China, as of March of 2016, implemented preventive actions regarding the Zika virus. The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ) has identified many countries as being areas of concern for spreading the virus. As a result, AQSIQ has a list of origin countries that require proof of anti-mosquito treatment to accompany shipments to China. Any arriving shipment without proof of anti-mosquito treatment will be fumigated at the discharge port in China without prior notice. The United States was added to this list on August 8, 2016.
As of August 17th, the United Stated Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA – APHIS) has not received any definitive guidelines from Chinese authorities and are currently discussing the new Zika virus health requirements with AQSIQ.
V. Alexander & Co., Inc. is advising our customers to proceed with their shipments to China. However, we are also advising that consignees must be made aware that fumigation of cargo must be completed upon arrival in China as there are no current avenues of treatment prior to sailing.