China: COVID Testing and Disinfection on Imported Food and Ag Products Scheduled to End

On December 28, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) published Announcement No. 131 of 2022, indicating a change in classification of COVID-19 controls and management was forthcoming. The Announcement states that PRC-required testing and disinfection measures for the coronavirus applied to imported cold-chain foods and non-cold chain goods will end on January 8, 2023. Local industry contacts welcomed the removal of these additional processes that should result in cost reductions and improved clearance times. The PRC had issued earlier requirements for testing and disinfection through GACC Announcement No. 58 of 2022 and emergency measures in GACC Announcement No. 103 of 2020.