China to resume imports of Japanese boneless beef

(ECNS) -- China will resume imports of Japanese boneless beef below 30 months old, according to General Administration of Customs (GACC) anouncement on Friday.

It had banned imports since 2001 when an outbreak of mad cow disease hit Japan. The lift means Japanese beef would be back on Chinese tables 18 years later.

The statement was jointly released by the GACC and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Requirements of inspection and quarantine for the beef will be formulated separately.