The Standing Veterinary Committee (SVC) voted today in favour of a Commission proposal to suspend the import into the EU of Chinese products of animal origin intended for human consumption or for use in animal feed. This suspension will enter into force shortly with the adoption of a Commission Decision. Products already on route will be allowed into the EU but will be subject to increased controls and testing by Member States. The main products affected by the suspension in volume terms are honey, rabbit meat, poultry and crustaceans such as shrimps and prawns. A recent mission of the EU`s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) revealed serious deficiencies of the Chinese residue control system and problems related to the use of banned substances in the veterinary field. EU directives stipulate that necessary measures must be taken for imports of products from third countries which are likely to constitute a serious danger to human or animal health (directives 97/78/EC and 95/53/EC for animal nutrition). The Commission will re-examine the situation together with Member States before the end of February. The Commission intends to work urgently with the Chinese authorities with a view to putting in place the necessary measures to allow trade to resume.