FDA Says Food Exporter Info Provided to China, but Still Working on Self-Filing Exemption

FDA has provided China’s General Administration of Customs of China with a list of U.S. food exporter establishments that sought to be recommended for registration in China under upcoming requirements that take effect Jan. 1, it said. The agency had been collecting facility information to avoid a disruption in trade when China’s Decree 248 takes effect (See 2112060045). The decree requires that exporting countries recommend registration of establishments involved in export to China of foods in 18 categories.

FDA says it continues to engage with China on whether U.S. exporters should be bound by the requirement to go through the agency at all, or whether they should be allowed to self-register. “Given the ongoing lack of clarity, the United States is continuing to press China for a delay in implementation of these Decrees by at least 18 months,” it said. FDA has said U.S. firms should be alllowed to self-register under the phase one deal.