China approves import of Austrian dairy products

CHINA – China has officially approved the importation of dairy products from Austria, according to an announcement made by the General Administration of Customs.

The approval followed a comprehensive evaluation of Austrian dairy production practices and adherence to strict health and safety regulations.

The decision was based on the relevant laws and regulations of both China and Austria, outlining inspection and quarantine requirements.

Additionally, the approval was governed by the Import and Export Animal and Plant Quarantine Law of China, the Implementation Regulations of the Import and Export Commodity Inspection Law of China, and the Food Safety Law of China, among others.

A key document in this approval process was the Protocol between the General Administration of Customs of China and the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection of Austria.

This protocol delineated the inspection and quarantine requirements for dairy products exported from Austria to China.

The importation green light extended to a variety of dairy products, including pasteurized milk, sterilized milk, mixed milk, fermented milk, cheese, recycled cheese, thin cream, cream, anhydrous cream, condensed milk, milk powder, whey powder, whey protein powder, bovine colostrum powder, casein, and milk-based infant formula, among others.

To ensure the safety and quality of the imported dairy products, stringent requirements were been set for production enterprises in Austria.

“These enterprises must be approved or registered by Austrian authorities, adhere to the standards of both China and Austria concerning animal and public health, and be registered in China according to the Food Safety Law of China,” the protocol declared.

“Dairy animals providing raw milk must meet specific criteria and the farms must also comply with the Austrian national residue control plan and test raw milk for harmful substances.”

The approval process for dairy products also included obtaining an Entry Plant and Animal Quarantine Permit for pasteurized and prepared milk produced through pasteurization technology.

In addition, dairy products exported to China must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate issued by the Austrian government.

Strict food safety requirements were also put in place, with dairy products needing to comply with both Austrian and Chinese laws, regulations, and national food safety standards.

The processing procedures involved sterilization with minimum temperatures, ensuring the safety and quality of the products.

Packaging and marking requirements were also been established, mandating that dairy products exported to China must be packaged with materials meeting Chinese standards.

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