Source: Zerno On-Line (Russia)
The recent China feed flour export registration process has created significant challenges for Kazakh producers. Specifically, manufacturers of animal feed meal are declaring the risk of production disruption and a complete halt to exports. The crisis stems from an update from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, which requires Kazakh grain processors to re-register, according to APK News.
China imposes strict re-registration deadline
The Ministry of Agriculture sent a letter to the regional territorial inspectorates of the State Inspection Committee for Agriculture and Food Industry. Consequently, the Committee had received a request from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China. China permits the export of animal feed meal consisting of 80% wheat and 20% barley to its market only after its authorities inspect and register the product. Furthermore, the registered product must be a mixed wheat-barley feed product.
Additionally, the People’s Republic of China notified that exporters previously included in the Chinese Register are subject to mandatory re-registration as mixed product producers.
If re-registration is not completed, the feed mixture in question should not be exported to China. The Ministry of Agriculture has ordered the Committee to urgently submit lists of Kazakhstani enterprises registered in the Register of the Main Customs Administration of the People’s Republic of China for subsequent re-registration by March 1, 2026.
Due to China feed flour export registration: Delays threaten contracts and logistics
According to feed flour producers, only 27 enterprises are currently included in the Register of Suppliers. However, approvals are being delayed, and contracts are being delayed.
“Only 27 enterprises from all over Kazakhstan are included in the Register of Feed Mix Suppliers, while 39 companies are awaiting inclusion. The remaining companies, in the majority, are forced to wait until March 31 for documents to be sent. Receiving registration codes may take additional time,” the Union of Grain Processors of Kazakhstan reported.
This situation will impact the timely fulfillment of export contracts, according to millers. Enterprises are already facing production and logistics constraints. For instance, they face the inability to ship products already prepared, forced accumulation, and unscheduled downtime of both empty and loaded containers on public rail.
Industry warns of financial losses and shutdowns
In addition, industry representatives noted the continuous arrival of ordered container trains bound for loading. This will inevitably lead to the paralysis of the operations of the loading stations and access roads of railway operators. Furthermore, the agreed-upon transportation plans for March have expired. As a result, there is a failure to fulfill the declared rail transportation plans. All of this will lead to financial costs for the unscheduled downtime of rolling stock.
“Enterprises are facing the risk of production interruptions and plant shutdowns, which incur additional costs associated with waiting for registration codes. This represents a colossal loss for Kazakhstani exporters, an additional burden on the railway infrastructure of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and a near-total halt in the export of this type of feed meal,” the millers reported.
The Union has asked the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan to expedite the forwarding of already received and reviewed applications from Kazakh enterprises to the competent authorities of the People’s Republic of China. Moreover, they seek to initiate cooperation with the Chinese side to optimize the application review time.
“For exporting companies, meeting deadlines is critical in terms of the continuity of production operations and the fulfillment of contractual obligations,” the Union stated.