Deer antlers have long been highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine and health supplements. As public health awareness continues to grow, so does domestic and international consumer demand for deer antler products. To strengthen national biosecurity and protect public health as well as the sound development of domestic industries, China has implemented a series of quarantine and supervision measures covering the import, processing, and export of deer antlers. Below are the key regulatory aspects.
I. Quarantine Requirements for Import
China enforces a quarantine access system for imported deer antlers. It grants approval through the signing of bilateral protocols and other arrangements, which encompass processing the exporting country's application, conducting risk analysis, assessing and reviewing safety and hygiene control systems, determining inspection and quarantine requirements, and registering overseas production enterprises. Currently, only deer antlers from New Zealand meet these requirements and are permitted for import.
II. Quarantine Approval Process for Import
Prior to signing trade contracts or agreements, enterprises must apply for and obtain the Permit of the People's Republic of China for the Quarantine of Entry Animals and Plants which is reviewed, approved, and issued by the directly supervising Customs authority.
Applications can be submitted under the “Quarantine of Animals and Plants” section of the online service platform of “Internet plus Customs” (URL: http://online.customs.gov.cn/) under the General Administration of Customs, where enterprises can select the appropriate category and complete the submission process.
III. Quarantine at the Port
Imported deer antlers are categorized based on use: frozen antlers for processing and dried antlers for medicinal purposes, with frozen antlers comprising the majority of imports in China. Upon arrival at the port, Customs authorities conduct on-site inspections of deer antlers according to the following guidelines:
(I) Document Verification
1. Customs officials verify whether the deer antlers originate from registered enterprises;
2. Whether a Permit for the Quarantine of Entry Animals and Plantshas been obtained;
3. Whether the health certificate is authentic and valid.
4. Officials also examine accompanying documents, including the veterinary health certificate, certificate of origin, contract, invoice, packing list, and waybill. They also query departure time, port of origin, transit countries or regions, and the loading list, cross-checking all information to verify its authenticity and validity.
(II) Cargo Inspection
1. Inspection will be conducted to verify that cargo description, including its name, quantity (weight), exporting country/region, packaging, shipping marks, and labels, corresponds exactly with the accompanying documents;
2. All packaging and containers are intact and that any plant-based or animal-based packaging or cushioning materials comply with relevant regulations within China;
3. There is no spoilage, contamination by pest, presence of animal excreta, or other animal tissues;
4. There are no concealed animal carcasses, soil, or other materials prohibited from entry.
Given the high risk of frozen deer antlers carrying major animal diseases, including zoonosis, such as foot-and-mouth disease, bluetongue disease, tuberculosis, and brucellosis, Customs also supervises the disinfection of transport vehicles, loading containers, external packaging, cushioning materials, and contaminated sites when checking on site. Only after passing on-site quarantine at the entry port may the deer antlers be transported to designated production, processing, or storage facilities.
IV. Designated Processing Facilities
Customs authorities require enterprises involved in the production, processing, and storage of imported frozen deer antlers to complete a filing process for management. Applicants must submit the following documents:
(I) Application Form for Designated Enterprises for Storage and Processing ofInedible imported Animal Products;
(II) A detailed facility layout plan, supported by photos or video of key operational areas;
(III) A process flowchart specifying critical parameters such as processing temperature, types and concentrations of chemical reagents used, pH levels, processing duration, and relevant equipment;
(IV) A comprehensive set of management rules and regulations covering all stages of production, processing, and storage, including the leading group for veterinary health and epidemic prevention and its responsibilities, systems for warehouse entry/exit registration and processing log management, protocols for epidemic prevention treatment and quarantine drug management, systems for warehouse entry/exit registration and processing log, personnel management procedures, emergency outbreak response plans, and effective safety and security systems covering fire prevention, theft prevention, bird prevention, insect prevention, rat control, and other hazards.
Applications can be submitted under the “Quarantine of Animals and Plants” section of theonline service platform of “Internet plus Customs” (URL: http://online.customs.gov.cn/), where enterprises can select the appropriate category and complete the submission process.
Upon arrival at designated facilities for production, processing and storage, deer antlers must undergo treatments such as boiling, roasting, freezing, or drying. Customs officials supervise all aspects of storage, processing, personnel safety, and waste disposal, and perform animal disease testing for such deer antlers as required.
V. Packaging and Storage Requirements
Processed deer antlers must be packagedor pre-packagedin new, food-grade materials that comply with international hygiene standards and are non-toxic and harmless. Labels must clearly indicate the product name, weight, country of origin, and other relevant details. Additionally, such processed deer antlers must be stored separately to avoid cross-contamination.
VI. Export Procedures
Prior to export, enterprises must apply for inspection and quarantine to Customs through the China International Trade Single Window. The local Customs office shall conduct on-site inspection and quarantine in accordance with the regulations of the destination country or region upon the acceptance of application. Key steps include:
(I) Document-Cargo Verification. Ensuring consistency between shipping documents and the actual goods in terms of name, quantity (weight), production date, batch number, packaging, shipping marks, and the name of the exporting manufacturer.
(II) Sampling. This involves collecting samples based on relevant standards and the requirements of the importing country or region, and then a Sampling Voucher should be issued.
(III) Sensory Evaluation. Assessing the integrity of packaging and containers, along with organoleptic properties such as appearance, color, texture, viscosity, odor, and the presence of foreign matter or discoloration.
Deer antlers that pass inspection and quarantine are issued relevant certificates by the local Customs authority, enabling enterprises to complete Customs declaration and export clearance procedures using the electronic ledger receipt number and supporting documentation.
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