Inspection and Quarantine Certificate

Inspection and Quarantine Certificate is an official document issued by the entry-exit inspection and quarantine authority (now integrated into Customs) after inspecting and quarantining import and export commodities, animals, plants and their products, packaging materials, etc. It certifies that the goods comply with the health, safety, sanitary and environmental standards of China or the importing country. Use cases include: customs declaration for export of legally inspected commodities, import customs clearance, letter of credit settlement, cross-border e-commerce, and trade in animal and plant products. Precautions: 1) The certificate must be within its validity period, and its contents must be consistent with the bill of lading, invoice, etc.; 2) Requirements vary by country, e.g., the EU requires a fumigation certificate, and the Middle East requires a Halal certificate; 3) Electronic certificates are becoming more common, but some countries still require the original. Difference from 'Commercial Inspection Certificate': the latter focuses on commodity quality and specifications, while the Inspection and Quarantine Certificate focuses on hygiene, safety, and epidemic concerns, though in practice they are often used together. Difference from 'Certificate of Origin': the latter proves the nationality of goods and is used for tariff preferences, while the Inspection and Quarantine Certificate proves compliance. Enterprises should apply to Customs in advance to avoid delays.