On 7 April 2016, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ) published Notification No. 31 of Year 2016 to publicise Norm on Inspection and Regulation of Imported Food Contact Articles, which will apply on 10 April 2016.

The norm is formulated in order to standardise and strengthen inspection and regulation of imported food contact products and guarantee product quality and safety in accordance with Law of the People’s Republic of China on Food Safety and implementation regulations, Law of the People’s Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection and implementation regulations, State Council’s Special Rules on Strengthening Product Safety and Supervision Administration, Administrative Measures on Recalls of Defected Consumer Products.

The norm applies to the inspection of regulation administration of M (inspection of imported commodity) or R (hygiene regulation and inspection of imported food) imported food contact products within Exit-Entry Commodity Catalogue Implemented by Inspection Quarantine Authority, covering paper, bamboo, metals, enamels, ceramics, plastics, rubber, natural fibre, chemical fibre, glass and composite vessels, utensils and cutlery. Packaging of imported/exported food, or machinery, electricals & electronics that intended to come into contact are subject to relevant rules.

Inspection and regulation administration on imported food contact products include filing, inspection, regulation administration of products. Pursuant to Chapter 3 of the Norm, importers and agents shall also provide Conformity Statement on Imported Food Contact Products when they submit materials for declaration of imported food contact products. Matters uncovered in established national standard on food safety shall be subject to laws.

In case imported food contact products prove to be not compliant due to safety, hygiene and environmental protection, Inspection & Quarantine Authority can issue Notice on Inspection & Quarantine Treatment to order party concerned to return or destroy. A re-test for passage under the supervision of Inspection & Quarantine Authority qualifies sale and use of the products if they fail in other items.

C&K Testing advises food contact products importers that products can be imported to China only when they are tested as per Chinese standards and improved along with food safety standards. It is noted that Chinese requirements on food contact materials are more stringent and importers should deal with due care.