Trade Alert: Denmark Implementing New Regulations on Imported Food

On February 20, 2025, the Danish Official Gazette published Regulation No. 181 from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries, which establishes special restrictions on imported food, feed, animal by-products, derived products, and materials that come into contact with food. This regulation will take effect on February 21, 2025. The main content includes:

Formulated according to the Food Law and other regulations, this applies to products imported into Denmark or transited through Denmark to a third country. Relevant products will face import restrictions or enhanced control. This does not apply to products imported through other EU member states that are already freely circulating within the EU, non-animal-derived food for personal use, and certain samples.

The regulation specifies special restrictions on the import of relevant products from various countries. For animal-derived food, only gelatin from our country and aquatic products (excluding farmed aquatic products, peeled or processed shrimp, and naturally caught freshwater crayfish) are allowed for import. When importers ensure that the products are imported solely based on EU Regulation 2002/994/EC, they may also import farmed aquatic products, peeled or processed shrimp, and naturally caught freshwater crayfish, as well as casings, rabbit meat, poultry products, eggs and egg products, honey, royal jelly, propolis, and bee pollen.

Rice and rice products, as well as composite foods containing rice ingredients, must meet the requirements of Regulation 2011/884/EU; penalties for violations are also specified.

Compliance Operation Guidelines:

Establish a dynamic monitoring system for EU regulations, focusing on real-time updates of the EC/EU regulatory database. It is recommended that trade enterprises with China adopt a "compliance officer" system to specifically address technical trade barriers. Logistics processes should increase "pre-classification" services to ensure HS codes fully match product characteristics. Utilize the EU RASFF alert system to establish a quick response mechanism for product recalls.

The introduction of this regulation marks Denmark's implementation of a stricter border control strategy in food safety. It is advised that relevant exporting companies immediately conduct compliance self-assessments, with special attention paid to often-overlooked aspects such as the use of additives, labeling standards, and packaging material certifications, to avoid triggering the enforcement authority's "strict review" procedures.