New standard for bulk transportation of edible oils comes into force in China

As of February 1, 2025, the new Chinese standard GB44917-2024 “Hygienic Requirements for Bulk Transportation of Edible Oil” has come into effect. The standard was introduced by the Bureau of Import and Export Food Safety under the General Administration of Customs of China.

The compliance standard establishes basic requirements for bulk oil transportation containers, including their cleaning, maintenance, and inspection. Additionally, it outlines conditions for accompanying documentation, transportation and unloading procedures, and the recording of all transportation stages.

The introduction of this regulatory measure was initiated following reports that tanker trucks in China were engaged in mixed transportation of food products and chemical liquids in the same vehicle without intermediate cleaning. The standards aim to address safety concerns related to equipment used for transporting edible oil, ensuring safety from production to end consumers.