This incident has led to the destruction of approximately 19 tons of problematic salmon, severely threatening Norway's reputation as the core supplier to China's rapidly growing seafood market.
In early July, the General Administration of Customs of China announced that salmon products from three well-known Norwegian companies, Holmøy, Eide, and Alsaker, were found to contain sea lice.
Although sea lice do not pose a health risk to humans, their presence directly violates China's health inspection regulations.
The implicated goods were seized in the ports of Shenzhen and Zhengzhou and have been immediately destroyed.
Currently, China has initiated a full-category risk assessment on the import of Norwegian salmon, which may result in new trade restrictions.
Chinese regulatory authorities have requested that Norway provide detailed information on sea lice control measures in fish farms, the geographical locations of aquaculture facilities, and veterinary drug residue monitoring.
This incident coincides with a period of growth in Norwegian salmon exports to China.
Data from the Norwegian Seafood Council shows that in July 2025, Norwegian salmon exports to China increased by 80% year-on-year, reaching 763.9 million Norwegian kroner.