The Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) of the People’s Republic of China sent a delegation to Namibia for an on-site evaluation of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) from 22 to 26 January 2016, following our application to export beef products to that country.

Based on feedback received from the CNCA, there were a few issues that Meatco had to address before export could be considered, namely:
• Improving our quarantine record before slaughter;
• Better staff awareness of hygiene;
• Enhancing verification work before recommending enterprises to China;
• Various issues relating to enterprise applications; and
• Improving facilities and identification of mark management.

Meatco has revisited these issues and reported back to the Chinese government, allowing trade to resume between the two countries.

“We addressed these deficiencies by taking corrective measures and have sent a report to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS). China doesn’t have to wait for a report from DVS because we have already taken the necessary corrective measures,” says Rosa Katjivena, Executive: Quality Assurance.

China is expected to resume trade with Namibia as soon as these corrective steps have been completed. This will follow after the official registration of Meatco’s Windhoek and Okahandja plants.

The Chinese market is very important to Meatco as it holds many additional opportunities for the marketing our product range.