10-8-2018
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According to the latest statistics released by China’s General Administration of Customs (CGAC), a total of 12 batches of imported wines failed to get customs clearance in the first half of 2018. The most common reasons for failure are inadequate information on labels and inconsistencies in the declaration documents. These 12 batches wines weighed a total of 11,098 kg. Most of them were from France, Spain and Chile, each accounted for 3 batches, while the remaining were from Italy, Australia and Germany. These wines were declined from entering the Chinese market. The CGAC said they were either returned to the exporter or destroyed at the ports of call. The most common reason for clearance failure is related to labelling, accounting for about 45%. Issues related to labelling included absence of a Chinese label issues of inadequate information on the label. The second most common reason is inconsistencies found in the declaration documents, accounting for about 40%. In certain cases, the product descriptions on the declaration documents did not match the products being inspected. Other reasons also include additions of preservatives such as potassium bisulfite as well as unacceptable packaging. China requires all imported wines to have a Chinese label on top of the label in the producer’s language. Information to be included in the labels include alcohol content, country of origin, date of production, storage instruction, shelf life, food additives and a barcode. Failure in providing proper labelling and documents can result in wines being returned and even destroyed. This can cost financial damages to exporters. To avoid making these mistakes, exporters can consult our document: “EXPORTING WINES TO CHINA: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE”.
(the writer can be contacted at: DavidMa@thewinechronicle.com)
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