Expo boost for baby formula

Ti Gong

Shanghai's market watchdog has opened a green channel for baby formula companies attending the second China International Import Expo, with 21 temporary licenses already issued, officials said on Monday. 

Companies seeking to exhibit baby formula products at the expo are exempt from overseas on-the-spot inspections with a temporary license, the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation announced. 

The administration has been authorized by China's top market watchdog to approve the registration of imported infant formula products for the first time. 

"We make the innovation based on companies' demand and the new practice makes it much more convenient for companies to display their products at the expo as they only need to submit required materials for review," said Chen Xuejun, director of the administration. 

James Ng, of Danone Asia-Pacific Management Co Ltd, said: "It took half a month to register three products during last year's expo. This year, it was cut to five working days to register five. 

"The procedures have been streamlined and efficiency has been improved, making it more convenient for attendees."

The company was granted a temporary license on Monday.  

Companies with the license will be able to display their products in certain areas, including the special supervision and management areas of the customs and bonded logistics centers, for three months after the expo is over. 

Imported infant formula products displayed at the expo will also enjoy priority in overseas inspections to accelerate approval time, allowing them to hit the China market early, the administration said. 

China's regulations state that imported infant formula companies have to undergo overseas on-the-spot checks before their products hit shelves in China.  

The new system also applies to imported health products for the expo, the administration said.