China: Updated soybean standard to take effect December 2023

On May 23, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and Standardization Administration published the final version of National Standard for Soybeans (GB1352-2023), which will take effect on December 1, 2023. This updated standard will replace the current National Standard for Soybeans, GB 1352-2009 of September 1, 2009.

China notified a draft of the standard to the on February 8, 2021 under G/TBT/N/CHN/1529, which was previously reported in GAIN report CH2021-0031 - China Notified Draft National Standard for Soybeans. The updated standard contains changes on quality requirements and adds an additional grade for soybeans. Unlike the current standard, in which only specific clauses (5.1, 7.1 and 8) are mandatory, the entirety of the proposed new standard is mandatory. The standard specifies the terms and definitions, classification, quality requirements, test methods, inspection rules, labelling, packaging, storage, and transportation requirements for soybeans. The standard is applicable to the purchase, storage, transportation, processing, and sale of commercial soybeans.

The FAS China comparison of the final version of the standard shows no changes from the draft version notified to the WTO in 2021. Industry members and relevant stakeholders are encouraged to carryout their own due diligence to review how and whether the final standard could influence their business. 

Read the report Updated Soybean Standard To Take Effect December 2023 at USDA FAS website.

The report contains an UNOFFICIAL translation of the final version of the standard.