China Tightens Controls on Baby Formula Imports

China has tightened controls on imports of infant formula in a move a New Zealand industry official said might block some of its suppliers.

The announcement by China’s product safety agency says only suppliers that register in advance can import milk products.

The move comes as Beijing tries to build up its dairy industry following a 2008 tainted milk scandal that killed at least six babies. Many parents switched to buying imported formula.

A list released by the government showed most major foreign suppliers have successfully registered.

But an industry group in New Zealand, a major dairy exporter, said only six of its 13 suppliers were approved. The group’s chairman said the change could result in some shipments to China being blocked.