Tianmu News:

We have noticed that China is now managing COVID-19 with measures against Class B infectious diseases and it is no longer included in the management of quarantine infectious diseases. What work have the customs authorities done regarding epidemic prevention and control at ports and stations? Thank you!

Lyu Daliang:

Thank you for your question. Since the emergence of COVID-19, China Customs has fully implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, preventing infections and imported cases at ports. We have carried out strict health and quarantine measures for inbound travelers and public transportation. Science-based and targeted measures have been taken to prevent infections of personnel, goods and the environment, to prevent the import of multiple diseases, and to prevent infections via land, sea and air transportation, making contributions to the country's fight against COVID-19.

After China started managing COVID-19 with measures designed for combating category B infectious diseases an d no longer placed COVID-19 under quarantinable infectious disease management , in accordance with the plans of the State Council inter-agency task force and the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of the People's Republic of China and its detailed regulations, China Customs has carried out relevant work in a steady, orderly and science-based manner.

First, we improved health and quarantine measures at ports for inbound travelers. Following the requirements of the State Council inter-agency task force, we no longer conduct nucleic acid tests on all inbound travelers. Inbound travelers' nucleic acid tests within 48 hours before departure have been included in the customs health status declaration. We have implemented regular health and quarantine measures, including conducting checks on health declaration cards, temperature screening, medical screening and epidemiological investigation. At the same time, we have adopted differentiated response measures based on the results shown on the health declaration cards.

Second, we improved quarantine measures for imported goods. Imported cold chain food will no longer undergo random nucleic acid testing and preventive disinfection measures. Meanwhile, we will continue to apply the strictest possible standards, oversight, punishment, and accountability to ensure food safety. We will maintain contact with the relevant departments of export countries and regions, and urge them to follow the guidelines put forward by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on preventing infections. As for non-cold chain products, there will no longer be risk assessments for COVID-19 infections and preventive disinfection measures. Since China started managing COVID-19 with measures designed for combating category B infectious diseases and no longer placed COVID-19 under quarantinable infectious disease management on Jan. 8, customs clearance has been carried out in a smooth and orderly fashion. Thank you.