Shanghai improves import and export quality and safety supervision

Shanghai has created a comprehensive quality and safety monitoring and early warning system for its imported and exported products, said Shi Jian, deputy director of the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, on March 9.

The city is currently working to push the reform forward, separating operating permits and business licenses, improving consumption quality and environment, and strengthening early warning systems, according to Shi.

A variety of measures have been taken to simplify import customs clearance procedures, and also to strengthen supervision to ensure product safety.

Double checks at customs and laboratories improve the interception of dangerous goods. Detection of hazardous substances in fruits has improved, and inspections of fresh food have become faster than ever.

Apart from optimizing approval procedures, Shanghai has also enhanced oversight of in-process and already processed goods to create a more reliable consumption environment.

Fifteen unauthorized imports, including food, plants, animal products, and industrial products, were disclosed on March 9.

In 2017, Shanghai's total import and export value reached 7.92 trillion yuan ($1.25 trillion), increasing 15.1 percent year-on-year. Its imported fruits exceeded 1 million tons for the first time, and imported meat products totaled 949,000 tons. Many newly-permitted overseas agricultural products and foods also entered the Chinese market via Shanghai ports.