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  • Food Safety
    • Recalls & Public Health Alerts
      • Report a Problem with Food
        • Additional Recalls
      • Annual Recall Summaries
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2012
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2013
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2014
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2015
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2016
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2017
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2018
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2019
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2020
        • Summary of Recall Cases in Calendar Year 2021
    • Food Safety Stats
      • Consumer Research
    • Foodborne Illness and Disease
      • Illnesses and Pathogens
        • Campylobacter
          • Campylobacter En Español
        • Clostridium botulinum
        • Escherichia coli O157:H7
        • Parasites and Foodborne Illness
        • Salmonella Questions and Answers
      • Resources for Public Health Partners
        • State Departments of Public Health
      • Outbreaks
        • Outbreak Investigations: Prevention
        • Outbreak Investigations: Response
    • Safe Food Handling and Preparation
      • Food Safety Basics
        • Additives in Meat and Poultry Products
        • Appliance Thermometers
        • Asar a la parrilla y seguridad alimentaria
        • Cleanliness Helps Prevent Foodborne Illness
        • Cooking for Groups
        • Cooking with Microwave Ovens
        • Cutting Boards
        • Deep Fat Frying
        • Doneness Versus Safety
        • Food Allergies
        • Glossary of Packaging Terms
        • Grilling Food Safely
        • Grilling and Food Safety
        • High Altitude Cooking
        • How Temperatures Affect Food
        • How to Find the USDA Establishment Number
        • Importing Meat, Poultry & Egg Products US
        • Inspection for Food Safety: The Basics
        • Irradiation and Food Safety FAQ
        • Keeping "Bag" Lunches Safe
        • Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
        • Kitchen Thermometers
        • Mail Order Food Safety
        • Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms
        • Meat and Poultry Packaging Materials
        • Natural Flavors on Meat and Poultry Labels
        • Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods
        • Slaughter Inspection 101
        • Slow Cookers and Food Safety
        • Smoking Meat and Poultry
        • Tailgating Food Safety Q & A
        • Understanding FSIS Food Recalls
        • Water in Meat & Poultry
        • Danger Zone 40F - 140F
        • Food Product Dating
        • Freezing and Food Safety
        • Leftovers and Food Safety
        • Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous?
          • Hongos en los Alimentos: ¿Son Peligrosos?
        • Refrigeration
        • Safe Temperature Chart
        • Shelf-Stable Food
        • Steps to Keep Food Safe
        • The Big Thaw — Safe Defrosting Methods
        • The Color of Meat and Poultry
        • Washing Food: Does it Promote Food Safety?
        • Food Safety While Hiking, Camping & Boating
        • Seguridad Alimentaria Durante Caminatas, Campamentos y Paseos en Bote
      • Meat
        • Bacon and Food Safety
        • Bagre de la Granja a la Mesa
        • Beef From Farm To Table
        • Bison from Farm to Table
        • Carne de res ablandada mecánicamente
        • Catfish from Farm to Table
        • Color of Cooked Ground Beef as It Relates to Doneness
        • Corned Beef
        • Door-to-Door Meat Sales
        • Fresh Pork from Farm to Table
        • Goat from Farm to Table
        • Ground Beef and Food Safety
        • Hams and Food Safety
        • Hot Dogs & Food Safety
        • Jerky
        • Lamb From Farm to Table
        • Mechanically Tenderized Beef
        • Rabbit From Farm to Table
        • Roasting Those "Other" Holiday Meats
        • Sausages and Food Safety
        • Veal from Farm to Table
        • Yersiniosis and Chitterlings Tips
      • Poultry
        • Chicken From Farm to Table
        • Chicken Liver
        • Duck and Goose from Farm to Table
        • Hock Locks and Other Accoutrements
        • Is Pink Turkey Meat Safe?
        • Let's Talk Turkey Roasting
        • Poultry Processing: Questions & Answers
        • Poultry: Basting, Brining, and Marinating
        • Stuffing and Food Safety
        • The Poultry Label Says "Fresh"
        • Turduckens Require Safe Food Handling
        • Turkey Basics: Handling Cooked Dinners
        • Turkey Basics: Safe Cooking
        • Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing
        • Turkey Basics: Stuffing
        • Turkey from Farm to Table
        • Turkey: Alternate Routes to the Table
      • Eggs
        • Egg Products and Food Safety
        • Shell Eggs from Farm to Table
      • Emergencies
        • A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes
        • Fires and Food Safety
        • Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
        • Removing Odors from Refrigerators and Freezers
      • USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
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  • Science & Data
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        • Baseline Microbiology Data Reports
        • Microbiological Testing Program for RTE Meat and Poultry Products
          • Tables & Results Microbiological Testing Program for RTE Meat
          • Tables & Results: Microbiological Testing Program Pasteurized Egg Products
          • Aggregate Salmonella Categorization of Raw Chicken Parts, NRTE Comminuted Poultry, Young Chicken Carcass and Young Turkey Carcass Establishments Using Moving Windows
          • Salmonella Initiative Program Criteria
            • Quarterly Sampling Reports on Antimicrobial Resistance
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            • Quarterly Sampling Reports on Ready-to-eat Products and Egg Products
            • Quarterly Sampling Reports on Salmonella
            • Salmonella Action Plan: A One and Two Year Update
            • Salmonella Categorization of Individual Establishments for Poultry Products
        • Microbiological Testing Program for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)
          • Year-to-Date Totals: Testing of Raw Ground Beef Component (RGBC) Samples for E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
          • Annual Report for STEC in Raw Ground Beef or Veal and Raw Ground Beef or Veal Components
          • Individual E. coli Positive Results for Raw Ground Beef (RGB) and RGB Components 2017
          • Individual E. coli Positive Results for Raw Ground Beef (RGB) and RGB Components 2018
          • Individual E. coli Positive Results for Raw Ground Beef (RGB) and RGB Components 2016
          • Individual E. coli Positive Results for Raw Ground Beef (RGB) and RGB Components 2015
          • Year-to-Date 2018 Totals: Results of Raw Ground Beef Component (RGBC) Samples for E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC):
        • National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS)
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        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2021
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2016
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2017
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2018
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2019
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2020
        • FSIS Data Analysis and Reporting: Public Health Regulations FY 2023
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      • National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI)
      • National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria For Foods (NACMCF)
        • 2021-2023 National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria For Foods (NACMCF)
        • NACMCF 2022 Subcommittee
        • 2018-2020 National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria For Foods (NACMCF)
  • Inspection
    • Inspection Programs
      • Inspection of Meat Products
        • Humane Handling Ombudsman
        • Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection
      • Inspection of Poultry Products
        • Reducing Salmonella in Poultry
          • Pilot Projects: Salmonella Control Strategies
          • Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry
            • Component 1
            • Component 2
            • Component 3
          • Salmonella By the Numbers
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        • Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection
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    • Compliance Guidance
      • Significant Guidance
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        • HACCP-Based-Inspection Models Project
          • New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS)
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        • HACCP Validation
      • PHIS
        • PHIS: Historical Information
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      • Microbial Risk
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        • Ingredients Guidance
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          • Integration of Paper Label Applications into the Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS)
        • Labeling Policies
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          • Comprehensive List of Reasons for Label Modifications and Returns
          • Questions and Answers Concerning the Recently Published Generic Labeling Final Rule
        • Labeling Procedures
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          • 10 Most Common Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
          • Label Submission Checklist
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          • Labeling and Establishment Responsibilities
          • Ten Most Commonly Asked Labeling Questions
          • Trans Fat Declarations in the Nutrition Facts Panel on Product Labeling
      • New Technology
        • Cooperative Agreements FY 2003
        • Cooperative Agreements FY 2004
        • Cooperative Agreements FY 2005
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        • Food Safety Technologies FY 2004
        • Food Safety Technologies FY 2005
        • NOL for Non-O157 STEC Test Methods
        • New Technology Information Table
      • Humane Handling
    • Import & Export
      • Import & Export Library
        • Eligible Foreign Establishments
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          • Australia Eligible Establishments
          • Brazil Export Eligible Establishments
          • Egypt Export Eligible Establishments
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          • Israel Export Eligible Establishments
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          • Japan (Cold Storage Facilities) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Mexico Export Eligible Establishments
          • Russia (Beef) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Russia (Pork) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Russia (Poultry) Export Eligible Establishments
          • Russia (Prepared Products) Export Eligible Establishments
          • South Africa Eligible Establishments
      • Import Guidance
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  • About FSIS
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  • Contact Us
    • FSIS Offices
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    • Archives
      • ARCHIVE: National Preparedness Month - Cyber Security for Remote Work
      • ARCHIVE: National Preparedness Month: Occupant Emergency Planning
      • ARCHIVE: Message from Leadership — Women’s Equality Day
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      • ARCHIVE: Hero Inspector Saves a Life While on the Road
      • ARCHIVE: Administrative Professionals Day — Thank You
      • ARCHIVE: Chief Information Security Officer Marvin Lykes Recognized for Operational Excellence
      • ARCHIVE: Women’s History Month: Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope
      • ARCHIVE: Alameda District Awards Petaluma Circuit Inspectors Recognition Coins
      • ARCHIVE: Collaborating in the Caribbean — Bringing Awareness About African Swine Fever
      • ARCHIVE: Message from Leadership — Be an Advocate for Public Health
      • ARCHIVE: Message from Leadership — Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
      • ARCHIVE: In Their Own Words: The 2021 Administrator’s Awards for Excellence Winners Speak Out
      • ARCHIVE: CSI Koffi Hoenou – From Togolese Teacher to U.S. Citizen
      • ARCHIVE: Dearborn, Mich., Circuit Inspectors Receive Collaborative Coins
      • ARCHIVE: Don’t Invite Foodborne Illness to the Party
      • ARCHIVE: Inspection for Ritual Meat and Poultry Slaughter
      • ARCHIVE: Thanksgiving Message from Leadership
      • ARCHIVE: Make a Difference for You and Your Colleagues – Respond to FEVS by Dec. 3
      • ARCHIVE: American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month — Together Towards Tomorrow
      • ARCHIVE: Federal State Audit Staff Twice Honored for Supporting Military Staff
      • ARCHIVE: Veterans Day Messages from FSIS Leadership
      • ARCHIVE: Food Inspector Apprenticeship Programs for Veterans
      • ARCHIVE: Disability Employment Awareness Month — America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion
      • ARCHIVE: Helping Today’s Inspectors Be Tomorrow’s Leaders with Tuition Reimbursement
      • ARCHIVE: Dr. Geraldine Vidal-Covas Embraces Her Hispanic Heritage, Encourages All
      • ARCHIVE: National Preparedness Month – Home Go Kits & Pets
      • ARCHIVE: Mask Requirements Updated for FSIS Employees
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      • ARCHIVE: FSIS Recognized Twice for 2020 Food Safety Education Efforts
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      • ARCHIVE: Asian American and Pacific Islander Contributions to Our Nation’s History
      • ARCHIVE: USDA Vaccination Heroes Do Their Part for America
      • ARCHIVE: Remembering Their Sacrifice: Jean Hillery, Tom Quadros and Bill Shaline

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Raw chicken on plate with ingredients laying near.

Public Health Information System (PHIS) Definitions

RTE
Ready-to-eat
NRTE
Not ready-to-eat
Raw Poultry Products
Poultry includes the following species: chicken, turkey, duck, geese, guineas, and squab.
Raw ratite Products
Ratites includes emu, ostrich, and rhea.
Processed Meat Products
Meat includes the following species: beef, veal, goat, lamb, mutton, and pork.
Processed Poultry Products
Poultry includes the following species: chicken, duck, goose, guinea, squab, turkey, emu, ostrich, and rhea.
Egg Products
Chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and guinea.
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State Inspection

State Inspection

Apply for Federal or State inspection. States operate under a cooperative agreement with FSIS.
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Raw chicken on plate with ingredients laying near.

Public Health Information System (PHIS) Definitions

RTE
Ready-to-eat
NRTE
Not ready-to-eat
Raw Poultry Products
Poultry includes the following species: chicken, turkey, duck, geese, guineas, and squab.
Raw ratite Products
Ratites includes emu, ostrich, and rhea.
Processed Meat Products
Meat includes the following species: beef, veal, goat, lamb, mutton, and pork.
Processed Poultry Products
Poultry includes the following species: chicken, duck, goose, guinea, squab, turkey, emu, ostrich, and rhea.
Egg Products
Chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and guinea.

China

Exporters are advised that importers must have a valid import license to allow entry of meat and poultry, and meat and poultry products. Exporters should work closely with their importer to assure that the proper licenses have been obtained. FSIS personnel do not need a copy of the permit license, and do not need to verify if there is a valid import license in order to issue export certificates.

All export applications for meat and poultry exports must be entered and processed through PHIS beginning Monday January 27, 2020. PHIS will require the export applicant to enter the port of entry, slaughter establishment number, processing establishment number, and seal and container numbers before the application can be approved.

Approved export certificates (FSIS Forms 9060-5/9060-5S) and any continuation pages (FSIS Forms 9060-5A/9060-5B) must be signed with a wet ink signature and printed on FSIS security paper.

U.S. facilities approved by FSIS for export to China must be listed on the GACC website before slaughtering and processing beef, pork, or poultry products for export to China. U.S. facilities can only export to China beef, pork, or poultry that are slaughtered and further processed after the facility has been added to the GACC website. Any establishment (i.e., slaughter, processing, cold storage) not currently listed on GACC’s eligible establishment list that is interested in exporting eligible beef, pork and poultry products to China must submit FSIS Form 9080-3 through PHIS. FSIS will provide GACC an updated establishment list monthly.

Library Updates

Export - 7/19/2013, ECH-0

Export - 1/23/2023, CH-270

Import - 2/28/2022, CH-01

Export Requirements

Last update Jan 23, 2023

Ineligible Products

  1. Egg products are not eligible for export to China.

  1.  
    1. Sheep/lamb casings intended for processing (selection for size and quality) in China and subsequent re-export.
    2. Pork and pork products excluding those in the Ineligible Section B below.
      1. Effective March 17, 2020, pork and pork products slaughtered, further processed, and certified in facilities that have been added to the GACC website are eligible to export.
      2. Those facilities that have been exporting raw pork products and pork fat under HS code 020910 prior to March 17, 2020 may continue to export eligible product on inventory produced prior to March 17, 2020.
    3. Poultry and poultry products, excluding those listed in the Ineligible Section B below.
    4. Beef and beef products excluding those in the Ineligible Section B below.

      NOTE: Exporters should be aware that China has a zero tolerance for ractopamine in beef products.  Currently, establishments may be suspended for initial ractopamine findings, during testing upon arrival. *
      1. Effective March 17, 2020, beef and beef products from cattle of any age slaughtered, further processed, and certified in facilities that has been added to the GACC website are eligible to export.
      2. Deboned beef, bone-in beef including heart, kidney, liver, omasum, tendons, outside skirt, inside skirt, hanging tender, oxtails, beef bones, feet, cheek meat, head meat, oxlips, backstrap, tunic tissue, ground beef (made strictly in conformance with FSIS regulations excluding weasand meat), and tongues from cattle that are less than 30 months of age produced between May 24, 2017 and March 17, 2020 and prepared in establishments that participated in USDA, AMS Export Verification Program for Bovine for the People’s Republic of China.

        All beef must be derived from cattle that were either (a) born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States, (b) imported from Canada or Mexico and then raised and slaughtered in the United States, or (c) imported from Canada or Mexico for direct slaughter in the United States.

        A list of establishments that participated in the USDA, AMS Export Verification Program for Bovine for the People’s Republic of China. an AMS Beef Traceability Program can be obtained from the AMS web site.

        Each establishment that participates in the AMS EV Program for beef to China is required to maintain a unique product identification system, which can be accessed by authorized FSIS inspection personnel on SharePoint.

        The following establishment has been temporarily suspended from all USDA Bovine Export Verification (EV) and AMS Quality Systems Assessment (QSA) Programs:

      • Est. 7041B and 7041 Beltex Corporation (Frontier Meats) Fort Worth, TX effective 09/12/2019

  1. The following is a list of products that are not eligible for importation into China, including when incorporated into further-processed products:
    1. Mechanically separated beef and distal ileum of cattle of any age.
    2. Sheep/lamb meat.
    3. Goat meat.
    4. Sheep/lamb casings other than those described in A.
    5. Feathers, heads, intestines, and tails of poultry that contain the uropygial gland.
    6. Wild boar meat.
    7. Beef and pork thyroid glands, adrenal glands, tonsils, major lymph nodes exposed during slaughter and cutting, laryngeal muscle tissue, lungs, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, uterus, hair, hoofs, and lactating mammary glands.
    8. Horns from cattle.
    9. Brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, and vertebral column (excluding the vertebrae of the tail, the transverse processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and the wings of the sacrum), from cattle 30 months of age and older.
    10. Poultry meat and poultry meat products exported from a facility in the areas listed below, or derived from birds processed or slaughtered in the areas listed below, unless heat processed according to the parameters in Poultry Processing Requirements. Poultry and poultry products may not transit zones currently under restrictions unless sealed. Non-heat processed product from non-restricted States may not be exported from a Storage facility in a restricted State, regardless of the date of production. 

NOTE: For China, restrictions are based on the date of FSIS signature on the export documents, not the production or slaughter date. Therefore, FSIS personnel should not sign an export certificate including replacements/ILO’s for China on or after the dates listed by state below for poultry products produced, slaughtered or exported from a storage facility in an HPAI-restricted state, regardless of production/slaughter date or the production.

  1. The State of Alaska on or after October 5, 2022.
  2. The State of Arkansas on or after October 7, 2022. 
  3. The State of California on or after August 22, 2022.
  4. The State of Colorado on or after April 8, 2022.
  5. The State of Delaware on or after February 22, 2022.
  6. The State of Florida on or after October 14, 2022.

  7. The State of Idaho on or after April 14, 2022.
  8. The State of Illinois on or after November 30, 2022. 

  9. The State of Indiana on or after February 8, 2022.
  10. The State of Iowa on or after March 6, 2022.
  11. The State of Kansas on or after March 11, 2022.
  12. The State of Kentucky on or after February 12, 2022.
  13. The State of Maine on or after March 22, 2022.
  14. The State of Maryland on or after March 4, 2022.
  15. The State of Michigan on or after April 13, 2022.
  16. The State of Minnesota on or after March 25, 2022.
  17. The State of Mississippi on or after November 4, 2022. 
  18. The State of Missouri on or after March 4, 2022.
  19. The State of Montana on or after April 7, 2022.
  20. The State of Nebraska on or after March 22, 2022.
  21. The State of Nevada on or after October 17, 2022. 

  22. The State of New Hampshire on or after September 23, 2022. 
  23. The State of New Jersey on or after May 17, 2022. 
  24. The State of New York on or after March 23, 2022.
  25. The State of North Carolina on or after March 29, 2022.
  26. The State of North Dakota on or after March 29, 2022.
  27. The State of Ohio on or after September 3, 2022.
  28. The State of Oklahoma on or after April 30, 2022.
  29. The State of Oregon on or after May 17, 2022. 
  30. The State of Pennsylvania on or after April 15, 2022.
  31. The State of South Dakota on or after March 5, 2022.
  32. Product produced, slaughtered or stored in the State of South Carolina before August 5, 2020.
  33. The State of Tennessee on or after September 15, 2022.
  34. The State of Texas on or after April 2, 2022. 
  35. The State of Utah on or after April 25, 2022. 
  36. The State of Virginia on or after January 19, 2023.*
  37. The State of Washington on or after May 5, 2022. 

  38. The State of Wisconsin on or after March 14, 2022.

Note to Exporters: Exporters are advised to work with the importers to ensure products intended for export are not restricted by China’s requirements.

Poultry products must be heat processed according to the following chart to be exempt from above restrictions.

  Core Temperature (°C) Time
Poultry Meat 60.0 507 seconds
65.0 42 seconds
70.0 3.5 seconds
73.9 0.51 seconds

Ractopamine Control Program (Eligible Pork Products)

Pork and pork products with FSIS export certificate issuance dates on or after July 1, 2014 must be derived from lots of hogs that are produced in accordance with either of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) ractopamine control program’s identified as the Never Fed Beta Agonist Program or a specifically developed, written ractopamine-free program. Pork and pork products that are not produced under one of these ractopamine control program options are not eligible for export to China and should not be certified. IPP must consult the AMS website for verification that the pork and pork products was produced in accordance with AMS’s Never Fed Beta Agonist Program as referenced in item B.1.c. below or obtain verification that the pork or pork products were produced in accordance with a specifically developed, written ractopamine-free program. Negative test results for the presence of ractopamine are not enough to satisfy this requirement, a ractopamine control program is required. Pork Products for export to China must be tested in accordance with those programs.

  1. Ractopamine Residue Program
    1. Each lot of animals will be tested by the slaughter establishment.
    2. Testing will be done on a tissue (muscle, liver, or kidney) from a single representative animal from each lot.
      1. A lot is defined as animals arriving from a single production system (production sites under common management, but may be geographically dispersed) on a particular day.
      2. All pork and pork products exported to China must be from lots that have not tested positive for ractopamine.
      3. Testing will be conducted using an AMS-approved screening method listed on the AMS' website, AMS Export Laboratory Approval Program, found under "Business Listing of USDA-approved methods for Export."
    3. A copy of test results for the relevant lot(s) from the slaughter establishment or the FSIS transfer certificate from the slaughter establishment must accompany the FSIS Form 9060-6 Application for Export Certificate. Effective July 1, 2014, FSIS will issue a revised FSIS letterhead certificate for shipments with negative test results.

      Pork produced for export to China will be tracked from entry to the plant through issuance of the FSIS export certificates and shipment to China. Tracking will be conducted by using a copy of the testing results accompanying each shipment or an FSIS transfer certificate that identifies the product lots and corresponding test results.
    4. If a lot tests positive using the screening test, all product from the lot is either diverted for another use or a testable portion of the same sample is sent to an AMS-approved laboratory for confirmatory LC/MS testing which is listed on the AMS' website, AMS Export Laboratory Approval Program, found under "Business Listing of USDA-approved methods for Export." The laboratory confirmatory test must show a negative result for products from the lot to be certified for export to China
    5. Each establishment must have a written program detailing its controls, testing, and segregation procedures available for FSIS review.
  2. AMS Never Fed Beta Agonist QVSP
    1. Pork and pork products produced under the AMS Never Fed Beta Agonist QSVP are exempt from the Ractopamine Residue Program requirements above.
      1. If a lot tests positive for a beta agonist, the establishment will follow the procedures related to positive findings stated in the program (Section 5.4.2).
      2. Approved product codes or alternative system identifier will accompany the application in place of test results or FSIS transfer certificates when the product was produced according the AMS Never Fed Beta Agonist QSVP.
      3. Information about establishments with approved AMS Never Fed Beta Agonist QSVP can be obtained from the AMS website. The unique product identification system can be accessed by authorized FSIS inspection personnel from FSIS' Intranet site.
      4. If FSIS inspection personnel, whether at the eligible slaughter, processing establishment or cold storage facility, are unable to verify the unique product code or alternative system identifier or become aware of concerns that an establishment is not properly executing its AMS Never Fed Beta Agonist QSVP programs, export certification should not be issued for the product in question and AMS should be notified at QAD.AuditService@ams.usda.gov. Inspection personnel should include their immediate supervisor on messages to AMS. The following information should be included in the message:
        • Establishment name, address, and establishment number
        • Product type, product code, and quantity of product
        • Date of production, lot number, and shift
        • Date and nature of observation
        • Name of country product is intended for export
        • Export certificate number (if applicable)
        • Any other information to verify claim
        • Name of inspection official

Please note that these labeling requirements do not apply to casing. The labeling requirements for casings have not changed​.

  1. Bulk Packaging
    1. Exterior Label (information may appear on an independent label or be present somewhere on the primary display panel): (Chinese and English).
      1. Product name
      2. Country of origin (in details to state/city level)
      3. Establishment number
      4. Production date
      5. Expiration date, storage period, or shelf life
      6. Storage temperature
      7. Country of destination
      8. Net weight (English)
      9. Inspection legend (English)
      10. Name and address of Company (English)
      11. Production Lot number (as defined by the exporter)
      12. Specification (refers to packaging type)
    2. Inner Label: English and Chinese
      1. Product name
      2. Country of origin
      3. Establishment number
      4. Production Lot number (as defined by the exporter)
  2. Pre-packaged food directly delivered to the consumer (packaged for immediate retail sale) Labels in Chinese and English
    1. Product name
    2. Country of origin (United States of America)
    3. Establishment number
    4. Production date
    5. Expiration date, storage period, or shelf life
    6. Storage requirements (refers to temperature)
    7. Country of destination
    8. Net weight
    9. Inspection legend (English)
    10. Name and address of Company (English)
    11. Production Lot number (as defined by the exporter)
    12. Specification (refers to packaging type)
    13. List of ingredients (including food additives as determined by China’s national standards)
    The production lot numbers for the exterior and inner label must be the same.

    There are no restrictions on the label size, color, or any other format characteristics as long as the label is legible and easy to read. For additional specifications please refer to China’s labeling requirements in the Administrative Measures for Inspection, Quarantine and Supervision of Inbound and Outbound Meat Products and GB 7718-2011 listed below.

    For eligible beef and beef products, China confirmed that on the exterior package of eligible beef, product can be labeled with both chilled and frozen shelf-life dates on the same package, but the exterior package must be designated as chilled or frozen so China knows which date applies.

    For trimmings exported to China, China has agreed to accept the product provided trimmings are labeled as “pieces.” For example, “beef pieces” or “pork pieces.” China has agreed to temporarily allow the continued use of the terminology “trimmings” on the labels of small pieces of beef and pork trimming products that were produced on and before March 20, 2020.” Beef and pork trimming products produced after March 20, 2020 must be labeled as beef or pork “pieces."

For eligible meat and poultry products, the storage and transportation will be under suitable temperature maintaining the core temperature (inside temperature) of the frozen meat or poultry product no higher than -18°C/-0.4°F and chilled meat and poultry between 0°C/32°F and 4°C/39.2°F.

Approved export certificates (FSIS Forms 9060-5/9060-5S) and any continuation pages (FSIS Forms 9060-5A/9060-5B) must be signed with a wet ink signature and printed on FSIS security paper.

All FSIS export certificates accompanying the product (FSIS Form 9060-5, FSIS Form 9060-7, FSIS Form 9060-18, Letterhead Certificates 2630-9, and China specific FSIS Form 9295-1) must include on the date signed, the typed name of the certifying FSIS veterinarian, followed by their professional degree, and the signature of that certifying FSIS veterinarian exactly as typed. Do not hand print the name on the document. Veterinarians are to provide a wet signature on all export certificate documents.

Note: Product weight on certificates should be shown in kilograms and pounds to avoid excessive delays at the port.

Note to Exporters: When completing the 9060-5 export certificate, ensure the names of companies are fully captured in the designated “Company Name” field. In particular, ensure that the name of the consignee/importer is entered only on the “Company Name” field and not continued onto the “Address Line 1” field in PHIS.

  1. Additional Information to be Collected on Export Certificates
    1. The number of the ocean vessel container or air cargo container/flight number (if container number is not available).
    2. The number of the shipper's commercial seal (not a USDA seal) applied to the container.
    3. The Ocean/Air Cargo Container Number(s) and Seal Number(s) must be indicated in the blocks on the FSIS Form 9295-1, and in the “Remarks” of the FSIS Form 9060-5.
    4. The port of entry in China must appear in the “remarks” of FSIS Form 9060-5.
      Note to Exporters: For a current list of designated ports/inspection sites for imported meat please refer to GACC’s website at http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/ztzl86/302310/2394720/3252878/index.html (in Chinese).
    5. When the container number, commercial seal number(s), and port of entry in China are known, the export applicant must enter the information in PHIS in the designated area for each item. When the applicant enters the information in the designated areas within the application process, PHIS automatically transfers the information into the remarks section on the application and certificate once the corresponding remarks boxes are checked on the Submit 9060-6 Application page. PHIS will not allow application approval until the container and commercial seal numbers are entered in the designated areas in PHIS by the export applicant.

      FSIS Form 9295-1 does not have a continuation sheet therefore multiple forms should be used if needed.
      FSIS Form 9295-1 is a watermarked form and must be ordered from the FSIS Field Supply Center. Photocopies of this form must not be used to certify product intended for China.

      Note to Exporters: For all certificate numbers issued to establishments exporting beef, pork, and poultry products, industry must ensure the container number, along with the seal number and port of entry, are included on FSIS Form 9060-5 in the “Remarks” section.
  2. Pork and pork products - obtain FSIS Form 9060-5 and FSIS Form 9295-1. In addition, obtain a bilingual FSIS letterhead certificate with the statements below. FSIS inspection program personnel (IPP) are to ensure that the export stamp showing the corresponding export certificate number is applied to the bottom of the Additional Certificate. The Application for Export Certificate must be accompanied by the test results, transfer certificate, or product codes described in the Ractopamine Control Program section of these requirements. The Ocean/Air Cargo Container Number(s) and Seal Number(s) must be indicated in the blocks on the FSIS Form 9295-1, and in the “Remarks” of the FSIS Form 9060-5. The port of entry in China must be included in the “Remarks” of FSIS Form 9060-5.
    1. Influenza A/H1N1 is a disease that is included in United States animal disease surveillance activities.
    2. The pork meat and/or meat products were derived from pigs which were determined to be healthy on official ante-mortem (pre-slaughter) inspection, with no clinical signs of systemic disease, including A/H1N1.
    3. Pork meat and meat products will not be a source of A/H1N1 infection when they have been handled as required by USDA regulations which are compatible with good hygienic practices recommended by the WHO, FAO, Codex Alimentarius, and the OIE.
    4. This consignment of pork products was either derived from a lot of animals tested for ractopamine residues, or is derived from an animal produced under USDA’s Never Fed Beta-agonist Program.
  3. Pork Casings - obtain FSIS Form 9060-7 (08/26/2011), Animal Casings Export Certificate for Countries Requiring Ante-mortem, Post-Mortem, and Fit for Human Food Statements. In addition, obtain a bilingual Additional Certificate with the following statements. The FSIS inspector must apply the export stamp showing the corresponding export certificate number to the bottom of the Additional Certificate.
    1. Influenza A/H1N1 is a disease that is included in United States animal disease surveillance activities.
    2. The pork meat and/or meat products were derived from pigs which were determined to be healthy on official ante-mortem (pre-slaughter) inspection, with no clinical signs of systemic disease, including A/H1N1.
    3. Pork meat and meat products will not be a source of A/H1N1 infection when they have been handled as required by USDA regulations which are compatible with good hygienic practices recommended by the WHO, FAO, Codex Alimentarius, and the OIE.
  4. Imported Pork Casings - obtain FSIS Form 9060-18, Animal Casings Export Certificate for Countries Requiring Ante-mortem, Post-mortem, and Sound and Clean Statements. Do not place statements or other markings in the “Remarks” of this Form.
  5. Sheep and Lamp Casings:
    1. For U.S. origin casings, obtain FSIS Form 9060-7 (08/26/2011) - "Animal Casings Export Certificate for countries requiring Ante-mortem, Post-Mortem, and Fit for Human Food Statements."
    2. For imported casings, obtain FSIS form 9060-18 (08/25/2011) - "Animal Casings Export Certificate for Countries Requiring Ante-mortem, Post-mortem, and Sound and Clean Statements."
  6. Pork exported to The People's Republic of China for further processing and subsequently exported to Japan - obtain FSIS Form 9060-5 and FSIS Form 9295-1. Upon the request of the exporter, the following information must be provided either in the "Remarks" section of FSIS Form 9060-5 and FSIS Form 9295-1, or on an FSIS letterhead certificate (which is signed by the same FSIS veterinarian signing the export certificate): Note: Listing of dates in the "Remarks" section of FSIS Form 9060-5 must be identified as shown above to be consistent with the term used on FSIS Form 9290-1 (05/20/2014).
    1. All products - Statements for products intended for re-export to Japan:
      "The meat and/or meat products described herein were processed under sanitary conditions in accordance with laws and regulations of the United States. The laws and regulations of the United States have been deemed to be equivalent to the inspection laws of Japan."
    2. For pork only, also include the following statement:
      "The USA is free of hog cholera; vaccination against hog cholera is prohibited; and importation of pigs vaccinated against hog cholera is prohibited."

      The following are also required for pork products:
      • Name, address, and establishment number of the slaughter (If product is quarter, half, or whole carcass) or processing plant (if packaged product).
      • "Date (Month/Day/Year) of Slaughter and Inspection," if product is quarter, half, or whole carcass or "Date (Month/Day/Year) of Manufacture," if cuts or processed products, i.e., pack date.
  7. Beef Products - obtain FSIS form 9060-5 and FSIS Form 9295-1. The Ocean/Air Cargo Container Number(s) and Seal Number(s) must be indicated in the blocks on the FSIS Form 9295-1, and in the “Remarks” of the FSIS Form 9060-5. The port of entry in China must be included in the “Remarks” of FSIS Form 9060-5.
  8. Poultry and Poultry Products – obtain FSIS Form 9060-5 and FSIS Form 9295-1. The Ocean/Air Cargo Container Number(s) and Seal Number(s) must be indicated in the blocks on the FSIS Form 9295-1, and in the “Remarks” of the FSIS Form 9060-5. The port of entry in China must be included in the “Remarks” of FSIS Form 9060-5.

China now accepts replacement certificates for exports to The People’s Republic of China for the following situations:

  • The original certificate did not contain required information;
  • The original certificate contained typographical errors;
  • The importer, exporter, consignee or consignor changed, but is within the same country that appears on the original certificate;
  • The certificate is lost or damaged; or
  • The port of entry changed.

    Note: The specific reason (listed above) for the replacement must be included in the “Remarks” section of the export certificate (9060-5 only).

Note: Exporters are advised to work closely with their importer regarding Chinese standards of meat and poultry products intended for export to China. The information presented below is not inclusive of all the details of the standards of composition and manufacture. Please contact the FSIS Beijing Office at BeijingFSISCorrespondence@usda.gov if additional assistance is needed, or if there are questions about the China Single Window, facility registration system. 

Exporters should be aware that China has a zero tolerance for ractopamine in beef products.
Effective March 16, 2020, China has established the following maximum residue limits (MRLs) for zeranol, trenbolone acetate, and melangesterol acetate in edible cattle tissues. Note: All levels are parts per billion (ppb).

Hormone Muscle Liver Fat Kidney Offal
Zeranol 2 10 2 20 20
Trenbolone Acetate 2 10 2 10 10
Melangesterol Acetate 1 10 18 2 10
Note: unit is µg/kg

 

  1. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Fresh and Frozen Livestock and Poultry Products (GB 2707-2016)
  2. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Cooked Meat Products (GB 2726-2016)
  3. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Preserved and Cured Meat Products (GB 2730-2015)
  4. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standards for Food Additives (GB 2760-2015, Part I and Part II )
  5. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (GB 2762-2017)
  6. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Maximum Residue limits for Pesticides in Food (GB 2763-2016)
  7. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Canned Foods (GB 7098-2015)
  8. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718 -2011, Part I and Part II)
  9. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Edible Animal Fats (GB 10146-2015)
  10. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Irradiated Cooked Meat of Livestock and Poultry (GB 14891.1-1997)
  11. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Irradiated Frozen Packaged Meat of Livestock and Poultry (GB 14891.7-1997)
  12. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Permitted Level of Moisture in Meat of Livestock and Poultry (GB 18394-2001)
  13. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Food Irradiation Processing (GB 18524-2016)
  14. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 28050-2011)
  15. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Meat and Meat Product Management (GB 20799-2016)
  16. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard of Pathogenic Limits for Food (GB 29921-2013)
  17. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Edible Lard (GB 8937-2006)
  18. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Fresh and Frozen Demi Carcasses (GB 9959.1-2001)
  19. National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, Standard for Irradiated Hog Carcass (GB 14891.6-1994)
  20. Administrative Measures for Inspection, Quarantine and Supervision of Inbound and Outbound Meat Products

Note to Exporters: Exporters are advised to work with the importers to ensure products intended for export are not restricted by China’s requirements.

China will accept irradiated poultry products. Irradiation requirements outlined in 9 CFR 424.22(c), and levels outlined in 21 CFR 179.26(a) and 179.26(b) must be met.

PRC requires heat treatment of all packing material made of conifer materials as a preventive measure against pinewood parasites. This includes wood pallets. The ISPM 15 standard adopted by China and Form PPQ 553 is no longer needed. For more information about wood packing material, visit the USDA, APHIS Website at www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/wpm/index.shtml. For China specifically, visit the USDA, APHIS Website at www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/wpm/country/china.shtml.

Eligible beef, pork, and poultry products exported to China should not contain substances or compounds prohibited by China’s law and regulation. Beef, pork, and poultry shipments detected with prohibited substance or compounds at the port of entry will be rejected, returned to the U.S. or destroyed.

A list of prohibited substances or compounds can be accessed at the following link(s).

    • Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Announcement No. 176
    • Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Announcement No. 193
    • Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Announcement No. 235
    • Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, Announcement No. 2292
    • Global Agricultural Information Network (Gain) Report Number CH11023

    1. Warning: In addition to the list of prohibited substances, China prohibits the use of sulfathiazole in pork production. Processors of pork for export to China must assure that the product will meet Chinese MRLs. Shipments may be rejected due to violations of Chinese residue standards.
    2.  

  1. Any establishment (i.e., slaughter, processing, cold storage) not currently listed on the FSIS Eligible Plant List that is interested in exporting eligible beef, pork and poultry products to China must submit FSIS Form 9080-3 through PHIS. Establishments that are not using PHIS must submit a fully completed (not including FSIS signatures) 9080-3 Form to the FSIS Proxy for entry into PHIS. Information on sending completed 9080-3 Forms to the FSIS Proxy is available on the FSIS Export Library - Requirements by Country page or by clicking here.
  2. FSIS will certify these establishments to GACC. U.S. facilities approved by FSIS for export to China must be listed on the FSIS Eligible Plant List  before slaughtering, processing, or storing poultry and poultry products for export to China. U.S. facilities can only export to China poultry that are slaughtered, further processed, or stored, after the facility has been added to the FSIS Eligible Plant List. Upon FSIS receipt of notification from GACC that facilities have been published on the GACC website, these establishments will be added to the current FSIS Eligible Plant List for Exporting to China.* This list is available through the Export Library or can be requested from FSIS at (202) 720-0082 or (855) 444-9904. 

    GACC's list of U.S. registered companies is available at http://jckspj.customs.gov.cn/spj/zwgk75/2706880/jckrljgzyxx33/2812399/index.html
  3. FSIS does not maintain GACC’s list of U.S. registered companies for exports of casings to China. FDA certifies establishments for registration with GACC via their Export Listing Module (ELM). More information can be found via: https://www.fda.gov/food/exporting-food-products-united-states/food-export-library#China. FSIS IPP do not check which plants are eligible to export, rather industry are to confirm their facility is registered to export casings to China by referring to the GACC Single Window System, also known as the China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) system, at https://cifer.singlewindow.cn. U.S. establishments may contact GACC (division_registration@customs.gov.cn) or their importers in China with regards to CIFER account issues, or the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (decree248inquiry@usda.gov) with other questions about CIFER. 
  4. For establishments that participated in the USDA, AMS Export Verification Program for Bovine for the People's Republic of China and AMS Beef Traceability Program, the program will no longer be required effective March 17, 2020. However, beef products produced from cattle slaughtered prior to March 17, 2020, can only be supplied from establishments that were in the AMS Export Verification Program for Bovine. A list of establishments in that program can be obtained from the AMS web site. Each establishment's unique product identification system, which can be accessed by authorized FSIS inspection personnel on Partner Web via the FSIS' Intranet.

Meat and poultry and meat and poultry products produced or stored at the establishments listed below are not eligible for export to China until further notice. Meat and poultry products produced at other establishments from raw materials originating from these establishments are also not eligible for export to China.

Est. 31559, Meadowbrook Farms Cooperative, Rantoul, IL, effective May 7, 2008.
Est. 20744, Summit Cold Storage Inc., Summit, IL products shipped on or after April 25, 2016.
Est. 7041, Beltex Corporation, 3801 North Grove Street, Fort Worth, TX on or after September 12, 2019
Est. 7041B, Beltex Corporation dba FrontierMeats, 3801 North Grove Street, Fort Worth, TX on or after September 12, 2019
Est. 44904 AA Meat Products Inc., Commerce, CA, effective June 15, 2022. 
Est. 426, King Meat Service Inc., Vernon, CA, effective August 11, 2022. 
Est. 244I Tyson Fresh Meats, Logansport, IN, effective August 29, 2022.
Est. 20845 Crystal Lake Foods LLC, York, NE effective October 1, 2022. 
Est. M630 CS Beef Packers, LLC, Kuna, ID effective October 27, 2022. 
Est. 19879 Golden Valley Industries, Modesto, CA effective November 2, 2022. 

Unless specifically identified as restricted in the list, hog casings are not affected by the Chinese delistment actions and remain eligible for export from the applicable establishments listed above.

Import Requirements

Last update Feb 28, 2022

Process Category
Product Category
Product Group
Process Raw - Non Intact
Eligible Products Raw Ground Comminuted or Otherwise Non-Intact Siluriformes
Product category Siluriformes - All Products Eligible
Process Raw - Intact
Eligible Products Raw Intact Meat - Other
Product category Siluriformes - All Products Eligible
Process Fully Cooked - Not Shelf Stable
Eligible Products RTE Fully-Cooked Poultry
Product category Chicken and Duck - All Products Eligible
Process Fully Cooked - Not Shelf Stable
Eligible Products RTE Poultry Fully-Cooked Without Subsequent Exposure to the Environment
Product category Chicken and Duck - All Products Eligible

Additional Import Information

The products identified in the table above are eligible for export from the People’s Republic of China to the United States as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Equivalence Process. 

Cooked Poultry products derived from birds slaughtered in a country eligible to export poultry to the United States are currently eligible for export from the People’s Republic of China to the United States.  Additionally, birds that are slaughtered in the People’s Republic of China are eligible source materials for cooked poultry products from the People’s Republic of China, effective December 8, 2019 (84 FR 60318).

The People’s Republic of China has been allowed to export Siluriformes fish and fish products to the United States under the conditions described in the proposed rule (83 FR 47524).  On November 5, 2019, FSIS published a final rule to list the People’s Republic of China in the regulations as eligible to export Siluriformes fish and fish products to the United States.

Source materials used to produce product intended for export to the United States must originate from a certified establishment in an eligible country that has an equivalent raw or processed products inspection system.

The above are the Process Categories, Product Categories, and Product Groups as listed in the FSIS Product Categorization document and defined in the Public Health Information System (PHIS).

  • For poultry, RTE = Ready-to-eat
  • For raw Siluriformes products, the Order Siluriformes includes the following Families: Ictaluridae (Catfish), Clariidae, Pangasius, and others. For guidance on acceptable common or usual names, see Siluriformes Fish Species List.

APHIS Animal Disease Requirements for the People’s Republic of China

The USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) restricts certain animal products from entering the United States because of animal disease conditions in the country of origin. Applicable APHIS animal disease requirements that may have an impact on the People’s Republic of China’s eligibility to export product to the United States are listed below:

Chicken and Duck imported from the People’s Republic of China is subjected to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) and Newcastle Disease(ND) requirements specified in 9 CFR 94.6.

For information or questions concerning a country’s animal disease status and restrictions please contact the APHIS Veterinary Services, Strategy and Policy, Animal Product Import and Export at:

USDA-APHIS
Veterinary Services, Strategy and Policy, Animal Product Import and Export (APIE)
4700 River Road, Unit 40
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: (301) 851-3300
E-mail: APIE@USDA.GOV

Link to the People's Republic of China’s Establishment List

A certified establishment is an establishment that the Central Competent Authority (CCA) of the foreign country has certified as meeting the requirements of the inspection system that FSIS has determined equivalent to the United States inspection system and, therefore, eligible to export meat, poultry, or egg products to the United States.  

  • Establishments Certified to Export Siluriformes, Chicken, and Duck Products to the United States
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2023
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