Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has successfully maintained its market access for edible bird's nest (EBN) exports to China following the signing of a new Protocol on Inspection, Quarantine, and Hygiene Requirements for the Export of Raw-Unclean Edible-Birdnest and Raw-Clean Edible-Birdnest. This development ensures the continuity of trade valued at approximately RM1.5 billion annually.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the protocol was signed by Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and the Minister of General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Sun Meijun. The signing took place during the 9th China-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on SPS Cooperation held in Chongqing. The newly established protocol outlines the latest technical requirements related to veterinary inspection, hygiene, labeling, and auditing for the export of both clean and uncleaned raw EBN to China. It supersedes two previous protocols signed in 2012 and 2016 concerning the export of these products to China.
China continues to be the primary destination for Malaysian EBN exports, with total exports having increased from 201 tonnes in 2022 to 484 tonnes in 2024. The signing of this protocol is deemed crucial for ensuring the ongoing export of Malaysian bird's nest products to the Chinese market, thereby bolstering Malaysia's standing as a leading supplier of high-quality EBN products in the region.
The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Malaysia will persist as the competent authority responsible for regulating certification, veterinary safety, and inspection of registered processing plants. This will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (MAQIS). Furthermore, Malaysia aims to expand agricultural trade cooperation with China, with plans to finalize a new protocol for the export of poultry products in the near future.
The implementation of this protocol is projected to directly benefit over 15,000 swallow house operators and 61 processing plants approved by the GACC, consequently enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysia's agro-food exports.