Importers may face increased scrutiny of products imported from the Tianjin area, affected by a nuclear blast last month.
On 12 August, a chemical explosion occurred at the industrial centre named Bihhai New Area, where hazardous chemicals such as sodium cyanide were stored.
The FDA in the US requires submission of documents of goods like human and animal food, human and animal drugs and medical devices if they were in the affected area at or after 12 August.
UK’s Freight Transport Association is also concerned about contamination of containers leaving the Chinese port. MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) und BIFA (British International Freight Association) agree that, once obtained more information, they will advise possible new policies to their members.
The US Customs and Border Protection, however, is a step ahead. Importing goods from Tianjin to the US requires entry and shipping documents, as well as information about how, where and when the goods were stored at the Chinese port. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) demands details about the packaging of the goods (wrapped pallet, container,…) and the geographical location at Tianjin.
As for now, there have no contaminated goods been found. Various shipping lines confirmed, that all containers coming into the US from the “impact area” have been cleared and released.
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