China has approved new standards for food products

The new documents were developed in coordination with the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation of the People's Republic of China. The primary objective of the changes is to improve the quality and safety of food products in China.

Key changes:

• Labeling: Rules for pre-packaged products have been revised.

• Packaging materials: New requirements have been established for materials that come into contact with food.

• Infant nutrition: Standards have been introduced for complementary foods and specialized formulas.

• Food additives: Updated regulations on usage and hygiene requirements.

• Dairy products: The addition of reconstituted milk to sterilized milk is now prohibited.

• Contaminant control: New methods for analyzing mycotoxins and other non-microbial substances have been introduced.

• Fruit jelly and nitrous oxide: Permissible limits and assessment methods have been clarified.

As highlighted by the Analytical Center of the Russian Export Center, companies that export to China or are planning to enter the Chinese market must begin preparing for product certification in accordance with the new standards without delay. This will help avoid risks such as customs delays, import refusals, and fines.

Special attention should be given to:

• Updating packaging and labeling documentation;

• Aligning raw materials and production processes with the new standards;

• Adapting to new hygiene and microbiological requirements.

China’s share in Russian exports has doubled over the past five years. In 2024, an increase in exports was recorded for the following categories:

• Crustaceans — up by 16%,

• Wheat — up 2.2 times,

• Pork — a multiple-fold increase in volume