Russian, Chinese specialists discuss project on protocol for exporting Russian pork to Chinese market
MOSCOW. Dec 14 (Interfax) - Specialists from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China completed a ten-day visit to Russia, during which issues related to the resumption of supplies of Russian pork to the Chinese market were resolved. At the final meeting with representatives of Rosselkhoznadzor, a draft protocol was considered that would regulate the rules for the export of Russian pork to China.
Chinese specialists visited a number of Russian pig-breeding enterprises where they studied the production process at all stages - from the farm to the release of finished products, Rosselkhoznadzor said. At the Federal Center for Animal Health Protection and the All-Russian State Center for Quality and Standardization of Medicines for Animals and Feed, they familiarized themselves in detail with the veterinary and sanitary supervision system in force in Russia which allows them to counter the spread of dangerous animal-borne diseases, specifically African swine fever (ASF). Additionally, the Chinese specialists were shown the operation of the Rosselkhoznadzor information systems that control the entire production chain.
During the discussion of the draft protocol, which will regulate the rules for the export of Russian pork to China, it was noted that its provisions require the supply of pork from ASF-free zones.
"Rosselkhoznadzor expressed its readiness to monitor the veterinary safety of products shipped to China and their full compliance with the requirements of the Chinese side," the agency said.
As reported, the assessment by specialists of the State Technical University of China of potential Russian suppliers of meat products is one of the stages that opens the path for Russian pork to the Chinese market. In September of this year, the State Technical University of the People's Republic of China granted permission for pork to ship from Russia. The decision was made based on the results of a risk assessment and analysis of the state control system for African swine fever in Russia. The Chinese side also recognized the regionalization principle in force in Russia, which allows for the export of pork from territories where there is no ASF. Thus, the restrictions imposed by the Chinese side in 2008 were lifted.
At the same time, as previously reported by Russia's Ministry of Economic Development, to begin actual deliveries it is necessary to take a number of actions, which may take from three to 12 months. This, in particular, is the signing of a protocol on the requirements for pork exported from Russia to China, the approval of a veterinary certificate for the export of pork, the certification of Russian enterprises producing pig products, and their registration in the Chinese system of food suppliers (CIFER).
The Ministry of Economic Development said that Russian pork will begin to arrive in China no earlier than the second or third quarter of 2024.
Russia this year (through November 17) exported 141,000 tonnes of pork and 41,000 tonnes of pork by-products, Rosselkhoznadzor said. By the end of the year, the National Union of Pig Breeders estimates exports will reach 250,000 tonnes.