Regarding the Inspection and Quarantine Requirements for Export of Fresh Persimmons from Republic of Korea to China

According to the regulations of the Chinese Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea regarding phytosanitary requirements for fresh persimmons, effective immediately, the import of fresh persimmons from South Korea that meet the following requirements is permitted:

I. Quarantine Basis

(1) The Biosafety Law of the People's Republic of China;

(2) The Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine Law of the People's Republic of China and its implementing regulations;

(3) The Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China and its implementing regulations;

(4) The Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported Fruits;

(5) Memorandum of Understanding between the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Fresh Persimmons from South Korea to China.

II. Permitted Commodity Name

Fresh Persimmons (Diospyros spp.)

III. Permitted Origin

Persimmon producing areas in South Korea.

IV. Approved Orchards and Packing Plants

Persimmon orchards and packing plants exporting to China must be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea and approved for registration by the Chinese Customs. Registration information must include name, address, and registration number to facilitate accurate traceability in case exported fruit does not meet regulations. The registration list should be provided to Chinese Customs by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs before each export season and published on the website after review and approval by Chinese Customs.

V. List of Quarantine Pests of Concern to Chinese Customs

1. Diaspidiotus perniciosus

2. Hyphantria cunea

3. Lepidosaphes ulmi

4. Ponticulothrips diospyrosi

5. Capnophaeum fuliginodes

6. Cercospora kakivora

7. Macrophoma kaki

VI. Pre-Export Management

(I) Orchard Management

1. All orchards exporting to China must implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or other similar safety regulations, maintaining orchard hygiene, timely clearing of fallen fruit, and post-harvest pruning; and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including pest monitoring and surveys, chemical control, biological control, and agricultural operations.

2. All orchards exporting to China must conduct pest monitoring and integrated management under the supervision of the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, targeting quarantine pests of concern to Chinese Customs. All orchards exporting to China must conduct pest monitoring from flowering to harvest, every two weeks, focusing on investigating the presence of these pests on branches, stems, leaves, and fruits. If any harmful organisms are found, measures such as chemical and biological control should be taken immediately to control their occurrence.

3. All phytosanitary measures for orchards exporting to China must be implemented under the guidance of professional technicians trained by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Korea or its authorized agencies.

4. All orchards exporting to China must retain records of pest monitoring and control for at least two years and provide them to Chinese Customs upon request. Pest monitoring and control records should include the monitoring time, the name of the pest found, the control measures taken, and detailed information such as the name, active ingredient, concentration, and date of use of the chemicals used.

(II) Packaging Plant Management

1. The processing, packaging, refrigeration, and transportation of persimmons exported to China must be carried out under the quarantine supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Korea or its authorized personnel.

2. During the packaging process, persimmons exported to China must be screened and graded, and the fruit surface must be cleaned using a high-pressure air gun or water gun to ensure that the persimmons are free of insects, mites, rotten fruit, branches, leaves, other plant debris, and soil.

3. Packaged persimmons destined for China should be immediately stored in a cold storage room, separated from other persimmons that do not meet quarantine requirements, to prevent secondary infection by harmful organisms.

(III) Packaging Requirements

1. Packaging materials must be clean, hygienic, unused, and comply with Chinese phytosanitary and sanitary requirements. If wooden packaging is used, it must comply with International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15).

2. Each package must be labeled with the fruit name, place of origin (province and region), country, orchard or its registration number, and packing plant or its registration number. Each package and pallet must be labeled with "输往中华人民共和国" or "Exported to the People's Republic of China" in Chinese or English.

(IV) Pre-export Inspection and Quarantine

1. Within two years of the effective date of this announcement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Korea or its authorized personnel shall conduct inspection and quarantine at a sampling rate of 2%. If no phytosanitary issues are found within two years, the sampling rate may be reduced to 1%. Suspicious fruits discovered during quarantine should be dissected for examination.

2. If any quarantine pests of concern to Chinese Customs are found, the entire batch of persimmons shall not be exported to China. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Korea shall investigate the cause and take corrective measures, preserve the seizure record, and provide it to Chinese Customs upon request.

(V) Phytosanitary Certificate Requirements.

For persimmons that pass quarantine, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Korea shall issue a phytosanitary certificate, indicating the orchard and packing plant registration numbers, and noting:"This consignment of persimmons complies with the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Persimmons from Korea to China, and is free from any quarantine pests of concern to China." in the supplementary declaration section.

VII. Import Inspection and Quarantine and Handling of Non-conforming Persimmons

When persimmons imported into China arrive at Chinese ports of entry, Chinese Customs shall conduct inspection and quarantine in accordance with the following requirements:

(I) Verification of Relevant Certificates and Markings.

1. Verify whether the imported persimmons have obtained an "Import Permit for Animals and Plants".

2. Verify whether the phytosanitary certificate complies with the provisions of Article 6, Paragraph (V) of this Announcement.

3. Verify whether the markings on the packaging boxes and pallets comply with the provisions of Article 6, Paragraph (III) of this Announcement.

(II) Entry Inspection and Quarantine.

1. Persimmons exported to China should enter through ports of entry permitted by Chinese Customs for fruit import.

2. Upon arrival at a Chinese port of entry, Chinese Customs will inspect relevant documents and markings, and conduct inspection and quarantine in accordance with Chinese laws, regulations, national standards, and the requirements of this announcement.

(III) Handling of Non-Compliant Goods.

1. If the goods are found to originate from an unapproved orchard or packing plant, the shipment shall not be allowed entry.

2. If any quarantine pests of concern to Chinese Customs or live quarantine pests not recorded in Korea are found, the shipment shall be returned, destroyed, or treated for pest control.

3. If any goods are found to be non-compliant with Chinese food safety laws, regulations, and national standards, the shipment shall be returned or destroyed.

GACC