No. Unpasteurized cheese is illegal in China under food safety laws, with importation and domestic production prohibited due to microbial contamination risks. The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) enforces strict controls, aligning with 2026 updates to the Food Safety Law that prioritize pasteurized dairy safety. Local market surveillance by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) targets non-compliant imports, including artisanal European varieties.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in China
- Mandatory Pasteurization: All dairy products, including cheese, must undergo pasteurization per GB 16568-2023 standards, enforced by the National Health Commission (NHC).
- Import Ban: GACC’s 2024 Import Food Safety Regulation explicitly bans unpasteurized cheese, requiring health certificates from exporting countries.
- Domestic Production Restrictions: SAMR’s 2025 Dairy Industry Compliance Guidelines prohibit unpasteurized cheese manufacturing, with penalties up to ¥500,000 for violations.
Recent 2026 amendments to the Imported Food Safety Law further tighten border inspections, mandating real-time microbial testing for dairy imports. Exemptions exist solely for scientific research under NHC-approved protocols.