20 May 2025: Importation of products of animal origin (POAO) from China
Updated 20 May 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/20-may-2025-importation-of-products-of-animal-origin-poao-from-china
OVS note number: 2025/36
Date: 20 May 2025
Purpose
This re-states the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA’s) position regarding the enforcement of products of animal origin (POAO) from China.
Background
The controls on POAO from China, assimilated Decision 2002/994, have been in force, with various amendments, since 2002.
The FSA provided guidance on the enforcement of Decision 2002/994 through various OVS letters. This message is to re-state that there has been no change in the FSA’s guidance on how the controls should be enforced.
The processed products of animal origin (PPOAO) used to produce the composite products are required to comply with all the applicable legislative controls. This includes originating from:
- a country that is approved to export to Great Britain
- an establishment that appears on the list of GB establishments for that PPOAO from which imports are permitted
The PPOAO is also subjected to any safeguard measures, such as assimilated Decision 2002/994. This covers all POAO, whether it is used in a composite product, or not, and would apply regardless of the percentage of POAO in the final product.
Article 1 of the Decision is clear that it applies to all POAO from China. It does not differentiate between POAO originating in, or consigned from, China. As an illustrative example, a yogurt is produced in China using milk from another country that is approved to export milk or milk products to GB. Decision 2002/994 is applicable as all dairy products from China, regardless of where they originate from, are prohibited under this Decision.
Actions for OVSs
To note the applicable guidance on the enforcement of the assimilated Decision.
Contact point for enquiries
Email: imported.food@food.gov.uk
FSA Imports Team