Epidemic prevention, control imports total 6.53b yuan over 4 weeks

China imported 6.53 billion yuan ($931 million) worth of epidemic prevention and control material between Jan 24 and Monday to minimize the impact caused by the novel coronavirus epidemic, data released by the General Administration of Customs showed.

The country imported 2.02 billion items, including 1.63 billion facial masks, 18.62 million pieces of protective clothing, 3.56 million pairs of goggles and 4.39 million pieces of medical equipment, the GAC announced in a statement on Tuesday.

Based on the data, goods donated by overseas branches of centrally-administrated State-owned enterprises, overseas Chinese communities, foreign governments and civil organizations accounted for 16.7 percent of the country's total imports of epidemic prevention materials during this period.

To further prevent possible infection, the GAC urged customs houses nationwide to build a strong quarantine line of defense and resolutely prevent the spread of the epidemic through ports to overcome challenges created by the novel coronavirus.

The administration will intensify the fight against wildlife smuggling with relevant local governments, and continue to provide efficient customs clearance services for goods used in epidemic prevention and control.