China Customs announces inspection of Hazardous chemicals subject to Import/Export

On 22 Dec. 2020, the General Administration of Customs  has released an announcement on the inspection of hazardous chemicals subject to import and export. According to the Regulations on the Safety of Hazardous Chemicals (Decree No. 591 of the State Council), the Customs is responsible for the inspection of the import and export of hazardous chemicals and their packaging. 

Hazardous chemicals are substances or mixtures that can pose a significant risk to health and safety if not managed correctly. They may have health hazards, physical hazards or both. So, enterprises must provide the following information when importing their products:

1. Declaration of conformity for Enterprises Importing Hazardous Chemicals
2. In terms of products that require the addition of inhibitor/stabilizer(s), name and quantity must be provided
3. Label and SDS in Chinese.

When applying for export declaration:

1. Declaration of conformity for enterprises exporting hazardous chemicals
2. Testing results of transport packaging performance (bulk commodities and products exempted from transport packages of dangerous goods excepted)
3. Hazard Classification report
4. Label and SDS in Chinese
5. In terms of products that require the addition of inhibitor/stabilizer(s), name and quantity must be provided

The import and export enterprises of hazardous chemicals must ensure that the hazardous chemicals meet these requirements:

1. Mandatory requirements of China’s national technical specifications (for application of imported products/goods)
2. Relevant international conventions, rules, treaties, agreements, protocol…. etc
3. Importing national and regional technical regulations and standards (applicable to export products)
4. The technical specifications and standards designated by the General Administration of Customs and the former General Administration of Quality Inspection

The import and export of hazardous chemicals used as food and food additives shall comply with the relevant provisions on food safety

The announcement will be effective from 10 January, 2021 while repealing the notice of 2012.