The National Commission of the People's Republic of China has published 50 new national food product standards and 9 amendments to existing regulations. The documents were developed jointly with the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC, and will come into effect on September 19, 2025, reports the Russian Export Center (VEB.RF Group).
"These changes are aimed at improving the quality and safety of food products in the Chinese market," states the report.
Key changes in the new standards include:
- Updated labeling rules for pre-packaged foods;
- Revised requirements for materials that come into contact with food products;
- New standards for infant nutrition, including complementary foods and specialized formulas;
- Revisions to regulations on a number of food additives;
- Established hygiene standards and methods for product analysis, including microbiological criteria.
Amendments to existing standards cover:
- Permissible levels of contaminants;
- Requirements for raw and sterilized milk (including, as previously reported by some media outlets, a ban on the use of reconstituted milk in sterilized milk);
- Specifications for fruit jelly;
- The food additive "nitrous oxide";
- Methods for determining mycotoxins and other non-microbial substances in food products.
For businesses, the new standards mean the need to adapt production processes and update packaging and labeling documentation. According to the Analytical Center of the Russian Export Center (REC), companies operating in or planning to export to the Chinese market should begin preparing for product certification under the new requirements now to avoid delays and penalties upon import. The emphasis is placed on strict control of raw materials and improving product quality, which aligns with the People's Republic of China’s state policy aimed at enhancing food safety.
"We note that China’s share in Russian exports has nearly doubled over the past five years. In particular, in 2024, Russian exporters increased shipments of crustaceans (+16%) and wheat (by 2.2 times), with a significant growth also observed in pork exports," said the REC.
The full list of standards and amendments is available on the portal "Navigator of Market Barriers and Requirements." Additional information on foreign countries’ requirements for Russian exports can be found on the free platform "Barriers and Market Requirements" provided by the Russian Export Center.
Source: © DairyNews.ru
