CHINA

Capital: Beijing
Population:  1,313,974,000
Currency: Renminbi (Yuan)
Official Language(s): Mandarin Chinese

I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)

Please click on the above link for a list of chemical MRLs.

II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION

Clear and consistent information about these policies is not available.  It is highly recommended that exporters verify these requirements with their importers.

    A. Chemical residue standards:

       In 1999, China published a list documenting 94 maximum residue levels (MRLs).  An internal Chinese government memorandum lists a total of 126 MRLs.  This list is not published but the MRLs are still subject to enforcement.

    B. Monitoring chemical residues:

      Monitoring rules and practices exist, but in practice are rarely carried out.

    C. Restrictions on use of waxes:

      None.

III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS

China instituted measures governing the certification procedures, production, processing, marketing and labeling of organic products in 2005.  By the end of 2006, labels will be required on all organic foods along with international certifications.  Shippers are advised to work closely with importers to ensure compliance.

IV. TARIFFS

Apples           10%
Pears             10%
Cherries         10%

    In addition to the tariffs, fresh fruit imports also are subject to a 13% value-added tax.

V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS

    A. Labeling requirements:

      There are Standardized Labeling Requirements for shipping apples to China.  A USDA Shield stamp is also required.  Please contact Northwest Fruit Exporters (NFE@goodfruit.com or 509/576-8004).  

    B. Licenses and quotas:

      China requires importers to obtain Quarantine Import Permits (QIPs).  Please refer to the pest and plant disease restrictions section below for more information.

    C. Currency Issues:

      On July 20, 2005 the PRC changed its policy of pegging the yuan to the U.S. dollar and moved to a "managed float."  This monetary policy pegs the yuan to a basket of currencies and allows Chinas' currency to fluctuate by plus or minus 0.3 percent per day.

    D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:

      Importers must obtain Quarantine Import Permits (QIP) prior to signing contracts with exporters.  The quarantine requirements specified in the QIP must be written into the contract.  Please work closely with your importer to verify compliance with this regulation.

      Sweet Cherries:

      A phytosanitary certificate (PC) is required.   Also, an additional declaration (AD) that, "All fruit in this shipment has been grown in accordance with relevant regulations of PRC and within the approved growing sites."

      Fruit must be certified in accordance with the Work Plan for the Exportation of Sweet Cherries from the States of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

      Apples:

      A PC is required for apples from Washington, Oregon or Idaho.  Only Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples can be certified for export.  No ADs are required or authorized.  However, detailed phytosanitary requirements and operational guidelines for exporting apples from Washington, Oregon and Idaho to China are in force.

      On August 7, 2008 USDA/APHIS issued new inspection guidelines concerning fruit decay in apples destined for export to China.  Contact your local state inspection service official for more information.

      Growers and packers must comply with export work plans which have been developed for apples and cherries.  Responsibility for coordinating industry operations under the apple and cherry work plans resides with the Northwest Fruit Exporters, a private non-profit corporation with an export trade certificate of review. 

      For further information contact:
      Jim Archer
      Northwest Fruit Exporters
      105 So. 18th St., Suite 227
      Yakima, WA  98901-2149
      (509) 576-8004
      FAX:  (509) 576-3646

      Pears:

Alleged phytosanitary concerns regarding fire blight and unknown other concerns presently prevent the export of U.S. pears to the PRC.

E.  Other Requirements:

Solid Wood Packing Material (SWPM) Regulations:

      Please refer to the SWPM section of the NHC's Technical Bulletins and Industry Advice.

      Ports of Entry:

      Apples:  Guangzhou, Shanghai, Dalian, Beijing, Haikou, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, Nanjing,  Shekou and Yanitain.

      Cherries:  No restrictions.

VI.  SUBSIDIES

Due to the lack of transparency, it is difficult to determine the extent or existence of subsidies provided to Chinese growers.  At the national level there is little reported government assistance provided for domestic growers beyond low interest monetary loans and information distribution. On the provincial level assistance may take the form of free technical advice and training, help with sales and promotion, and organization of supplies, such as fertilizer.

VII.  MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST TREE FRUIT INDUSTRY

Northwest Cherry Growers/Washington Apple Commission:

Philander Fan
Marketing Plus
HONG KONG
Voice:  011-852-2554-1600
Fax:     011-852-3676-1960
E-mail:  pfmk@i-cable.com

Pear Bureau Northwest:

Louis Ng
Louis Ng & Associates Ltd.
HONG KONG
Voice:   011-852 2858 2230
Fax:      011-852 2559 5896
E-mail:  admin@Lnahk.com.hk 

VIII.  OTHER RESOURCE LINKS:

Governmental: 

Private:

IX. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service provides detailed information on the U.S. - China WTO Accession Agreement at its website.

The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) officially became the World Trade Organization's 143rd member on December 11, 2001.  January 1, 2002 was the effective date of this new trade status for the PRC.


Special thanks to
FAS Field Office - China

105 South 18th Street, Suite 105
Yakima, Washington 98901, USA
Voice: (509) 453-3193, Fax: (509) 457-7615

E-mail general@nwhort.org