In a significant policy update, China has mandated that all U.S. facilities involved in the export of hides and skins to China must be pre-registered and approved. This change, set to take effect by the end of September 2024, replaces the current process which does not require pre-registration. By Leatherbiz.

The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) is urging all relevant U.S. exporters, including packing, processing, and storage facilities, to act promptly to comply with the new regulations to avoid disruptions in trade.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) and LHCA are collaborating to ensure all facilities are registered with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) before the deadline.

To facilitate this transition, APHIS will compile a comprehensive list of all involved facilities by September 6, 2024, and submit it to GACC for approval.

Stakeholders are encouraged to contact LHCA with any questions regarding this policy change.