SN/T 1237-2025 in English

Background of the Standard Revision and Technological Evolution

SN/T 1237-2025, "Regulations for the Sanitation Supervision of Inbound and Outbound Aircraft," is a key industry standard issued by the General Administration of Customs. It replaces the 2015 version and reflects the latest requirements for entry-exit health quarantine in my country. This revision of the standard is based on changes in the global public health situation and the development needs of the air transport industry. It focuses on strengthening the risk assessment mechanism and scientific regulatory measures, and is consistent with the third edition of the ICAO Aviation Sanitation Guidelines.

Analysis of Core Content Structure

This standard systematically regulates the entire process of sanitary supervision of inbound and outbound aircraft, covering passenger, cargo, and inbound maintenance aircraft. Compared with the 2015 version, the main technical upgrades are: introduction of a dynamic risk assessment model, expansion of the scope of food and drinking water testing, optimization of vector-borne organism monitoring procedures, and the cancellation of the original scoring system in favor of a more flexible risk management model.

In-Depth Analysis of Key Technical Requirements

5.1.1 Innovation in Risk Assessment Mechanism

The new standard establishes a systematic aircraft health risk assessment framework for the first time, requiring supervisors to comprehensively consider multiple factors, including basic aircraft information (port of departure, aircraft model, years of flight experience), health management systems, and previous supervision records. Particular attention is paid to three core risk scenarios: foodborne disease risk, drinking water contamination risk, and risk of introduction of vector-borne pathogens.

5.2.1 Airline Food and Drinking Water Hygiene Upgrade

The standard explicitly references the second quality control period requirements of GB 31641 Aviation Food Hygiene Code and sets strict regulations for key parameters such as cold chain food storage temperature (<10°C) and hot food heating temperature (≥74°C). Newly added clauses 5.2.1.2.9 and 5.2.1.3.3 require standardized sampling and testing in accordance with GB 4789.1 and GB/T 5750.2 to ensure food and drinking water safety and traceability.

5.2.2 Expansion of Vector Monitoring

In addition to the existing monitoring requirements for mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches, the standard now includes monitoring requirements for 11 new vector-borne disease species, including ticks, fleas, and mites, significantly enhancing the prevention and control of insect-borne infectious diseases. It also requires the deployment of effective pest control equipment and the identification and pathogen testing of collected samples, establishing a comprehensive biosafety protection system.

Standard Implementation Recommendations and Compliance Key Points

Airline Operator Compliance Strategy

Airlines are advised to prioritize the following preparatory work before the standard's official implementation in February 2026: establish a dynamic risk assessment ledger, upgrade food temperature monitoring equipment, improve vector control programs, and train crew members on public health reporting procedures. Particular attention should be paid to the management of the validity of health certificates for Chinese crew members, as required by Section 5.2.1.1.1.

Customs Supervision Implementation Key Points

Supervisory personnel should be proficient in newly added rapid testing technologies and be equipped with comprehensive testing equipment and protective equipment in accordance with Section 5.1.3. During supervision, special attention should be paid to the disposal of aircraft waste from areas affected by quarantined infectious diseases (5.2.3.2) and the management of medical waste (5.2.3.3) to ensure compliance with biosafety requirements.

Technical Document Coordination Management

This standard, along with 16 referenced documents, including GB 5749 Drinking Water Standard and GB 31641 Aviation Food Specification, constitutes a complete technical system. During implementation, it is necessary to ensure that the testing methods and limit requirements in each link are consistent with the latest version of the referenced standards to avoid compliance risks caused by outdated standard versions.

Analysis of Expected Benefits of Standard Implementation

The implementation of SN/T 1237-2025 will significantly improve the level of sanitary supervision of inbound and outbound aircraft in my country: optimizing the allocation of regulatory resources through scientific risk assessment; improving food safety assurance capabilities through standardized testing procedures; and strengthening border health and safety protection by expanding the scope of vector monitoring. It is expected that after the full implementation of the standard, the incidence of aircraft-related public health incidents will be reduced by more than 30%, providing solid technical support for the health and safety of my country's aviation ports.