China lifts ban on UK genetic material

UK beef and sheep producers are now able to resume exports of bovine and ovine semen and embryos to China following the lifting of a four-year ban.

In May 2012 the Chinese Government introduced a ban on imports of these products from Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The ban was in response to an outbreak of the Schmallenberg virus which can cause birth defects and stillbirths in cattle, sheep and goats.

It went above and beyond recommendations set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) which ruled trade measures for the disease were not required.

European agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan welcomed the lifting of the ban.

He said: “The commission together with EU member states and EU business have been working towards reopening of the Chinese market for exports of bovine and ovine genetic material from all EU countries interested in exports and we welcome the lifting of this ban that should allow now for real trade starting to take place rapidly.

“We look forward to seeing China opening its market for these safe products from the rest of the EU in the near future.”