Recently, Spain and Italy have reported cases of scrapie to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). To prevent the introduction of the epidemic and protect the safety of China's animal husbandry and biosafety, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the following announcement is hereby issued:

1. Direct or indirect importation of sheep and their related products (unprocessed products derived from sheep or processed products that may still transmit the disease) from Spain and Italy is prohibited.

2. Sending, delivering or carrying sheep and their related products from Spain and Italy into China is prohibited. Any such items found shall be returned or destroyed.

3. All animal and plant wastes, swill and other substances unloaded from inbound aircraft, ships and other means of transport originating from Spain and Italy shall be subjected to pest control treatment under the supervision of the customs and shall not be discarded without authorization.

4. Any illegally imported sheep and their related products from Spain and Italy seized by border inspection and other departments shall be destroyed under the supervision of the customs.

5. Anyone who violates the above provisions shall be dealt with by the customs in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Customs Law of the People's Republic of China, the Biosafety Law of the People's Republic of China, the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine and its implementing regulations.

6. Customs authorities at all levels and agricultural and rural departments at all levels shall, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Customs Law of the People's Republic of China, the Biosafety Law of the People's Republic of China, the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine, the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law of the People's Republic of China and other relevant regulations, closely cooperate to do a good job in quarantine, epidemic prevention and supervision work.

Note: Policy summary is sourced from Customs 12360.

For details, please refer to the content on the following website: http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/302266/302267/6596542/index.html