'Digital solutions such as e-health certificates show how technology can simplify complex processes'

Digital Health Certificates to Slash Paperwork and Drive Record Norwegian Exports in China

OSLO —A landmark agreement signed between Norwegian and Chinese authorities is set to transform the multibillion-dollar seafood trade, replacing mountains of paper with a streamlined, digital health certificate system.

The measure, announced during the recent China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, will significantly simplify and expedite the process of exporting Norwegian seafood to the world's most populous nation, which has become the fastest-growing market for Norway's marine products.

Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council/FIS

A Digital Leap for a Vital Market

The agreement focuses on developing a joint solution for the electronic exchange of health certificates—essential documents used by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) to verify the quality and safety of imported food products. Currently, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority manually issues over 19,000 paper health certificates to China each year, making China the top recipient of such documents from Norway.

This shift to digital certification promises immediate, tangible benefits: faster processing, a dramatically reduced risk of delays at ports like Shanghai, and enhanced traceability of shipments from the source. The move also aligns with China's broader efforts to digitize its food import compliance, offering a more transparent and secure supply chain.

"Electronic health certificates will significantly improve the framework conditions for seafood trade with China," said Sigmund Bjørgo, the seafood envoy to China from the Norwegian Seafood Council. "It will be much simpler and increase the flexibility of shipments, reduce the risk of delays in deliveries, and thus ensure the quality of the products."

Driving Record Export Growth

The agreement solidifies the strong economic ties between the two countries, particularly in the seafood sector. In 2024, Norwegian seafood exports to China surged to 182,000 tons, with a record value of 9.4 billion Norwegian Krone ($823 million USD). This marked a 10% increase in value, establishing China as the global market with the highest growth for Norwegian seafood that year.

The digital upgrade comes as Norway continues to expand its product offerings in China. The signing of the e-certificate agreement coincided with another major market access victory at the CIIE—the official approval for live brown crab exports to China. These live, high-value exports, along with key products like salmon (valued at 5.11 billion NOK in 2024) and mackerel, are expected to see even greater demand, now that bureaucratic hurdles are reduced.

"Digital solutions such as e-health certificates show how technology can simplify complex processes," noted Børge Lotre, Director of Market Insights and Analysis at the Norwegian Seafood Council. "When the document flow is automated, we get faster border crossings, lower costs and better traceability. This is an important step towards a more modern and sustainable trade."

A Model for Global Compliance

For China, embracing digital health certificates is part of an ongoing regulatory evolution, which includes streamlined registration processes for low-risk foods and a focus on digital traceability and AI inspection systems. By cooperating on the digital documentation, Norway is positioning itself as a leader in complying with China's stringent food safety requirements.

Norway already has successful experience with similar e-certificate solutions in other major markets, including South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Thailand. The launch in China, a major global trade partner, is viewed as the most critical step yet toward establishing a modern, sustainable, and entirely paperless international seafood trade ecosystem.

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