Twelve honey product exporters in the Hangzhou Customs jurisdiction were recently listed on the EU website, becoming the first group of companies registered under new EU import regulations. Zhejiang Joying Food Co Ltd, located in Tongxiang, Jiaxing, is among them.

"The EU's standards for animal product imports are stringent. Achieving this registration grants us a passport for future exports, which is great for future growth," said Zhang Feipeng, general manager of Joying Food. He added that the company has already received new EU orders and has prepared two containers of honey ready for shipment after inspection and quarantine.

Securing the certification was challenging. In late 2023, the EU introduced new regulations requiring producers of honey products to undergo customs evaluations and obtain EU approval. The regulation provided a 12-month transition period, requiring registration by the end of 2024 for continued exports.

The EU is a major export market for Zhejiang's honey products, with exports reaching 6,239 metric tons valued at 107.82 million yuan ($14.88 million) from January to October this year. Hangzhou Customs has been proactive in studying EU regulations and providing guidance to companies to improve product quality and safety.

Zhejiang is a leading beekeeping province, contributing over 10 percent of China's honey production. The registration of these 12 companies boosts confidence in expanding the EU market.