Goldfish, as aquatic animals, require inspection and quarantine oversight at various stages before export. This process involves multiple steps, including the registration of breeding farms and transit sites, declaration for inspection, pre-export inspection and quarantine, supervision and management. This article will introduce the key points regarding the inspection, quarantine and supervision for exit goldfish.
I. Registration
Goldfish breeding farms and transit sites must meet the conditions including environmental hygiene, water quality for breeding, facilities and equipment, technical personnel, and management systems. Eligible goldfish farms and transit sites need to apply for registration with the directly affiliated local customs, and submit relevant materials such as registration application form, breeding permit and layout diagram of the premises. Applicants can submit their applications through the "Internet + Customs" platform (http://online.customs.gov.cn/) under the administrative approval section. The directly affiliated customs will decide whether to grant registration within 20 days from the date of accepting the application, and the "Registration Certificate" shall be valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
II. Inspection Declaration Requirements
Goldfish intended for export must be declared for inspection at the customs office in the area where the registered breeding farm or transit site is located at least seven days prior to export. This can be done through the goods declaration section of the China International Trade Single Window platform (http://www.singlewindow.cn/). Exporters must fill out the declaration form and submit necessary documents such as the foreign trade contract, invoice, and packing list. Breeding farms and transit farms shall ensure that their exit goldfish meet the standards of the importing country or region or comply with the contract requirements, and issue a "Supply Certificate for Exit Aquatic Animals".
III. Inspection and Quarantine
The customs will carry out inspection and quarantine on exit goldfish in accordance with laws and regulations such as the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine", the "Measures for Supervising and Administering the Inspection and Quarantine of Exit Aquatic Animals", bilateral inspection and quarantine agreements, inspection and quarantine requirements of importing countries or regions and those specified in trade contracts. After receiving the declaration, customs will verify the "Supply Certificate for Exit Aquatic Animals" issued by the breeding farm or transit site and conduct inspections based on disease monitoring results, daily supervision records, and other relevant information.
IV. Certification and Release
For goldfish that pass the inspection and quarantine process, customs will seal the transport containers or means of transport and issue an "Animal Health Certificate" according to the requirements of the importing country or region. Additionally, the outer packaging or transport containers of exit goldfish must be labeled with the full name of the exporting company, the names and registration numbers of the breeding farm and transit site, as well as details of the goldfish species and quantities. Finally, after on-site inspection by the customs at the port of departure, the goods are allowed to be released if they conform to the certificates and have intact seals.
V. Supervision and Management
The customs implements a daily supervision and management and annual review system for registered goldfish breeding farms and transit sites. Random inspections are carried out in accordance with the aquatic animal disease monitoring plan. The daily supervision and management includes 10 items such as environmental hygiene, disease control, use and management of medications. Registered exit goldfish breeding farms and transit sites shall establish a self-inspection and self-control system, and be responsible for the safety and hygiene quality of export goldfish.
VI. Legal Liability
According to the "Measures for Supervising and Administering the Inspection and Quarantine of Exit Aquatic Animals", customs may impose fines or, in severe cases, revoke registration certificates for individuals or companies found in violation of the following regulations:
(I) Concealing and not reporting an outbreak of epidemic disease that should be reported;
(II) Changing water, filling oxygen or ice, altering packages or switching means of transport outside of customs-designated areas;
(III) Tampering with or damaging quarantine seals;
(IV) Storing medications prohibited for use in China or the importing country/region;
(V) Refusing to accept customs supervision or management.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of this website. The Chinese version shall prevail.