In a recent development, the Chinese mission to the European Union issued an emergency notice on February 1st, announcing stricter measures to prevent the introduction of wood pests through wooden packaging. Starting April 1st, the European Commission will implement enhanced inspections on wood packaging used for Chinese stone products exported to Europe. This move is expected to result in a 90% sampling rate for goods arriving at EU entry points, significantly increasing the complexity and time required for customs clearance.
Liu Yang, from the Fujian Stone and Product Export Base Chamber of Commerce, described this as a major obstacle for Chinese stone exports. "Raising the sampling rate is like closing the door on our exports to Europe," he said. The increased inspection burden adds to the already difficult situation faced by Chinese stone exporters, who have been struggling with declining orders due to the European debt crisis.
Fujian Province, home to over 500 stone export companies, more than 10 stone export ports, and numerous building materials markets, is China's largest stone production and export hub. However, the region has seen a sharp drop in European orders, with some companies even experiencing shortages during peak seasons. "Many companies are now shifting part of their production to the domestic market just to survive," Liu explained.
Wang Sheng, general manager of Weisheng Stone Co., Ltd. in Yunfu City, Guangdong, confirmed the challenges. "Since the European debt crisis began, our exports to Europe have almost come to a standstill," he said. He noted that the high standards set by European authorities for both the stone products and their wooden packaging make it difficult to maintain competitiveness.
According to Shen Yulu from the China Stone Industry Association, the increased sampling rate not only delays customs procedures but also raises overall costs, further straining an already weak export market. "This is making things even harder for an industry that's already struggling," Shen added.
The chamber of commerce has started discussions with local companies to find ways to cope with the new regulations, but no effective solutions have been found yet. Some companies remain confused about the necessity of additional checks, especially since they already comply with European inspection requirements.
Liu also raised concerns about whether this move is specifically targeting Chinese exports, as there is no indication that other countries are facing similar scrutiny. He speculated that the EU might be trying to protect its own high-end stone brands, such as those from Italy, by limiting the market share of more cost-effective Chinese alternatives during a period of weak consumer demand.
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