Chinese logistics sector enhances measures to minimize infection risk

The Chinese civil aviation sector, ports and freight transportation agencies have escalated measures for imported shipments to minimize the risk of infection, given recent cases showing the coronavirus has spread from cold- chain storage facilities and cargo transportation.

The agencies require real- name registration and health monitoring of ground personnel who are in direct contact with imported goods, and ways to ensure that imported goods and other goods are not mixed together during transportation and loading, to minimize the risk of crossover infection.

Officials from the Civil Aviation Administration of China said the move is aimed at preventing outbreaks over the coming winter and spring.

A foreign trader surnamed Zhou in Suzhou, East China’s Jiangsu Province said that all containers containing imported goods must be disinfected before being allowed into the city. The goods undergo disinfection again after being allocated to different districts, according to Zhou.

Lifting imported cargo containers, especially – but not only – those containing cold- chain products, is slow and expensive because of the new precautions, a Tianjin- based international freight agent surnamed Xing told the Global Times.

“Containers from severely stricken areas such as the US and Europe will be disinfected first, and the procedure is much longer than before,” Xing said.

A voanews. com report on Wednesday questioned whether the move amounts to an unfair trade barrier. Tian Yun, a vice director of the Beijing Economic Operation Association, said the measure China takes is a normal and necessary reaction of the market.