New Chinese Infant Formula Regulations
Most of New Zealand’s infant formula production has been approved for export to China under the new regulations that come into force today.
The Infant Nutrition Council (INC) Chief Executive Jan Carey said the manufacturers and brands already registered account for approximately 90% of all New Zealand infant formula exports by volume.
“Today’s announcement confirms that New Zealand manufacturers are able to meet the high test set by the Chinese Government. While some New Zealand producers have yet to be registered, we are confident all manufacturers will meet the new standards in due course.”
Ms Carey said while the overall volume of infant formula exports is unlikely to change, there are likely to be fewer brands sold.
“The Chinese have made it clear they want to reduce the number of brands being offered to consumers and the move to tighten regulations was expected.”
Ms Carey said that is likely to have an impact on companies or ‘brand owners’ selling formula produced on their behalf.
“In short, the regulations require those selling infant formula to have close links to the manufacturer and in the long run, our industry will benefit from the increased confidence of Chinese consumers.
“While today’s news is positive for manufacturers, for brand owners without a close relationship with the manufacturer the bar is going to be set high, and some will struggle to meet the new rules.” Ms Carey said.
The links to the publicly available registers for infant formula manufacturers and general dairy manufacturers that can produce for export to China from today are listed on the website of the China Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) here:
Infant formula manufacturers: http://www.cnca.gov.cn/ywzl/gjgnhz/jkzl/imports-list/milk/New-Zealand.pdf
General dairy manufacturers: http://www.cnca.gov.cn/ywzl/gjgnhz/jkzl/imports-list/dairy/New-Zealand.pdf
”In short, the regulations require those selling infant formula to have close links to the manufacturer and in the long run, our industry will benefit from the increased confidence of Chinese consumers.
Jan CareyCEO INC
While today’s news is positive for manufacturers, for brand owners without a close relationship with the manufacturer the bar is going to be set high, and some will struggle to meet the new rules.
For further information contact Jan Carey 00 61 412 514 735
About the Infant Nutrition Council
The Infant Nutrition Council Ltd (INC) is the association for the infant formula industry in Australia and New Zealand. Its 41 members produce over 95% of the volume of infant formula manufactured, sold and exported in New Zealand. INC plays a key role in ensuring compliance and safety in the industry. All members abide by a Code of Conduct that provides direction on industry issues, including the support of breastfeeding, food regulations and standards, food safety issues, and company representatives’ conduct and activities. INC advocates for optimal nutrition for all infants: breastfeeding first, and, when needed, infant formula as the only suitable alternative. INC members include A2 Milk, Abbott Nutrition, Aspen Nutritionals, Bayer, Danone Nutricia, Fonterra, HJ Heinz, Nestle, Synlait. Associate members include NIG Nutritionals, Westland, Dairy Goat Co-operative, Bodco, Fresco, GMP, New Zealand New Milk, Spring Sheep Milk, Winston, Yashili. Website:www.infantnutritioncouncil.com
