Export Guide for Caviar

 

 

The trending hashtag "60% of Global Caviar Production Originates from China" has propelled caviar into the spotlight, establishing it as a distinctive Chinese product during Lunar New Year celebrations. Renowned for premium quality, Chinese-produced caviar has successfully penetrated markets in the United States, Japan, and other regions, emerging as a shining emblem of China's export excellence.

 

 

 

 

To facilitate caviar export operations, this edition systematically presents relevant procedures and customs technical specifications for industry reference.

I. Customs Registration

Sturgeon Aquaculture Facilities: Farms engaged in caviar production for export must submit registration applications to their local customs authority. For detailed procedures, access the "Online + Customs" integrated platform (http://online.customs.gov.cn) and navigate through: Service Guide > Enterprise Management & Audits > Registration for Export Food Raw Material Farms > Export Food Raw Material Aquaculture Facility Registration.

Caviar processing enterprises: Through the "Online + Customs" integrated platform, submit record-filing applications to their local Customs authorities and upload relevant documentation. For products intended for export to the United States, South Korea, Russia, the EU, and other countries/regions, the General Administration of Customs must submit registration recommendations to the respective countries. Production and processing of export products may commence only after obtaining official approval.

II. Technical Guidance by Customs

Hygiene and Process Supervision: Before caviar exportation, customs authorities conduct regular inspections of enterprises' facilities' sanitary conditions, raw material verification processes, and production workflows in compliance with regulations. Technical guidance is provided based on inspection findings to ensure operations align with the Sanitary Registration Standards for Export Food Production Enterprises and meet importing countries' food safety system requirements.

Sturgeon Health Monitoring: Customs authorities conduct routine inspections of farmed sturgeons' health conditions, assist enterprises in preventing common sturgeon diseases, ensure consistent quality of fish roe from the source, and establish a foundation for premium caviar production.

III. Application for Quotas and Related Certificates

Quota Application: Before caviar exportation, enterprises must access the National Integrated Online Government Service Platform of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (http://zwfw.moa.gov.cn), navigate to the "Aquatic Wildlife" section, and select "Approval for Export of State-protected Aquatic Wildlife or CITES-regulated Species" to submit application materials. Simultaneously, hardcopy documents shall be mailed to the Ministry.

Wildlife Import/Export Certification: Access China International Trade Single Window (https://www.singlewindow.cn/), sequentially select "Business Applications" → "Standard Edition Applications" → "Regulatory Documents" → "Wildlife Import and Export Certificates", then complete the application following prescribed procedures.

IV. Production Processing & Storage

Pre-processing Protocol: Female sturgeons require 1-2 months of cryogenic acclimation in ice water prior to caviar processing.

Production Control: The temperature and cleanliness of processing facilities shall be strictly controlled. Customs authorities conduct regulatory inspections of food safety management systems at processing facilities. All processing equipment, utensils, containers, packaging materials, water, and ice must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition throughout operations.

Product Packaging Requirements: Export caviar packaging must display the following information in clear, permanent markings - the export processing facility's sanitary registration number, product name, batch code, production date,and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) certificate number for wild fauna and flora.

Storage Requirements: Both semi-processed and finished caviar products must be stored under refrigerated conditions.

V. Export Declaration & Customs Clearance Procedures

Origin Inspection: Upon successful internal quality verification, exporters shall submit declarations through the International Trade 'Single Window' system. Customs authorities at the place of origin will conduct the documentary review, physical inspection, and laboratory sampling per system instructions. Qualified shipments will receive an official Health Certificate endorsed by government veterinarians for customs release.

Port Inspection: Port Customs may perform regulatory inspections on caviar consignments as required by supervision protocols. Upon satisfactory inspection results, the caviar shipment will be cleared for international export. The caviar must be transported in a sealed, refrigerated compartment that is kept clean, with the cold chain sustained throughout transport.

 

 

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Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of WeChat Official Account of China Port Science and Technology. The WeChat Official Account of China Port Science and Technology version shall prevail.