China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA), has strongly urged the US to reconsider its proposed amendments, which are not consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and will only bring administrative burden to international trade.

Made on Thursday, the remarks from the largest organization of Chinese manufacturers and traders engaging in production, import and export trade of foodstuffs, were part of an official response to the FDA proposed rules.

The FDA is moving forward with plans for all foreign companies that make, process, pack, or warehouse food for export to register with the FDA before December 12 this year.

These companies will also be required to notify the FDA by noon the day before their goods arrive at the US border.

"We understand the FDA's objective to be fully prepared for bioterrorism in the US," said Cao Xumin, CNFA chairman.

"But after carefully studying the proposed rules, we strongly believe that the proposed regulations will definitely have a great impact on global food trade, and is not workable," Cao said.

For example, many food producers, who export through trading companies, are not in a position to know in advance if their products will go to the US and therefore will be unable to register.

Also, the paperwork that comes with the registration is hard for the FDA to complete, as the scope is quite extensive, Cao said.

The CNFA also doubt that the FDA's proposed registration can provide actual protection against bioterrorism.

Any offences or outbreak of food pollution by means of bioterrorism go beyond the control of food supplies, whether the registration is made or not, Cao said.

"If the proposed regulations do not provide the desired protection, there is no sense in registration, the rules will only create trade barriers."

The CNFA also fears that the proposed registration system would cause a chain reaction around the world.

"We hold that international co-operation is the only effective way to prevent the threat of bioterrorism, rather than single-handed action by US," Cao said.

China, like many other countries, has already drafted a number of corresponding laws and regulations guiding food safety.

All food exports from China must go through strict examination and inspection by related authorities.

The chambers' statistics indicate that there are more than 3,000 food exporters in the country, who exported food with a total value of US$1.4 billion last year.

But a larger number of companies and greater value will be affected by the changes, as the proposed regulations do not just cover direct exporters.

(China Daily April 9, 2003)