New EU controls on animal products from China: what changes for importers in 2026

Key data

Importers of animal products from China face a regulatory change with immediate effect. The European Commission has published the Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1428, in force since 1 July 2026, which modifies the annex of Decision 2002/994/CE: the reference framework that for more than two decades has regulated protection measures against certain animal origin products from China.

The change is not minor. The modification of the annex may mean that some product categories become subject to enhanced border controls, that additional certifications are required or, conversely, that restrictions on certain categories are lifted. Until the new text is reviewed, no operator can assume that their current procedures remain valid.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2002/994/CE is the base regulation that establishes EU protection measures against animal origin products imported from China. Its annex is the operational list: it determines which products are subject to what type of border control.

Implementing Decision 2026/1428 updates that annex. Based on available data, the changes may affect three dimensions:

Chinese animal origin products with the highest history of controls in the EU include: aquaculture (fish, crustaceans, mollusks), honey, meat and meat products, and derived animal origin products intended for both human consumption and animal feed.

The regulation directly modifies Decision 2002/994/CE, which has been in force since 2002. Any company that has operated under the procedures established in that regulation must verify whether the new annex alters the conditions applicable to their specific goods.

Economic and operational impact

The impact is not measured only in tariffs: it is measured in time, in retained shipments and in supply chain disruption. The specific operational risks are:

• Retention of shipments at customs: if goods become subject to enhanced controls and documentation is not adapted, the shipment can be retained until the issue is resolved or directly rejected.
• Definitive rejection at the border: non-compliance with the measures may result in rejection of the shipment, with the logistical and economic cost that entails (return freight, destruction of perishable goods, contractual penalties).
• Supply chain misalignment: distributors and food operators dependent on Chinese suppliers must anticipate possible delays while adapting their documentation and procedures.
• Coordination with customs agents: companies need to update instructions to their agents so they apply the new requirements from the first dispatch after 1 July 2026.

The animal feed sector is also on the radar: Chinese animal origin products intended for animal feed are equally within the scope of this regulation, affecting feed manufacturers and distributors using ingredients of Chinese origin.

Who does it affect?

• Direct importers of animal products from China (aquaculture, honey, meat, derivatives).
• Wholesale distributors marketing animal origin products of Chinese origin in Spain or the EU.
• Food sector operators (processing industry, industrial catering, retail) using ingredients or animal origin products of Chinese origin.
• Feed manufacturers and distributors incorporating animal origin ingredients from China.
• Customs agents and freight forwarders managing dispatches of these goods: they must know the new annex to correctly process documents.
• Purchasing and supply chain departments of companies with Chinese suppliers in animal categories.

Practical example

A Spanish company importing shrimp and prawns from China has active supply contracts with deliveries scheduled for July and August 2026. Until now, its shipments passed standard documentary controls under the regime of Decision 2002/994/CE.

With the entry into force of Decision 2026/1428 on 1 July 2026, the company must verify whether the category "aquaculture — crustaceans" appears in the new annex with enhanced controls or with changes in certification requirements. If it does not check before the next shipment arrives at the port:

• The competent authority at the border may retain the shipment until the correct documents are provided.
• If the goods are perishable (fresh or refrigerated product), a retention of 48-72 hours can result in total loss of the batch.
• The customs agent needs updated instructions to correctly declare the dispatch.

The immediate action is to review the new annex of Decision 2026/1428, confirm with the customs agent what documentation applies and, if necessary, request the Chinese supplier to provide any additional certificates that may be required.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the new annex of Decision 2026/1428 to identify whether the products you import appear with changes in controls or certification requirements. Access the full text in the EU Official Journal.
2. Inform your customs agent or freight forwarder of the regulatory change and verify that they apply the new requirements in the next dispatches. Do not assume that the agent already knows.
3. Contact your Chinese suppliers to anticipate whether you need new health certificates or additional documentation. The sooner you communicate this, the less risk of delivery delays.
4. Review current supply contracts to identify whether they include clauses on regulatory changes that may affect delivery schedules or conditions.
5. Update internal import procedures of the purchasing and supply chain department to reflect the new requirements from 1 July 2026.
6. Consult with a specialist in foreign trade if you have doubts about how the new annex applies to your specific product categories, especially if you operate with aquaculture, honey or animal origin feed from China.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601428