China Halts Import of Milk Powder from Japan, Banning Its Entry via Mail-Order or Carrying

In accordance with provisions of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine and other relevant laws and regulations, after the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease in Japan, on April 30, 2010, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China and the Ministry of Agriculture of China jointly issued an Announcement to prohibit the importation of artiodactyls and related products from Japan, whether direct or indirect, and to halt the issuance of License for Quarantine of Entry Animals and Plants for the importation of the aforesaid products.

It is reported that the halted imports include all the related Japanese products of milk powder, milk, beef, and so on, because all these products carry the risk of transmitting foot-and-mouth disease. The halted imports are all specified under the criteria of international organizations for animal health, and also recognized by such international organizations.