Market
Frozen whole green peas in China are produced and processed as quick-frozen vegetables for both domestic use and export. UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS reports China exported HS 071021 (shelled/unshelled frozen peas) in 2024 at about USD 30.5 million (~20.1 thousand tonnes), with Japan and the United States among the top destinations.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter; significant domestic consumer market
Domestic RoleProcessed frozen vegetable product used in household cooking and foodservice; also a raw input for mixed-vegetable and prepared-food manufacturing
Risks
Sps Food Safety HighDeal-breaker risk for China market access: imported frozen peas that fail China’s food-safety compliance expectations (e.g., pesticide residue, contaminants, or pathogen limits under the national standards framework) can be detained/rejected by regulators, causing shipment loss and elevated inspection frequency.Implement residue-control programs at farm level, run pre-shipment testing against China-relevant limits, and maintain full batch documentation for rapid traceback during GACC checks.
Logistics MediumReefer cold-chain breaks (temperature abuse, delayed port clearance, power interruptions) can cause thaw/refreeze damage and raise microbiological risk, leading to quality claims or regulatory action.Use validated reefer settings, continuous temperature monitoring, and strict receiving checks; include contingency planning for port/route disruptions.
Forced Labor Compliance MediumDestination-market forced-labor regimes (e.g., U.S. UFLPA; EU forced-labour product ban) can block trade if the supply chain cannot demonstrate origin and labor compliance, especially for Xinjiang-linked inputs or entities on restricted lists.Maintain auditable supplier mapping and origin documentation down to farm and processing site; prepare evidence packages for customs challenges where applicable.
Sustainability- Cold-chain energy use and refrigerant management (freezing, frozen storage, and reefer transport) are material sustainability considerations for China’s frozen vegetable supply chains.
Labor & Social- Forced-labor due-diligence risk: certain destination markets apply forced-labor import restrictions for goods made wholly or partly in China (e.g., U.S. UFLPA rebuttable presumption for Xinjiang-linked supply chains; EU forced-labour product ban regime). Buyers may require enhanced origin and facility traceability for agricultural and processed-food inputs.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety management
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
- IFS Food
FAQ
What processing method defines quick frozen peas for this product category?Codex defines quick frozen peas as washed peas that are sufficiently blanched for stability and then rapidly frozen so the maximum crystallization range is passed quickly, with the product reaching -18°C at the thermal center after stabilization.
What are the key China market-access requirements for imported frozen peas (as a frozen vegetable)?For frozen fruit and vegetables, guidance summarized by CFIA notes that exporting establishments should be registered in China’s CIFER system and obtain a phytosanitary (plant health) certificate of export from the country of origin; Decree 248 facility registration is a core part of the framework for most foods.
Which HS code is commonly used for trade reporting of frozen peas?The Harmonized System subheading for frozen peas (Pisum sativum) is HS 0710.21; China’s export reporting in UN Comtrade/WITS uses product code 071021 for “shelled or unshelled peas, frozen.”