EU Adds Chitosan to Exempt Import List Under Updated China Animal-Origin Trade Rules

European Commission Simplifies Import Requirements for Chitosan Used in Animal Feed, Pet Nutrition and Other Applications

The European Commission has updated its import rules for certain animal-origin products from China by adding chitosan to the list of products exempt from specific declaration requirements under Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1428.

The amendment modifies the Annex to Decision 2002/994/EC, a long-standing framework governing protective measures for products of animal origin imported from mainland China. The change is expected to simplify import procedures for eligible chitosan shipments while maintaining the European Union’s high standards for food safety, feed safety and biosecurity.

For companies involved in the animal nutrition, pet food and feed additive sectors, the regulatory update removes an administrative step for qualifying imports and may help improve supply chain efficiency.

What Is Chitosan?

Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide produced by processing chitin, a structural component found in the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. Commercial production is also increasingly using insect-derived chitin as an alternative raw material. In the animal health and nutrition industries, chitosan is used in several applications, including:

• Feed additives

• Pet nutrition products

• Encapsulation technologies

• Functional ingredients

• Veterinary research applications

Interest in chitosan has grown because of its biodegradability, biocompatibility and functional properties.

What Has Changed?

Under the updated legislation, chitosan has been added to Part I of the Annex to Decision 2002/994/EC. Products listed in Part I are exempt from the declaration otherwise required under Article 3 of the Decision, reducing one element of the import administration for eligible consignments originating from China.

Importers must still comply with all other applicable European Union legislation relating to customs procedures, official border controls, sanitary requirements and product-specific regulations.

Benefits for Feed and Pet Nutrition Companies

The updated exemption could provide several operational advantages for European businesses sourcing chitosan from China. Potential benefits include:

• Reduced administrative paperwork for eligible consignments

• Faster import processing where applicable

• Greater regulatory clarity

• Improved supply chain efficiency

• Lower compliance costs associated with Article 3 declarations

Companies importing chitosan for feed, pet nutrition or industrial applications should nevertheless ensure that all other EU import requirements continue to be met.

Growing Importance of Chitosan in Animal Nutrition

The global market for functional feed ingredients continues to expand as manufacturers seek ingredients that support innovation in animal nutrition and pet care. Chitosan is being evaluated in research for applications including feed technology, ingredient delivery systems and functional nutrition, although regulatory approvals and permitted uses differ across jurisdictions.

As demand grows, streamlined import procedures can help improve the availability of raw materials for European manufacturers.

Industry Outlook

While Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1428 is a targeted regulatory amendment rather than a major policy overhaul, it represents another step in the European Union’s ongoing effort to modernise import controls using a risk-based approach.

For feed manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and importers, the inclusion of chitosan in the exempt product list reduces one layer of administrative requirements while preserving the EU’s robust framework for food safety, animal health and biosecurity.

Companies trading animal-origin ingredients between China and Europe should continue to monitor future regulatory updates as the European Commission periodically reviews import conditions in response to scientific evidence and international trade developments.