China Wants “COVID-Free” Certificates Signed By Commodity Exporters

LUBBOCK, TX – China is asking meat and soybean exporters to certify that their shipments to China have complied with safety standards to ensure they are free of COVID-19.

According to a report from the Hinrich Foundation, the new measure is scientifically unjustifiable, highly trade-restrictive, and deeply damaging to exporters.

At the present time, some exporters are providing their own statements rather than signing the Chinese certificate and there have been no reports of shipments being refused.

The report continues however that all of China’s trading partners who will be adversely impacted by this measure should consider reciprocal requirements that apply equivalent treatment to Chinese exporters. These measures should be maintained until China withdraws its policy.
(SOURCE: The Hinrich Foundation)