Finnish oat flakes to be exported to China

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China (AQSIQ) has approved the export of Finnish oat flakes to the Chinese market. The new import conditions are applicable to oat flakes consignments leaving Finland as from 19 October 2016.

AQSIQ published on its website an announcement to the customs offices concerning the new import conditions to be applied to Finnish oats imported to China.

The updated export protocol for oats also allows to export oat flakes from Finland to China, as well as including certain minor changes relating to the export of oat grains. Oat grain exports from Finland to China have been allowed since 2011.

- We are very pleased that exports can now be extended to higher value added products, also in the cereal sector. The opening markets of China are an important opportunity for Finnish food exports, where our excellent plant and animal health situation is a major asset, says Permanent Secretary Jaana Husu-Kallio.

According to the protocol, oats exporters and companies storing oats in connection with export operations must be included in the register kept by AQSIQ, and Chinese importers must apply for an import permit from AQSIQ before undertaking any import operations. The responsibility for the registration process in Finland rests with the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira. The updated export protocol for oats is available at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Inquiries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:
Jukka Virolainen, Senior Agriculture Officer, tel. +358 295 162 206
Kimmo Närhinen, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 162 257
Jaana Husu-Kallio, Permanent Secretary, tel. +358 400 291 910

Inquiries at the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira: 
Sari Haikola, Senior Officer, tel. +358 687 6641