The customs has implemented a market access system for imported infant formula milk powder and has strict inspection and quarantine supervision requirements. Careful mothers can find that, in fact, you can see a lot of information about a milk powder from the Chinese label on the outer packaging. This article gives relevant answers to consumers on how to purchase imported milk powder.

Q1: How do moms know whether the milk powder purchased in China is the original product imported through the formal channels?

A: 1. Look at the Chinese label. The Chinese label must be printed directly on the smallest sales package.

2. Obtain the "Inbound Goods Inspection and Quarantine Certificate" from the dealer. The Certificate will list the product name, specifications, country of origin, production date/batch number and other information.

3. If you have any questions, you can consult the customs department that issued the certification documents.

Q2: Is there a quick way to distinguish the authenticity of imported milk powder?

A: Yes. Three methods to quickly identify.

1. If you see imported infant formula milk powder is less than three months away from the shelf life, don't buy it!

China stipulates that infant formula milk powder with a shelf life of less than 3 months cannot be imported.

2. See the infant formula milk powder marked as imported subpackage, don’t buy it!

In China, bulk packaging of infant formula milk powder is strictly prohibited within the country. imported infant formula milk powder must be filled in the smallest retail package sold to consumers. Bulk infant formula milk powder is not imported.

3. See imported infant formula milk powder without Chinese labels, do not buy it!

The Chinese label of imported infant formula milk powder must be directly printed on the smallest sales package before entry. Infant formula milk powder without a Chinese label will not be imported.

Q3. Are foreign infant milk powder standards the same as China?

A: No, there is a difference.

Infant milk powder standards in different countries are formulated based on factors such as the eating habits and dietary nutrition level of their own infants and young children. Taking the protein content of milk powder as an example, the daily intake of milk protein in the daily diet of residents in Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand is significantly higher than that of Chinese residents, so the protein content of their milk powder is lower than the Chinese standard.

Q4. How does the customs supervise the imported infant formula milk powder through formal channels?

A: Foreign infant formula milk powder exported to China through formal channels must break through "seven barriers"

1. Market access.

2. Enterprise registration.

3. The filing of importers and exporters.

4. The foreign official health certificate must be attached.

5. The test report of the product must be attached to prove that the product meets the requirements of Chinese standards.

6. The Chinese label of the product must be directly printed on the smallest sales package.

7. The inspection of imported dairy products by local customs in accordance with relevant national regulations and standards.

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Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry. 

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