In a previous article we reported about China drafting a new import regulation for bovine sera. Importation of bovine serum into China has become subsequently more and more difficult in the past months. Even companies importing bovine serum under a special permit have not been able to receive a renewal. The reason is that the official requirements for importation are going to change dramatically in the near future.
In the course of 2014 China posed a ban on bovine serum imports from Australia and New Zealand. The reason was BVD virus detected in serum shipments upon entry into the country. The ban came quite surprisingly since the absence of BVD virus in the imported product was - until that moment - no official requirement of the Chinese veterinary health authorities (AQSIQ).
Since that time China has put a lot of efforts to draft a clear, understandable and comprehensive import regulation for bovine sera. While still under preparation, some information is already available. It can serve serum exporters to China prepare for the future.
For example, bovine serum eligible for export to China must be processed in registered and officially approved by AQSIQ establishments. The product must be collected from animals that have passed ante- and post- mortem inspection and have been declared fit for human consumption.
The bovine serum must be tested and found negative for a number of diseases such as: BVD, Bluetongue, Bovine adenovirus, Bovine parvovirus, Rabies, Akabane, PI-3 Vesicular stomatitis etc. Additional requirements apply; also the test methods are going to be determined by the new regulation.
This is a great step ahead as importers will have a clear guidance in regards to what they can ship to China. We are looking forward to seeing the final rule published by AQSIQ in the coming months.
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