CIQ inspection, fully known as China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine, refers to the statutory inspection and quarantine implemented by the former China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Authority (now merged into the General Administration of Customs) on import and export commodities, animals and plants, food, etc. Its core purpose is to safeguard national security, public health, environmental protection, and consumer rights. Usage scenarios include: imported goods must apply to CIQ for inspection before customs declaration to obtain the 'Inbound Goods Inspection and Quarantine Certificate'; exported goods must apply for the 'Outbound Goods Certificate Exchange Voucher' or 'Outbound Goods Customs Clearance Form' as the basis for customs release. Notes: CIQ inspection is mandatory statutory inspection; goods without qualification certificates shall not be sold or used; inspection cycles and fees vary by commodity category, and enterprises need to arrange in advance. Unlike third-party commercial inspections such as SGS, CIQ inspection is legally mandatory and only targets the entry-exit stage; while commercial inspection (such as pre-shipment inspection commissioned by customers) is voluntary commercial behavior. In addition, CIQ has been merged into customs and is now often called customs inspection and quarantine, but the term CIQ is still used in foreign trade practice.
📝 Examples
1. Importing a batch of French wine, customs requires a CIQ inspection certificate during customs declaration to prove that the goods have passed hygiene, labeling, and other inspections. (Note: Imported food must obtain a CIQ certificate to clear customs and be sold.) 2. Exporting a batch of mechanical equipment to Southeast Asia, we applied in advance to the local customs (formerly CIQ) for outbound goods inspection and obtained a certificate exchange voucher, so as to exchange for a customs clearance form at the port. (Note: Export goods subject to statutory inspection must be declared with a CIQ certificate exchange voucher.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
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