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26 Aug 2016 / China

Updated requirement for shipments from Zika-infected countries

Following the World Health Organization’s August 2, 2016 determination that the United States is a Zika-infected country, Chinese authorities now require mosquito disinsection for all U.S.-origin shipments to China.

Disinsection (not to be confused with disinfection) means killing live mosquitoes, their larva, and eggs. Fumigation is one type of disinsection, but spraying is another method of disinsection.

Since March of 2016, China’s AQSIQ has required all countries on its Zika-infected list to comply with disinsection requirements. As of August 5, forty other countries, including Mexico and Brazil, are subject to these requirements.

The following new requirements must be followed by all U.S.-origin vessels that departed the United States after 5 August, as advised to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing by The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ’s) Department of Supervision and Health Quarantine.

  • All shipments (air and sea vessels) originating from the United States are required to provide some of proof of disinsection at the Chinese port.
  • Disinsection does not require fumigation. Disinsection can be carried out by physical or chemical means. For physical, this could include trapping, air curtains, or other integrated pest management techniques. For chemical, this could include surface spraying, space spraying, or fumigation. It is the shipper’s choice, but should take into account human health and safety.
  • The disinsection requirement (and therefore the proof of disinsection) applies to the container or vessel, NOT to the goods being shipped. Therefore, if the entire vessel can provide proof, in the form of a certificate, that the vessel is free of mosquitoes, then no additional inspection needs to be carried out.
  • The information to be included on the certificate has already been provided in the notice sent out by AQSIQ. See attached template.
  • Local CIQ inspectors will continue with their selective examination procedures and there will not be a separate Zika-related inspection process. However, if live mosquito eggs, larva, or mosquitoes are found during the inspection, disinsection will be required.
  • There is no disinsection certificate required for shipments that are chilled below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). But, if live mosquito eggs or larva are found by local CIQ inspectors at port, then disinsection will be required.
  • If there has been previous disinsection of the vessel (including fumigation) for other purposes (e.g., phytosanitary workplan), then proof of that treatment is sufficient proof for this Zika-requirement.
  • Proof of disinsection does not need to be provided by a governmental body, or a government-approved body.
  • The disinsection treatment can be carried out at any point during the shipping process. For example, if the containers are disinsected before loading and certified as mosquito free, then loaded in a mosquito free environment, then this is sufficient.

For information about operations in China contact GAC China at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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