Negotiations between the Rosselkhoznadzor and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, AQSIQ

A conference call was held on the 5th of August this year between Vasiliy Lavrovsky, Head of the Directorate for Veterinary Inspections in the Framework of the International Cooperation and the WTO, and Head of the Department for International Cooperation in the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, AQSIQ Zhang Baofeng. The parties discussed crucial issues of cooperation between Russia and China following the minutes of the IV Meeting of the Chinese-Russian Permanent Working Group on Cooperation in Animal and Plant Quarantine and Food Safety carried out in Chungking on the 31st of May, 2015.

Vasiliy Lavrovsky informed the Chinese side about preparations carried out by some beef and pork producing Russian plants willing to get an access to the Chinese market for their animal products. The inspections of the Chinese experts are scheduled for late August this year. During the preparation the Rosselkhoznadzor sent a letter to AQSIQ with the updated list of Russian plants to be inspected and a draft inspection itinerary and a request for the Chinese veterinary and sanitary requirements for exporters of animal products. The Chinese side intends to provide its comments and the requested materials in the nearest future.

The sides also discussed export of Chinese animal products to Russia. In particular, Vasiliy Lavrovsky pointed out that China’s comments on the violations detected during the monitoring tests at 111 Chinese processing plants are not complete and comprehensive. Therefore, the Rosselkhoznadzor will prepare and send to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China a request for the missing information that should be provided as soon as possible.

The sides also discussed the issues of updating lists of Russian and Chinese plants willing to export fish and marine products. In particular, they touched upon the List of Russian plants and vessels approved to export fishery products, including fish meal to China. Vasiliy Lavrovsky informed that certificate forms as well as models of stamps and signatures of inspectors were sent to the Chinese side through the Ministry of Economic Development.

The Chinese side underlined its interest in listing 200 Russian fish-processing plants indenting to export their products to the EEC countries.

In conclusion the sides expressed satisfaction with the level of bilateral cooperation achieved between the countries in the veterinary field.