The Association of Poultry Producers in Europe (AVEC), representing 95% of the continent’s poultry production, has called on European Union institutions to consider a precautionary suspension of poultry imports from China. This request follows the findings of an audit conducted by the European Commission, which indicates that the official controls related to poultry exports from China are inadequate in providing reliable assurances for public health and animal welfare.
Recent data indicates a significant increase in poultry imports from China, with a rise of over 30% compared to the previous year, culminating in approximately 50,000 tonnes in 2025. These products enter the EU market while facing full duty conditions.
Trust and Policy Credibility Among Consumers
AVEC emphasizes that maintaining public trust in EU food policy hinges on the provision of clear and verifiable assurances for all products available in the market, regardless of origin. Birthe Steenberg, AVEC’s Secretary General, stated, “European citizens expect that food sold in the EU meets the same standards, whether produced internally or imported.”
Steenberg added, “Gaps identified by official audits in verification systems place the integrity of EU standards in jeopardy.” The seriousness of the audit findings raises pressing questions regarding the uniform enforcement of these standards across the EU market.
Competitiveness and the Need for Reciprocity
European poultry producers face some of the world’s most stringent regulatory requirements and continually invest to align with evolving standards concerning animal welfare and sustainability. With ongoing advancements in animal welfare legislation and increasing regulatory expectations for domestic producers, AVEC stresses the importance of consistent enforcement of standards for all products within the Single Market to ensure fair competition.
“Fair competition relies on reciprocity in practice,” asserted Steenberg. “If Europe tightens its internal standards, then imports ought to provide equivalent assurances.”
Taking Proactive Measures for Assurance
In light of the audit’s findings, AVEC urges EU institutions to take decisive action. The association believes that suspending poultry imports from China is a reasonable precautionary measure until robust guarantees and verified compliance with EU regulations are substantiated.
“EU policymakers have encountered analogous situations in the past, such as the Carne Fraca case, where deficiencies in certification systems necessitated prompt precautionary measures to uphold consumer trust,” remarked Steenberg. “When the Commission’s audits highlight systemic issues, it is both prudent and consistent to act decisively.”
AVEC reiterates that allowing market access must reflect the guarantees expected under EU law, stressing that this is critical not only for consistency but for ensuring confidence in the European food system.
