Confronting the impact that might be brought by the foreign goods after China's prospective entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), Chinese specialists call for study of technological barriers in accordance with common international practices and strengthening inspection and quarantine of imported and exported commodities.

In recent years, Chinese exported commodities frequently encountered technical, environment-protection and green barriers. Unlike tariff, quota and other non-tariff measures, technical barrier is a protective means conforming to the WTO rules, and has been widely adopted by many countries, especially developed countries. Nevertheless, China lags far behind the developed countries in this respect.

At a national exit and entry inspection and quarantine working conference, State Councilor Wu Yi said that in the face of the new situation regarding China's projected accession to the WTO, it is necessary to give further play to the role of the inspection and quarantine department. In line with the common international practices, it is essential to appropriately adjust the inspection and quarantine supervision and management method and to properly manage staple, important commodities that affect the national economy and people's livelihood; and properly handle the important inspection and quarantine problem that affects people's health and the security of industry and agriculture, and to safeguard national interests according to law. With regard to commodities and animals and plants concerning safety, sanitation, and environmental protection, it is necessary to set down a standard and conduct strict inspection and quarantine in accordance with common international trading practice.

The State Administration for Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Commodities will step up planning and taking measures for research on inspection and quarantine technical barriers this year.