Health Check Report for Foreign Trade Enterprises: Port Health License

In import and export trade, we often focus on the quality, price, and delivery time of goods, yet easily overlook a crucial "health certificate"—the Border Port Sanitation License. Just as the human body requires regular health check-ups, foreign trade enterprises engaged in food, drinking water, and public venue operations also need this special "health inspection report" to certify their hygiene and safety conditions.

Why is this "pass" so important?

According to regulations including the Implementation Rules of the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of China and the Food Safety Law:

• Food and drinking water at frontier ports and on transport vehiclesMust meet hygiene standards
• International hotels and departments providing catering services to cross-border transport vehiclesMust obtain health licenses
• Relevant personnelShall hold valid health certificates

Without this "pass," your products and services may not even make it past the national border, let alone engage in international trade.

Pre-application "Checklist" for Self-Assessment

Before submitting a formal application, it is recommended that enterprises conduct a self-assessment by referring to the following "checklist items":

• Site facilities: Are they suitable for the scale of production and operation? Does the sanitary protection distance meet requirements?
• Equipment configuration: Are disinfection, ventilation, and pest control facilities complete and effective?
• Process flow: Can it effectively prevent cross-contamination?
• Management system: Has a complete food safety management system been established?
• Personnel qualifications: Have relevant personnel received training and obtained health certificates?

Guidelines for Preparing the "Medical Examination Report" in Application Materials

Required materials vary depending on the type of operation:

Food Production and Operation Enterprises

• Sanitation license application form
• Corporate legal person identity proof
• Site floor plan, equipment layout diagram
• Production process flow charts
• Food safety management system documents

Drinking Water Supply Enterprises

• Sanitation license application form
• Corporate legal person identity proof
• Pipeline system design drawings
• Water quality testing capability proof

Public Venue Operation Units

• Sanitation license application form
• Corporate legal person identity proof
• Business premises floor plan
• Sanitation facility layout diagram

Comprehensive Analysis of the Customs "Physical Examination" Process

Customs approval of sanitation licenses is like a strict physical examination, mainly divided into the following steps:

1. Acceptance Phase

Customs will decide whether to accept the application within 5 working days. Incomplete materials will result in a one-time notification of required supplements.

2. On-Site Verification

Customs will dispatch at least 2 health inspectors for on-site inspection, focusing on:

• Whether actual conditions match application materials
• Whether sanitary conditions meet standards
• Whether management systems are effectively implemented

3. Approval Decision

Customs will make a decision within 13 working days, issuing licenses to qualified applicants and providing reasons for rejection to unqualified ones.

4. The "Green Channel" in the Free Trade Zone

Business operators in public places within the free trade zone can opt for the "informed commitment system," which significantly simplifies the approval process.

Management of the "Shelf Life" for Licenses

After obtaining the license, enterprises should also note:

• Change management: Changes in name, address, or business scope require timely application for modification
• Renewal application: Renewal applications should be submitted 30 days before expiration
• Cancellation circumstances: Application for cancellation should be made when ceasing operations

Practical Advice from Seasoned Traders

Based on 20 years of foreign trade experience, Ive summarized several practical suggestions:

• Plan ahead: The application process may take 1-2 months, so allow sufficient time
• Professional consultation: For complex projects, consider seeking professional agency assistance
• Ongoing compliance: Conduct regular self-inspections after certification to ensure continued compliance
• Electronic processing: Utilize Customs online processing platform to improve efficiency

Keep in mind, the health permit at border ports is not a "permanent exemption from inspection," but rather a "health certificate" that requires continuous maintenance by enterprises. Only by maintaining good "hygiene habits" can we move steadily and far on the path of international trade.