The following communication, received on 30 June 2020, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.

The notification G/SPS/N/TPKM/533 was circulated erroneously and should therefore be considered null and void.

Plant products for animal consumption

The draft amendment of Article 8-1 of the "Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Animals and Animal Products". Language(s): English. Number of pages: 3

The Requirements regulate the importation of straw and forage for animal feed. The amendment added is Article 8-1 of the "Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Animals and Animal Products", in which the "Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Straw and Forage for Animal Feed" must be complied with. After considering the comments from WTO members, the main points are summarized below and the rest of the Requirements remain unchanged:

1.    Straw and forage for animal consumption are considered objects subject to quarantine because they are considered to have capability of spreading foot and mouth disease and African swine fever.

2.    In order to carry out the control measures for animal quarantine, the draft of the "Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Straw and Forage for Animal Feed" is amended as follows:

a.    Straw and forage for animal feed shall not contain visible contaminants of feces, blood scab or others which pose risk of disease transmission to ensure the safety and animal health.

b.    The name and signature required for the certificate issued by the competent authority is changed from veterinary officer to officer.