AQSIQ's September 27 Notice: Imported Infant Formula Milk Powder Cannot Be Repacked in China; Chinese Labels Must Be Printed Before Entry

On September 27, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) issued an announcement on strengthening the administration of imported infant formula milk powder, with packaging and labeling compliance at its core. The announcement prohibits repacking imported bulk infant formula milk powder within China and affixing Chinese labels within China, and states that milk powder without Chinese labels may not be sold.

According to the announcement, these requirements are intended to implement the State Council's arrangements for further strengthening the quality and safety of infant milk powder, and the specific rules are set out below.

I. For the purposes of the announcement, infant formula milk powder covers infant formula milk powder, older infant formula milk powder and young child formula milk powder.

II. Overseas manufacturers that export infant formula milk powder to China must register in accordance with the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Dairy Products (AQSIQ Order No. 152), the Provisions on the Administration of Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food (AQSIQ Order No. 145), and the Announcement of the AQSIQ on Publishing the Catalogue for the Implementation of Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food (AQSIQ Announcement No. 62 of 2013). From May 1, 2014, infant formula milk powder from unregistered overseas manufacturers may not be imported.

III. If the period from the inspection declaration date to the shelf-life expiry date of imported infant formula milk powder is less than 3 months, the product may not be imported.

IV. Importing bulk infant formula milk powder into China for repacking is strictly prohibited; imported infant formula milk powder must already be filled in small retail packages for sale to consumers.

V. From April 1, 2014, Chinese labels on imported infant formula milk powder must be printed directly on the small retail packages before entry into China and may not be affixed within China. If a product package has no Chinese label, or its Chinese label does not comply with Chinese laws and regulations and national food safety standards, the product will be returned or destroyed as non-conforming.

Unless otherwise specified, all requirements in the announcement take effect from the date of issuance.

Source: China Packaging Network (pack.cn); original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-361865.html