First of all, the application of sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) standards is not always based on sound science, and unsubstantiated SPS concerns are sometimes used as non-tariff trade barriers. Secondly, the inconsistent local and provincial laws and the inconsistent application of regulations, even from port to port, also cause problems to many foreign food exporters.
The inefficient import and export procedures at Chinese ports also need to be improved. Although China has moved from a manual to an automated customs processing system, system breakdowns have frequently been noticed.
