I. Why does your cargo need this "Green Pass"?

I remember a regular client who imports Australian beef complaining to me last year: "The goods have already arrived at the port, but they're stuck at the quarantine approval stage. The daily cold storage fees are burning a hole in my pocket!" This made me realize that many people in foreign trade underestimate the importance of animal and plant quarantine approvals.

Quarantine approval is like a "vaccination certificate" for import and export procedures., with its core value being:

• Preventing the introduction of foreign animal/plant diseases to protect Chinas agricultural security
• Avoiding ecological damage from harmful organisms
• Ensuring imported food meets hygiene standards

According to customs data, among annual cases of cargo detention due to quarantine approval issues,approximately 65% occur because companies dont understand approval requirements. For example, last year a company importing Dutch tulip bulbs had their shipment held at port because they mistakenly thought flowers didnt require approval.

II. These Products Must Obtain Approval - Dont Step on Landmines!

Last week while reviewing an import list for a new food company, I discovered their planned imports ofpet snacks and feed additivesThey didn't even consider quarantine approval. This situation is quite common in the industry, so I've compiled a "high-risk list":

• Animal Products: Live animals, embryos/semen and other genetic materials, meat products, dairy products, aquatic products
• Plant Products: Fresh fruits, grain crops, beans, tobacco
• Special Items: Microbial cultures, soil samples, biological materials for research

Heres a practical tip:Check the latest Access List on the General Administration of Customs website. The system regularly updates products requiring quarantine approval. I recall a client wanting to import Brazilian propolis last year who found newly added quarantine requirements on the official site and started preparing materials three months in advance.

III. Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Online Approval System

Recently while assisting six companies with quarantine approval procedures, I found many were struggling with technical issues. Heres my"Five-Step Clearance Method":

System Login Preparation

Recommend usingChrome browserAccess the "Internet + Customs" platform. Recently, there was a typical case: a company used the IE browser for declaration, but the attachment upload kept failing. The issue was immediately resolved after switching to Chrome.

Common pitfalls for beginners:

• Enterprise account not completing real-name authentication (accounts for 40% of login issues)
• Personal account mistakenly logging into enterprise system (call 010-95198 for assistance)
• Attachment upload failures due to not installing card control

Techniques for Filling Out Declaration Information

Last week while handling a Thai durian import case for a client,incorrect country of origin selectioncaused rejection. Key entry points:

• Must provideSMS-capablecontact phone number
• When encountering a variety name that does not match, select "Other" and fill in manually.
• Measurement units must exactly match subsequent customs declaration

The Art of Attachment Uploads

Based on my experience,70% of rejections are due to attachment issues. Required documents include:

• Foreign official quarantine certificate (Chinese-English bilingual required)
• Copy of processing plant registration certificate
• Special items additionally require safety commitment letter

IV. Important Details to Note After Approval

Last year a shipment of New Zealand milk powder had its license voided because the clientunauthorized change of entry portResulting in the invalidation of the license and significant losses. Remember the three "must-not-change" principles:

• Product quantityfluctuation not exceeding 5%
• Exporting countrymust match the license exactly
• Port of entryExecute according to approved route

License management tips:

• The validity period is generally 6 months, it is recommended2 months in advanceApply
• For batch imports, it is necessary toTimely verify and cancelUsage quantity
• When policy changes occur, it is necessary toActively inquireLicense status

V. Special Reminders from Seasoned Foreign Trade Professionals

A recent case I handled for a client is quite representative: a company importing French wine corks was detained for inspection due toNeglecting phytosanitary requirementsHere are three tips for everyone:

• EstablishedProduct quarantine risk checklist, for newly developed products, first check quarantine requirements
• Confirm with foreign suppliersQuarantine certificate formatWhether it complies with Chinese requirements
• Peak season advanceReserve 20 daysApproval buffer period

Remember my work principle:"Better to ask one more question than to miss a single document.". When encountering uncertain situations, consult customs or professional agencies at any time - this is much more worry-free than post-event remedies!