Changes to Chinese FTA Certificate Issuing Authority Have Major Impact on Imports from China to Australia

The China – Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) came into action 20 December 2015. Now the Chinese government has changed the authority that is in charge of issuing official government certification which has a major impact on imports from China to Australia.

From 21 August 2018, all entry-exit inspection and quarantine duties are managed by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s republic of China (GACC). The former General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) is now been suspended. As a result, certificates and stamps have changed for imports from China to Australia.*

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources states that:

• Certificates issued up to 20 August 2018 should be issued by AQSIQ (CIQ logo)
• Certificates issued from 21 August 2018 should be issued by GACC
• If CIQ certificates are dated after 20 August 2018 they should be referred to the department as potentially fraudulent
• The security features have not changed
• GACC logo, letterhead and stamps will replace the AQSIQ/CIQ logo, letterhead and stamps**

For any authenticity issues or concerns please contact the Origin and Verification team of the Department of Home Affairs at chafta@abf.gov.au.

After the change of authorities, two issuing authorities remain for ChAFTA CoOs (Certificates of Origin) in China; the General Administration of Customs of the People’s republic of China (GACC) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact one of our freight experts.

Sources:

*http://agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2018/97-2018
**http://www.ftalliance.com.au/news/14968