China extends grace period for cross-border e-commerce trial

September 26, 2017

BEIJING – An Executive Meeting of China’s State Council chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on  September 20 extended the “grace period” for China’s Cross-Broder E-Commerce Pilot Programme, previously to expire on December 31,  2017 until December 31, 2018.

China amended its regulations on the CBE Programme in April 2016 to impose import licensing, product registration and commodity inspection and quarantine (CIQ) requirements on consumer goods imported and sold under the CBE Programme.

 

Lawyers Baker McKenzie say these include, most notably, the pre-importation registration of infant milk formula, cosmetics, health food, medical devices and other sensitive products, as well as a requirement for most consumer goods undergoing the CIQ procedure to ensure compliance with Chinese national standards and product safety and quality rules.

 

“Nevertheless, the Chinese Government subsequently offered a “grace period” during which the implementation of these requirements was suspended,” BM says.

 

“Further extension of the "grace period" suggests that imported consumer goods sold under the CBE Programme will continue to be exempted from these requirements until the end of 2018.

“Based upon our observation, notwithstanding the general exemption provided by the Central Government policy, local practices in this regard could still vary substantially from port to port.” www.bakermckenzie.com (ATI).