In a proactive move to voice CICCA concerns and understand the Chinese legal constraints affecting the new Chinese Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) registration process, ICA President, Mr David Adcroft and Managing Director, Mr Kai Hughes were part of the CICCA delegation that met with officials from AQSIQ on Tuesday 28 April 2009.

Speaking after the meeting, David Adcroft explained: “There has been much concern in the cotton industry about the registration of firms intending to import cotton into China and the procedures for dealing with issues arising from those imports.
“The ICA approach, in conjunction with CICCA, has been one of wishing to enter into positive dialogue and cooperation with AQSIQ and the China Cotton Association (CCA). Tuesday’s meeting underlined the benefits of such an approach. There was a distinct willingness from both sides to try and understand the concerns and legal constraints affecting the process.” 
During the meeting, it was evident that AQSIQ’s main aim in introducing the registration process was to ensure the integrity of cotton imports into China, which mirrors the ICA’s aim of maintaining contract sanctity. Eager to fulfil this joint aim, Mr Song Xiushun, AQSIQ Director agreed that when considering applications for registration, those firms listed on the CICCA Unfulfilled Awards List would not be granted registration. Agreement was also reached to continue discussions to further improve the registration and inspection process via a working group comprising of the CCA and other CICCA members.
“This is a small, but major step forward,” added David.  “It clearly demonstrates a desire to work together. This initial meeting has been very worthwhile and it has laid the foundations for further cooperation.”