EU urged to suspend poultry imports from China over audit shortfalls

Imports from China have risen significantly in recent years, increasing by more than 30% compared to the previous year, reaching around 50,000 tonnes in 2025. These imports enter the EU market under full duty conditions.

AVEC had already warned about the risks linked to certification and control systems in 2024. The Commission’s audit now confirms systemic shortcomings affecting animal welfare oversight at slaughter, traceability, hygiene controls and the reliability of certification supporting exports to the EU.

Consumer trust and policy credibility

AVEC highlights that public confidence in EU food policy relies on clear and verifiable guarantees for all products placed on the market, regardless of origin. “European citizens expect that food sold in the EU meets the same level of assurance, whether produced inside or outside Europe,” said Birthe Steenberg, secretary general of AVEC.

“When official audits highlight gaps in verification systems, the credibility of EU standards is at stake,” Steenberg added. Given the gravity of the Commission’s own audit conclusions, AVEC notes that the absence of immediate measures raises serious questions about the consistency of enforcement across the EU market.

Competitiveness and reciprocity

European poultry producers operate under some of the highest regulatory requirements globally and continue to invest to meet evolving expectations on animal welfare and sustainability. At a time, when the EU is advancing new animal welfare legislation and increasing regulatory expectations for European producers, AVEC stresses that consistent enforcement for all products circulating inside the Single Market is essential to maintain policy credibility and fair competition.

“Fair competition depends on reciprocity in practice,” said Steenberg. “If Europe raises standards internally, imports must provide equivalent guarantees.”

Ensuring credible guarantees through precautionary action

AVEC calls on EU institutions to act decisively in light of the audit findings. The sector considers that a suspension of imports of poultry products from China is a proportionate and necessary precautionary step until robust guarantees and verified compliance with EU requirements can be demonstrated.

“EU policymakers have faced similar situations before, including the Carne Fraca case, where weaknesses in certification systems required swift precautionary measures to protect consumer trust,” said Steenberg. “When the Commission’s own audits identify systemic shortcomings, acting decisively is merely consistent with established EU practice.”

AVEC reiterates that ensuring that market access reflects the guarantees required under EU law is not only a matter of consistency but of maintaining confidence in the European food system.