Two protocols, namely the Protocol on Inspection, Quarantine and Veterinary Sanitary Requirements for Wild Fishing Aquatic Products to be Exported from Sri Lanka to China and the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka to China signed during the presidential visit to the People’s Republic of China in October 2023. These arrangements will facilitate Ceylon cinnamon and fishing products entering the lucrative Chinese market.

The General Administration of Customs of People’s Republic of China plays a key role in ensuring food safety under the various decrees and regulations. Accordingly, the import of marine fish products into the Chinese market must meet various requirements such as risk analysis, documentary review and on-site inspection before receiving approval for market access into the Chinese market.

In this context, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, under the Ministry of Fisheries of Sri Lanka, with the support of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing fulfilled the technical requirements necessary for Sri Lanka to export all types of marine fish products to the Chinese Market.

This is a significant achievement for Sri Lanka and marine fish exporters from Sri Lanka have been anticipating this opportunity for many years to enter the Chinese market with their marine fish products. The protocol now facilitates the export of all types of marine fish products whereas previously, the Chinese market only allowed access for a limited number of approved marine fish categories.

The market access protocol for Ceylon Cinnamon was also established between the two countries during the visit of H.E Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President of Sri Lanka to China.

Ceylon Cinnamon is a unique product originating in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka has been exporting it, positioning itself as a quality supplier in the global market. The Ministry of Plantation Industries of Sri Lanka, with the support of the Embassy of Si Lanka in Beijing met the technical and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for exporting Ceylon Cinnamon to gain eligibility for market access in the Chinese market. The Chinese market access for Ceylon Cinnamon represents a remarkable achievement for the Sri Lankan Spices industry and its the key stakeholders.

The two protocols were signed between the two countries by Hon. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and Hon. Yu Jianhua, Minister of General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China.

The government of Sri Lanka acknowledges the support extended by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China for undertaking the work related to the market access requirements, enabling Sri Lanka to include two important export products to the Chinese import portfolio.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

06.11.2023