Core Quarantine Protocols for Imported Breeding Pigs

 

 

By Wang Jianwen, Sun Fangfang, and Sun Yan

Amid a surge in domestic demand for high-quality breeding pigs over recent years, Chinese Customs authorities have tightened end-to-end quarantine and supervision over imported breeding pigs. Stricter protocols now govern every stage of the process, from market access and pre-inspection to discharge and isolation, aimed at shoring up the nation’s biosecurity defenses.

Laying the Groundwork for Quarantine Clearance

Market access for quarantine purposes: China enforces a rigorous quarantine access regime for imported breeding pigs, with Customs authorities implementing a range of measures, including the signing of bilateral protocols, risk analysis in the exporting countries, and the registration of overseas breeding farms. Only if such pigs meet the requirements, will a consignment be granted entry.

Isolation facility approval: Before applying via the integrated online service platform of Customs, importers must first secure a designated isolation facility approved by Customs for quarantine purpose. Following an inspection, Customs will issue a Certificate for Designated Quarantine Facilities Utilization of Imported and Exported Animals of the People’s Republic of China. The relevant construction standards are available on the platform for reference.

Quarantine permit: Prior to signing any trade contract, importers should apply for quarantine approval through the integrated online service platform of Customs, submitting the necessary documents, including the Certificate for Designated Quarantine Facilities Utilization. Upon verification, Customs authority will issue the Permit of the People's Republic of China for the Quarantine of Entry Animals and Plants, which is required for Customs clearance.

Tightening Pre-Export Quarantine Oversight

Pre-export quarantine: In line with bilateral protocol requirements, Customs officials conduct comprehensive pre-export inspections digitally, including on-farm quarantine, isolation facility checks, and laboratory disease testing, to verify the health status of the breeding pigs. Pigs that pass the pre-inspection are then loaded under Customs supervision and shipped to China with an official animal health certificate issued by the exporting country.

Ensuring End-to-End Discharge Supervision

Disease Prevention & Disinfection: When breeding pigs are shipped to the port, Customs authority immediately launches on-site quarantine procedures to ensure end-to-end discharge supervision. Under Customs oversight, importers must thoroughly disinfect the unloading area, facilities, and equipment, and ensure that staff handling the pigs follow proper personal protection and disinfection protocols.

Port quarantine: Customs conducts onboard inspections, checking each pig's health and verifying accompanying documents, including the animal health certificate, certificate of origin, contract, and waybill. Only pigs that clear port quarantine may be unloaded from the transport vehicle and then transported to the designated isolation facility for Quarantine purpose under full Customs supervision.

Standardizing Isolation Facility Quarantine Controls

Quarantine at the isolation facility: Upon arrival at the designated isolation facility, the breeding pigs begin a 45-day quarantine period, during which Customs maintains round-the-clock on-site supervision. Throughout this period, Customs officials conduct clinical health observations and disease testing, while ensuring that importers strictly implement biosecurity measures, including feeding management, environmental disinfection, and safe waste disposal.

Certification and clearance: Upon successful completion of the 45-day quarantine period and confirmation of compliance, Customs authority issues the Inspection and Quarantine Certificate of Entry Goods, granting clearance for the pigs. With this certificate, importers may transport the pigs to the breeding farm for production and breeding.

The quarantine and supervision of imported breeding pigs represent a vital step in the efforts of Customs authority to fortify national biosecurity and a key contribution to the nation's seed industry revitalization initiative. By understanding the core requirements and ensuring full preparation as well as compliance at every stage, importers can achieve efficient and smooth Customs clearance for their breeding pigs. (by an author from Shenyang Customs)