China has announced a set of new phytosanitary requirements for importing plant substrate and growing medium. The new Chinese requirements will take effect on July 1, 2025. This primarily affects producers and exporters of potting soil, peat soil, cocopeat, turf, and other plant growing media such as bark, rice or grain husks, coffee, and cocoa shells.
What changes on July 1, 2025?
If you export plant substrate and growing medium to China, the following applies to you:
- Plant growing medium will be subject to inspection upon export.
- Your company must be registered with the NVWA and have a Phytosanitary Registration Number (FRN).
- Your company must be included in the NVWA register: Approved exporters and producers of plant growing media for export to China.
All companies registered with the Chinese Customs (GACC registration) are included in the NVWA register. Companies are responsible for their own registration with Chinese Customs (GACC).
- Product composition and production processes must be known and documented.
- Your company must comply with the Phytosanitary control measures.
Products with an RHP certificate meet the requirements for product composition, production process, and control measures.
The inspection requirement applies from July 1, 2025
This will apply to plant growing medium (all origins) to China. Inspections will be carried out by the Quality Control Bureau (KCB) at an approved inspection location. They will check:
- Does the shipment match the Phytosanitary Certificate?
- Is the company listed in the NVWA register of approved exporters and producers?
- Is the GACC number mentioned on the Phytosanitary Certificate and the packaging?
- Is the RHP certificate present?
More information
The additional requirements have been published in the document country requirements: China diverse products export requirements. See also the document: Inspection obligation for various products.
You can check your GACC registration on this Chinese webpage. Also, see the Chinese Customs webpage. This page is in Chinese.
For more information about the new requirements, please contact the NVWA.
For more information about registration in the NVWA register, please contact the KCB.