September 27, 2005

China opens up market to live pig exports from UK
 

China has opened up its market to live pig imports from the UK, after the British Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) completed detailed technical questionnaires about the UK's animal health status.

China had banned British pig and pork products since 2000 following cases of classical swine fever in the UK then. However, the Chinese government had recently recognised that the UK was now free of the disease.

After further lobbying from the UK's livestock industry, the British Embassy in Beijing received a health certificate allowing live pig exports to China.

DEFRA welcomed the move as it was a significant step towards opening up China's market to British pork exports.