Standards Officially Released! Product of Geographical Indication – Beihai Oyster Marks New Standardised Development Opportunities for the Centuries-Old Seafood Delicacy
- 婧 韩
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
Beihai Oyster
I. Landmark Standard Issued with Clear Implementation Date
On May 30, 2023, the Administration for Market Regulation of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region officially approved and issued the Guangxi local standard DB45/T 2670-2023, Product of Geographical Indication – Beihai Oyster, which shall come into full force on August 30, 2023.
To address the lack of standardisation within the Beihai oyster industry, the Beihai Administration for Market Regulation took the lead in organising industry cooperatives, testing institutions and aquatic enterprises to formulate the complete local standard, establishing unified rules for whole-chain management of this geographical indication product.
II. Comprehensive Unified Specifications Covering the Whole Production & Distribution Chain
This local standard achieves full-process standardisation for Beihai oysters from sea farms to dining tables, specifying nine core components:
Terminology and product definition
Statutory protected scope for the geographical indication
Mandatory requirements for producing area environment, cultivation and product quality
Official testing methods for product quality
Judgement rules for factory inspection
Specifications on the use of the special geographical indication mark
Labelling standards for products
Materials and specifications for finished product packaging
Management requirements for fresh transportation, warehousing and preservation
The set of regulations covers all links including breeding, processing and circulation, resolving the long-standing industry challenge of inconsistent norms for production, labelling, storage and transportation, and consolidating the bottom line of product quality control.
III. Centuries-Old “Milk of the Sea”: Already Certified as National Geographical Indication Product
Beihai oysters boast a cultivation and consumption history spanning more than 300 years. Plump, juicy, sweet and nutrient-rich, they are known as the “Milk of the Sea” and stand as a representative aquatic delicacy of the Beibu Gulf.
As early as July 30, 2018, the China National Intellectual Property Administration issued an announcement formally granting Beihai Oyster the status of a National Product Protected under Geographical Indication. Endowed with exclusive origin protection, it is a premium brand of characteristic marine agricultural products in Guangxi.
IV. Multi-dimensional Benefits Brought by the Implementation of the Standard
Production Side: Achieve standardisation and regulation
Unified quality control criteria standardise operating procedures for oyster farmers and processing enterprises, stabilise oyster quality, lift overall production capacity and product premium, and increase income for oyster cultivators.
Brand Side: Polish Beihai’s signature aquatic brand
It improves the standardisation system for local characteristic aquatic products, strictly regulates the use of the special geographical indication mark, puts an end to counterfeit and misbranded goods, and strengthens the regional brand recognition of “Beihai Oyster”.
Regulatory Side: Upgrade supervision capacity for GI products
A complete standardised supervision framework is formed. Market regulators can carry out regular sampling inspection and traceability management in accordance with the standard to guarantee the quality and safety of Beihai oysters circulating on the market.
Industrial Side: Boost long-term growth of the marine economy
Taking standardisation as the starting point to improve the complete industrial chain of oysters drives the upgrading of local aquatic industries and lays a solid quality foundation for Beihai oysters to further expand domestic and overseas markets.
V. Industry Conclusion
From acquiring national geographical indication protection to the rollout of supporting provincial-level local standards, Beihai Oyster has realised dual upgrading of brand certification + standardised governance.
The establishment of a standardisation system preserves the unique flavour and quality of this time-honoured marine product. It also creates a replicable model for the development of geographical indication fishery products in coastal regions, helping this sweet delicacy from the Beibu Gulf reach broader markets around the world.
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