New Chinese infant formula regulations

Media release
1 May 2014 2014

New Chinese infant formula regulations

Most of New Zealand’s infant formula production has been approved for export to China under new regulations that come into force today.

The Infant Nutrition Council (INC) Chief Executive Jan Carey said the manufacturers and brands already registered account for approximately 90% of all New Zealand infant formula exports by volume.

“Today’s announcement confirms that New Zealand manufacturers are able to meet the high test set by the Chinese Government. While some New Zealand producers have yet to be registered, we are confident all manufacturers will meet the new standards in due course.”

Ms Carey said while the overall volume of infant formula exports is unlikely to change, there are likely to be fewer brands sold.

“The Chinese have made it clear they want to reduce the number of brands being offered to consumers and the move to tighten regulations was expected.”

Ms Carey said that it is likely to have an impact on companies or ‘brand owners’ selling formula produced on their behalf.

“In short, the regulations require those selling infant formula to have close links to the manufacturer and in the long run, our industry will benefit from the increased confidence of Chinese consumers.

“While today’s news is positive for manufacturers, for brand owners without a close relationship with the manufacturer the bar is going to be set high, and some will struggle to meet the new rules,” Ms Carey said.

The links to the publicly available registers for infant formula manufacturers and general dairy manufacturers that can produce for export to China from today are listed on the website of the China Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) here:

Infant formula manufacturers: http://www.cnca.gov.cn/ywzl/gjgnhz/jkzl/imports-list/milk/New-Zealand.pdf

General dairy manufacturers: http://www.cnca.gov.cn/ywzl/gjgnhz/jkzl/imports-list/dairy/New-Zealand.pdf

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