The Chinese government recently proposed a draft rule on food imports that has the European and U.S. governments concerned. Trade officials from both nations are concerned that the new rules could hamper billions of dollars in goods like coffee, pasta, and biscuits, that are all shipped to the number two economy in the world. The proposed rule is part of a push by China to increase its oversight of the country’s large food supply chain. The new rule for shipping food imports into China will require imports to have health certificates with them, even if the products are designated as low risk. Pork Network Dot Com says the new regulations will add costs and logistical headaches to a large number of companies that do business in China. Germany’s Ambassador to China, Michael Clauss, told Reuters, “The new draft has clearly crossed a line from protecting the consumer to outright protectionism of the domestic producer.” Chinese producers will not be required to meet the same standards. The Chinese Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine is the group that oversees food import safety and a Reuters request for more information from the agency was not responded to.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.