China: PRC Updates Control Measures for Imported Cold Chain Foods and Non-Cold Chain Goods

On July 8, the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) issued “Announcement No. 58 of 2022,” repealing “Announcement No. 103 of 2020,” which established emergency COVID-19 control measures on imported cold-chain foods. On July 11, GACC issued an “Interpretation” of Announcement No. 58, providing additional guidance. Also on July 8, the National Health Commission (NHC) issued a Notice revising COVID-19 prevention and control measures on imported non-cold chain goods. Both the GACC announcement and NHC notice emphasize that sampling and testing of imported cold chain foods will continue and that overseas food manufacturers may still be subject to suspension of imports, revocation of registration, or required to take corrective actions, including those associated with COVID-19, under other GACC measures.