Through the WTO, China took advantage of its membership in building a fast rising import and trade business by establishing a lot of multi-lateral agreements with other countries. Due to the cheap products purchased by developed countries from China, the latter had a rapid growth in its export industry. As a result, China’s goods are at every nook and cranny all over the world, but one aspect of its import business that is encountering some difficulties especially on its safety standard is the Food Import sector. The unforgettable China milk scandal that contained melamine has brought panic to worldwide consumers making almost all food items from China a suspect. As a result, countries like the United States have toughened its restrictions when screening food imports from China. Likewise, China’s authorities, mainly the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China (AQSIQ), in-charge of food import and export, has been working very hard recently to tighten also standards for food coming from other countries as well as reported by the Global Times only last July 2010.

China has been heavily importing food also from other countries since the Chinese have also acquired taste for certain western dishes that young Chinese people consume. Also, the population has expanded buying power for even imported gourmet foods especially the upscale market. However, food safety is now a priority by the country, requiring first time exporters to comply with the regulations of AQSIQ. Imported food would undergo a strict inspection process specially those came from a long journey.

For those who are interested in the China Food import business, it is important to check the latest regulations on safety and inspection. It is important to attend food fair and expos to have a brief introduction on China’s Food Import. There are a lot of opportunities to export to China because of the ever changing palate of its population. For more information about the China Food Market visit our website…