USDA Outlines China’s Zika-Virus-Related Policies for Imports from U.S.

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U.S. cargo shipments originating from the U.S. on or after Aug. 5, 2016, destined to China must comply with China’s new policies for shipments coming in from Zika-affected countries, according to an update on the policy released by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on Aug. 19. Link to USDA information.

USDA statement. “Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) August 2, 2016, listing of the U.S.as a country reporting mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission, Chinese authorities now require mosquito disinsection for all U.S.-origin shipments to China,” FAS said in a document outlining their understanding of the Chinese rules. “As of August 5, forty other countries, including Mexico and Brazil, are subject to these requirements.” FAS noted that disinsection is not be confused with “disinfection.”

FAS stated the information provided is not “official guidance” on complying with Chinese rules. Rather, FAS said, it reflects their understanding of the rules from China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) following an Aug. 18 meeting between staff from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing met with AQSIQ’s Department of Supervision and Health Quarantine.

Further, FAS stated that “this information may change as further clarifications and updates are made available to FAS from Chinese authorities. FAS is actively engaging with relevant Chinese ministries, U.S. government counterparts, and industry stakeholders to clarify implementation of the new requirements and minimize potential trade disruptions.”

Current requirements. Chinese authorities require all cargo shipments originating from the United States to provide proof of disinsection upon arrival at the Chinese port, both either air or sea. “This applies to all vessels that left the United States on or after August 5, with the exception of containers kept at or under a temperature of 15°C (59°F),” FAS said.

The disinsection treatment “may be carried out by either physical or chemical means, and does not require fumigation. Physical means could include trapping, air curtains, or other integrated pest-management techniques. Chemical means could include surface spraying, space spraying, or fumigation, depending on the shipper’s choice. The treatment used should take into account human health and safety.”

The treatment can take place during any part of the shipping process, and the proof of disinsection does not have to be issued by the government. Plus, FAS noted that the vessel or the container has to be certified, but not the goods themselves.

Consequences. If shipments are found to contain live mosquito eggs, larvae, or mosquitoes during inspection at the Chinese port, FAS said that means they would be subject to disinsection, including shipments that are chilled below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). FAS said the disinsection costs may vary, “but AQSIQ estimates that it will be about RMB 200 ($30) for a 20-foot container and RMB 400 ($60) for a 40-foot container.”

All WHO member countries where Zika is present will be subject to the same requirements.

China’s policy applies to Zika and yellow fever, and will remain in effect until March 2017, subject to adjustment or renewal depending on the situation.

Comments: USDA of course stressed in the information provided that any final import approval of any product “is subject to the importing country’s rules and regulations as interpreted by border officials at the time of product entry.” USDA urged exporters to “verify the full set of import requirements with their foreign customers.”

U.S. exporters said if they fumigate all containers destined for Chinese ports, it would result in added costs estimated between $100 and $200 per container. Small and medium exporters say they stand to be hurt the most from any supply-chain disruptions. American exporters ship about 5.1 million containers, worth about $255 billion per year to China, according to the Agriculture Transportation Coalition. Denmark’s Maersk Line, the world’s biggest container operator, said that for now it does not expect any delays of U.S. cargo to China and it is working to further understand the fumigation requirement.

However, the information provided by USDA indicates fumigation is one option but not a requirement, according to their understanding of the policy based on their meeting with Chinese officials.

NOTE: This column is copyrighted material; therefore reproduction or retransmission is prohibited under U.S. copyright laws.