07.01.2022 / New opportunities for the CEE exporters of frozen fruits

The General Administration of Customs of China published an Announcement on the Requirements of Inspection and Quarantine for Export of Frozen Fruits from Central and Eastern European Countries to China ([2021] No.96) that expands the list of frozen fruits that can be exported to China from the region. The new regulations enter into force on the 1st of February, 2022.

Currently, only five frozen fruit types, such as blackberries and strawberries, are allowed to be imported from six CEE countries, including Poland and Latvia. According to the Chinese customs, Ningbo has imported 850 t of frozen fruits in the first 10 months of the year from CEE. This is about 20.8% of all imported frozen fruits in the city and is an increase of 115% on a year-on-year basis.

The Announcement refers to fruits that have been frozen at -18°C or lower, and have been processed within half an hour of the removal of their peel. The fruits shall be transported at -18°C in order to fulfill the requirements of the Chinese authorities.

Ningbo Green-Health Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a company that specialises in the production of food supplements, healthcare products, natural extracts, and intermediate medical goods. The head of the company expresses his satisfaction with the new regulations as his company imports a significant portion of their raw materials from Central and Eastern Europe because of the good quality and competitive prices.

The CEE countries have exported 1 billion euros of frozen fruits, of which China imported just 25 million euros or just 2.34% of the total exports of the region. Meanwhile, the CEE’s share in the Chinese frozen fruits market stands at 8%. The Announcement provides an opportunity for the producers of CEE to expand their operation into a new large consumer market, while Chinese firms would be able to diversify their sources and create more flexible supply chains.