On May 21, the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued a notice stating that the Philippines recently reported an outbreak of African swine fever to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). To prevent the disease from entering and to protect the safety of the country’s livestock industry and biosecurity, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the following notice is hereby issued:
1. It is prohibited to import pigs, wild boars, and their related products (products derived from pigs or wild boars that are unprocessed or, although processed, may still spread the disease) directly or indirectly from the Philippines.
2. It is prohibited to send or carry pigs, wild boars, and their related products from the Philippines into the country. Any such items discovered shall be returned or destroyed.
3. Animal and plant waste, swill, and similar materials unloaded from inbound transport vehicles from the Philippines must be treated for pest elimination under the supervision of customs and must not be discarded without authorization.
4. Any pigs, wild boars, and their related products from the Philippines that are intercepted by border inspection authorities for illegal entry shall be destroyed under the supervision of customs.
5. Anyone violating the above provisions shall be dealt with by customs in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Biosecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Quarantine of Inbound and Outbound Animals and Plants, and its implementing regulations.
6. Customs and agricultural and rural departments at all levels shall closely cooperate in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Biosecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Quarantine of Inbound and Outbound Animals and Plants, and the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law of the People’s Republic of China, to carry out quarantine, epidemic prevention, and supervision work.
This notice takes effect from the date of issuance.
World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), originally founded as the Office International des Épizooties (OIE) in 1924, is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to improving animal health worldwide. It was established in response to a devastating outbreak of rinderpest in Europe, with the goal of coordinating international efforts to control animal diseases. Today, WOAH sets global standards for animal health and welfare, facilitates trade in animals and animal products, and works to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.
General Administration of Customs
The General Administration of Customs, often referred to as the Customs House, is the central government agency responsible for overseeing and enforcing customs laws, trade regulations, and border controls. Its history dates back to the establishment of modern customs systems in the 19th century, with notable landmarks like the iconic Customs House in Shanghai, built in 1927, symbolizing China’s integration into global trade. Today, it plays a crucial role in facilitating lawful international commerce while preventing smuggling and protecting national security.
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is a key executive agency of the Chinese central government responsible for agricultural policy, rural development, and food security. It was established in its current form in 2018 following a major governmental restructuring, which merged the former Ministry of Agriculture with related functions from other ministries. Its history traces back to the founding of the People’s Republic of China, evolving to address the nation’s shifting agricultural and rural priorities over decades.
People’s Republic of China
<div class="text-gray-
World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), originally founded as the Office International des Épizooties (OIE) in 1924, is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to improving animal health worldwide. It was established following a severe outbreak of rinderpest in Europe, with the mission to coordinate international efforts against animal diseases and ensure transparency in disease reporting. Today, WOAH sets global standards for animal health and welfare, and its work is critical for preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases and safeguarding global food security.
General Administration of Customs
The General Administration of Customs is the central government agency in China responsible for overseeing customs operations, including border control, tariff collection, and trade regulation. Established in 1949, its headquarters in Beijing plays a key role in facilitating international trade while enforcing national laws. The agency has evolved significantly, particularly after China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001, to modernize customs procedures and enhance global cooperation.
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is a key executive agency of the Chinese government responsible for agricultural policies, rural development, and food security. Its modern form was established in 2018 through a major governmental restructuring that merged the former Ministry of Agriculture with responsibilities from other departments. The ministry oversees initiatives to modernize farming, improve rural livelihoods, and ensure stable food production across China.
People’s Republic of China
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is a vast country in East Asia, established on October 1, 1949, under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman Mao Zedong, following a civil war. It is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 3,500 years, and has since grown into a major global economic and political power. Today, China is known for its rich cultural heritage, including landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, as well as its rapid modernization.
