CHINA - Dot Your "I's" and Cross Your "T's"

China has recently imposed an import suspension on four Australian abattoirs.

Key points:

  • Three abattoirs in Queensland and one in NSW have had an import suspension imposed on them re importing into China
  • The four locations provide an estimated 35 percent of beef exports to China
  • The Australian Government was notified several weeks ago about the suspensions, which Chinese authorities linked to labelling and health certificate requirements. Taking aside the possible political implications arising from this situation Minister Birmingham has told Australian agricultural exporters to make sure all their paperwork and labelling is in order for exporting products to China: “Everyone always should be dotting their I’s and crossing their T’s and leaving no scope for any dispute”.
Export documentation is essential to ensure products can move correctly through the import/export supply chain globally, not just into China. Therefore, in order to protect the respective interests of the exporter and the importer involved in export business, certain documentary formalities become essential.
Such documentation facilitates the smooth flow of goods and payments across national frontiers. It may seem confusing at first, but importers and exporters must understand who creates each document and how and why they are used.
Building on the experience gained over 60 years of supporting international business, the Export Council of Australia (ECA) has developed a suite of comprehensive skills development programs, aimed at building the international capability and capacity of Australian businesses.
Speak to the Export Council of Australia if you would like to know more.
Shane Styles

National Skills Development Manager, Export Council of Australia