More and more consumers hope to buy high - quality fruits from all over the world in their domestic markets. Frozen fruits, due to their characteristics of easy storage and transportation, have become an important part of imported fruits. However, the process of importing frozen fruits is not a simple trading behavior, but involves a series of complex inspection, quarantine and customs declaration procedures. So, what qualifications are required for importing frozen fruits? What is the customs clearance process? What standards need to be paid attention to? This article will answer these questions in detail for you.

Frozen fruits refer to fresh fruits that are initially processed, frozen at - 30°C or below, and stored and transported at - 18°C or below, for use as processing raw materials or for direct consumption. For example, the imported frozen durian from Malaysia, which is very popular among domestic consumers, includes two quick - freezing methods: one is the durian pulp frozen at - 30°C or below for 30 minutes, and the other is the whole durian fruit frozen at - 80°C to - 110°C for not less than 1 hour, and then stored and transported at - 18°C or below.

Imported frozen fruits need to comply with a number of inspection and quarantine regulations and standards:

The Law of the Peoples Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine and its implementing regulations.
The Food Safety Law of the Peoples Republic of China and its implementing regulations.
Decree No. 249 of the General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of Chinaimport and exportFood Safety Management Measures.
Decree No. 248 of the General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of China Regulations on the Registration Administration of Overseas Food Production Enterprises Imported into the Peoples Republic of China.
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures.
Protocols on inspection and quarantine requirements for frozen fruits exported to China.

These regulations and standards aim to ensure the quality and safety of imported frozen fruits and prevent the spread of harmful organisms and pathogens.

At present, there are many source countries of frozen fruits that have obtained Chinas inspection and quarantine access, including but not limited to: Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, the United States, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador, etc. Importers can query the specific types of fruits and the list of countries through the “Information System for Food Exported to China from Countries or Regions Meeting the Requirements of Evaluation and Review and Having Traditional Trade”.

Before exporting products to China, overseas production enterprises of frozen fruits need to apply to China for registration of overseas food production enterprises. This includes:

Submit registration application materials:It can be submitted to the General Administration of Customs either by itself or through an agent.
Accept evaluation and review:The General Administration of Customs evaluates the enterprises applying for registration through forms such as written inspection, video inspection, and on - site inspection.
Obtain a registration number:Enterprises that meet the requirements will obtain a registration number in China. The enterprise needs to mark this number or the registration number approved by the competent authority of the country (region) on the inner and outer packaging of the food.
Inspection and quarantine before export:Overseas production enterprises need to accept the inspection and quarantine of the competent department of the country (region) where they are located to ensure that the products exported to China meet Chinas food safety standards.

The consignor or its agent should truthfully declare to the customs before or at the time of the entry of frozen fruits. The required materials include:

Trade contract.
Bill of lading.
Invoice.
Official certificate of the exporting country (region).

If an agreement has been signed with China, the official certificate needs to meet the requirements of the agreement. For example, the Phytosanitary Requirements for Importing Frozen Avocados from Kenya stipulates that a phytosanitary certificate should be provided, accompanied by a test report to prove that the goods meet the relevant requirements.

When frozen fruits arrive at the port of entry, the Chinese customs will conduct the following inspection and quarantine:

Check the phytosanitary certificate and the packaging box label.
Check for the presence of quarantine pests.
Conduct laboratory tests on safety and hygiene items.

Frozen fruits that pass the inspection and quarantine are allowed to enter the country.

If frozen fruits are found not to meet the entry requirements during the inspection and quarantine process, such as carrying quarantine pests or being unqualified in safety and hygiene items, the batch of goods will be prohibited from entering the country and will be returned or destroyed.

Although the process of importing frozen fruits is complex, by thoroughly understanding various qualifications and customs declaration requirements, importers can ensure the smooth entry and sale of frozen fruits. It is hoped that this article can provide valuable reference and guidance for enterprises hoping to import frozen fruits. By strictly complying with relevant regulations and standards, food safety can be ensured, and consumers trust and satisfaction can be enhanced.