On August 25, 2025, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) released its list of non-compliant imported food products for July 2025. According to the list, a total of 476 batches from 37 countries and regions were denied entry, representing a month-on-month decrease of approximately 2% (down 9 batches from 485 in June) but a year-on-year increase of about 21% up 84 batches from 392 in July 2024). The number of food items denied entry remained at a relatively high level.

The majority of non-compliant products originated from the U.S. (19.9%), followed by Spain (17.6%), Japan (16.0%), and Vietnam (8.4%). Key reasons for import rejections included:

- Non-compliance with national food standards (209 batches)

- Unqualified labeling (78 batches)

- Discrepancy between cargo and certificates (42 batches)

- Registration issues of overseas food manufacturers (11 batches)

Four Indonesian Edible Bird's Nest Batches Rejected over Aluminum and Alum

In July 2025, Chinese customs denied entry to five batches of edible bird's nest products from Indonesia, four of which failed due to aluminum residues or alum use:

• two batches exceeded limits for aluminium potassium sulfate (potassium alum) and aluminium ammonium sulfate (ammonium alum);

• two batches failed aluminum tests;

• one batch was rejected for non-compliant packaging.

The affected products included whole white nests, broken nests, and nest cups, all produced in Indonesia by multiple manufacturers and declared through Guangzhou and Shenzhen ports.

Alum Use in Edible Bird's Nest Exceeds Legal Limits under GB 2760

According to China's National Food Safety Standard Standard for Uses of Food Additives (GB2760-2024), potassium alum and ammonium alum are permitted as food additives only in specific products such as fried dough items, vermicelli, and surimi, with strict limits on aluminum residues (generally not exceeding 100 mg/kg as aluminum). Edible bird's nest and related products are not included in the permitted scope.

This means that any use of alum in edible bird's nest constitutes an overuse violation. Detection of such violations not only serves as grounds for import refusal but may also trigger enhanced regulatory scrutiny of the importers and exporters involved, and could even result in the suspension of their GACC registration numbers.

 *Source:GB2760-2024

China-Indonesia Joint Action Tightens Edible Bird's Nest Regulations

Indonesia:

In response to Chinese regulatory requirements, Indonesia's National Quarantine Agency (Barantin) issued a directive on June 25, 2025, instructing laboratories and ports nationwide to classify edible bird's nest exports to China as high-risk products. Key measures include:

• Aluminum content testing for each batch and product type using ICP-MS, following China's GB 5009.268-2025 National Food Safety Standard Determination of Multi-elements in Foods;

• Batches exceeding 100 mg/kg aluminum (as Al) are prohibited from export to China;

• Test results must be included in the Animal Product Health Certificate, with electronic reporting mandatory from July 1, 2025.

*Source: Barantin

China:

According to China Customs' Overseas Production Enterprise Registration for Imported Food System, 12 overseas enterprises registered for "edible bird's nest and related products" currently have their import status marked as suspended, 11 of which are based in Indonesia. This reflects China's continued tightening of regulatory oversight on the quality and safety of edible bird's nest products.

Compliance Tips: Establish a "Zero-Alum" and Full-Chain Traceability System

In response to heightened scrutiny over aluminum and alum use in edible bird's nest products, companies are advised to adopt a compliance baseline of "zero alum, traceable management, and consistency between goods and certificates," creating a closed-loop system from production to customs clearance. ZMUni Compliance Centre recommends:

• Overseas manufacturers: List potassium alum, ammonium alum, and other aluminum salts as prohibited, focusing on soaking and shaping processes. Test each batch per GB 5009.268, set stricter internal limits, and sync results with export certificates.

• Exporters: Specify "zero alum" and testing methods in contracts; pre-check consistency of certificates, packing lists, and customs documents to avoid rejections.

• Importers in China: Verify suppliers' GACC status before declaration and retain screenshots; consider third-party testing for high-risk batches; ensure labels accurately reflect materials and processes.

• Supply chain: Use whitelist/blacklist systems, assess supplier stability, and implement full-process traceability with batch QR codes or electronic ledgers for regulatory readiness.

ZMUni Compliance Centre brings extensive expertise in pre-packaged food compliance and import clearance. For inquiries or support to ensure the efficient and successful entry of your products into China and other markets, please contact us at info@zmuni.com.