Food exports to be passed by quality watchdog

Foreign food producers who want to sell their products to China might have to register with China's inspection and quarantine authorities every four years, according to a new draft rule released yesterday to solicit public opinion.

The food safety law, to take effect on June 1, requires all foreign food exporters to register with General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) to ensure their products are safe.

The draft implementation rule of the law, released on the website of the State Council Legislative Affairs Office (http://www.chinalaw.gov.cn/), states such registration is valid for four years.