'etiquetage des produits alimentaires. Les services d'inspection sanitaires designes par la CIQSA sont charges de l'examen preliminaire et de la verification en matiere d'etiquetage des produits alimentaires entrants ou sortants. Article 5 - L'etiquetage de ces produits alimentaires est soumis a une verification prealable afin d'obtenir un « certificat de demande d'etiquetage de produit alimentaire ». Chapitre 2 Examen des otiquettes Article 6 - Les Operateurs ou les agent negotiants en produits alimentaires doivent, avant rimportation ou l'exportation des produits doivent deposer une demande d'approbation d'etiquetage aupres des services sanitaires designes. Article 7 - La demande doit etre accompagnee des pieces suivantes : a) formulaire de demande b) explicatif du concept d'etiquetage et des materiauxErrort Reference source not found. c) explicatif du contenu d'etiquetage d) Reglements du pays ou de la zone d'importation en matiere d'etiquetage e) Un jeu de six etiquettes du produit alimentaire ou, en cas de difficulte, des photos de bonne definition f) Autres documents ä fournir Article 8 - Des produits de natures ou de procddes de fabrication comparables utilisant des specification et emballages similaires peuvent figurer sur une meine demande. Article 9 - La demande doit s'accompagner d'echantillons ä tester. Ces echantillons doivent e*tre representatifs et sarisfaire aux exigences de l'examen. Article 10 - Les demandes sont instruites par les services de quarantaine designes qui, sur la base des reglements pertinents, precedent ä un premier examen du cas dont les resultats et le dossier de demande sont soumis ä la CIQSA pour approbation. Les test portant sur les eloments nutritifs et leur evaluation sont effectues par des laboratoires designes par la CIQSA. Article 11 - L'examen d'etiquetage de produit alimentaire se compose du format de l'otiquette et de la confirmation de 1'adequation entre son contenu et la qualite du produit. Les produits Importes doivent etre etiquetes en chinois. Article 12 - L'examen des etiquettes de produits Importes doit obeir aux lois, reglements et normes chinois en la matiere. Les demandes d'approbation des etiquettes de produits exportos obeissent aux lois, reglements et normes des pays importateurs. Article 13 - La CIQSA delivre un « certificat d'approbation » aux 6tiquettes repondant aux exigences et en public la liste. Chapitre 3 Contröle des etiquettes Article 14 - Les certificats d'approbation devront etre remis aux services de contröle prealablement ä toute verification, faute de quoi, eile ne pourront etre entamees. Article 15 - Lors des contröles effectues par les organes de quarantaine sur les produits alimentaires entrants ou sortants, les etiquettes seront contrölees et le resultat sera integre ä Γ appreciation globale sur la conformite du produit. Article 16 - Les rubriques controls seront les suivantes : a) La correspondance entre l'etiquetage et le contenu demande b) La correspondance entre l'etiquetage et le contenu de l'alünent c) L'acceptabilite de l'otiquetage du produit par le pays vendeur Article 17 - Les produits dont I'dtiquetage n'a pas ote avalise ou n'a pas fait 1'objet d'une demande d'examen sont interdits ä Γ exportation et, s'ils sont Importes, ä la vente. Chapitre 4 Principes annexes Article 18 - On entend par produit pre conditionno le produit emballo en conteneur et pret a etre livre au consommateur. Article 19 - Les contrevenants sont passibles des sanctions prevues par les lois et reglements pertinents. Article 20 - L'interpretation de la presente riglementation est laissee ä la C1QSA. Article 21 - La presente reglementation entrera en vigueur ä compter du 1er avril 2000 en lieu et place du « Reglement (experimentaux) sur l'etiquetage des produits alimentaires entrants et sortants » de la CIQSA et du MOFTEC du 24 mai 1994 (BSC [1994] n°158), ainsi que du « Reglement sur le contröle de l'etiquetage des produits alimentaires entrants et sortants » du 21 avril 1994 du Bureau de Supervision du Commerce (BSC [1994] n°112) qui sont tous deux abroges. WORLD TRADE G/TBT/N/CHN/2 11 June 2002 ORGANIZATION (02-3236) Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade Original: English NOTIFICATION The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6. 1. Member to Agreement notifying: THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2): 2. Agency responsible: General Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ) Name and address (including telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and web-site addresses, if available) of agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification shall be indicated if different from above: 3. Notified under Article 2.9.2 [ 4. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Food and cosmetics 5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document: Public Notice of General Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine, [2002] No.21, Chinese, 1 page. 6. Description of content: This Notice concerns the implementation of “General Administration of Import and Export Food Labeling” (Decree of State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine [2000] No.19) and “General Administration of Supervision and Inspection of Import and Export Cosmetics” (Decree of State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine [2000] No. 21). ], 2.10.1 [X], 5.6.2 [ ], 5.7.1 [ ], other: From 1 July 2002, all food and cosmetics imported to and exported from China shall be accompanied with the "CERTIFICATE OF IMPORT-EXPORT FOOD/COSMETICS LABELING VERIFICATION” when applying for inspection. Before 1 November 2002, “ACCEPTANCE OF TESTIFICATION” issued by AQSIQ will still be valid when applying for inspection. 7. Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable: To prevent misguide and fraud, protect people’s lives and public health, and to comply better with relevant regulations and standards in China. 8. Relevant documents: Public Notice of General Administration of Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine [2002] No.21; Decree of State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine [2000] No.19; Decree of State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine [2000] No. 21. 9. Proposed date of adoption: 1 March 2002 Proposed date of entry into force: 1 July 2002 10. Final date for comments: 30 June 2002 11. Texts available from: National enquiry point [X] or address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and web-site addresses, if available of the other body: EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN CHINA AGROFOOD INDUSTRY WORKING GROUP POSITION PAPER DECEMBER 2001 KEY RECOMMENDATIONS ► Progressively suspend state intervention on raw material prices, in line with the gradual suppression of import quotas. ► Examine international labelling standards with the view to avoid non-tariff barriers and define rules of reciprocal acceptance of labelled products. ► Apply non-discriminatory explicit rules for the approval of licences 1 BACKGROUND: During the course of 2001, the Agrofood group has met on an ad-hoc basis to identify and further investigate areas of common concern for its members. Members generally share the understanding that the largest multinational food companies have relied until now on their own organisation for contacts with the Chinese administrations and therefore have so far been little involved in the group activities. It is proposed for next year to join the sessions of one of the existing other groups, as an active sub-group, in order to benefit from the synergies of a larger audience. For the time being it is generally considered that last year’s comments are still valid. The EUCC Agrofood Working Group comprises of a wide range of companies of varying sizes acting at various stages of the production and distribution chain of Food or FoodIngredient products. In spite of this complex nature, the Agrofood Group companies share some common environmental patterns and are confronted with similar problems. The examples outlined in this summary are intended to support Agrofood companies’ requests for a constructive dialogue on some more specific aspects. Companies represented at the Agrofood Group can be broadly categorised into manufacturing and distribution companies on one side and trading companies on the other side. The first sub-group encompasses agro-industrial companies which first transform agricultural raw materials (cereals, sugar-cane, fruits and grapes…), light industries that manufacture fresh food, convenience food or beverage sectors and distribution (retailers) companies. The trading sub-group has a large number of participants involved in the import/export of food products and/or wholesale distribution. In spite of this wide range of activities, the Agrofood Group companies’ business is driven by some common factors: 1. Consumption growth is still high, double-digit in most cases, as a result of a more effective distribution system, an opening of consumers to the attraction of a wider offering and significant marketing efforts. 2. Consumer sensitivity to the safety of products is higher than in other markets. 3. Competition from existing local producers/actors is often fierce owing to price pressures. The inconsistency of the rules of the game (taxes/debt recovery/licences/intellectual rights…) further complicates this. 4. Brand image recognition is slow to build and calls for significant investments. 2) Key Problems Successful market access is jeopardised by particularities that can make even more difficult the assessment of future business profitability and therefore delay or amend investment decisions. Among initial examples discussed within the Agrofood group the following items may be pointed out: 1. Changes in regulatory environment for raw material procurement (intervention on price-fixing; storage and sale monopoly; harvest regulation, etc.) 2. Differences of appreciation in sanitary and phyto-sanitary specifications. 3. Appropriateness and complexity of labelling and packaging regulations. 4. Openness of decision process for the attribution/extension/renewal of specific business licences. 5. Infringements to intellectual/property rights. 3_ Recommendations The Agrofood Group wishes to establish grounds for a fruitful dialogue based on the following proposals: 1. Progressively suspend state intervention on raw material prices, in line with the gradual suppression of import quotas. 2. Clarify SPS rules and discuss the opportunity of a multi-lateral expert panel to handle sensitive situations. 3. Examine international labelling standards with the view to avoid non-tariff barriers and define rules of reciprocal acceptance of labelled products. 4. Apply non-discriminatory explicit rules for the approval of licences. 5. More generally eliminate potential discrimination resulting from uneven application of regulations affecting competitive performance (taxes and levies, direct or indirect subsidies, etc.) 6. Offer a stable and enforceable legal environment, in particular as regards protection of foreign investment (intellectual rights, patent protection, etc.) 4) Members Beijing Andros Fruit Company Beijing Boormalt Malting Co., Ltd Danisco A/S Beijing Rep. Office Eridania Beghin-Say M-Real alliance Beijing Rep. Office Nutreco China Rep. Office Ogilvy & Mather