SN/T 1296-2025 in English

Standard Revision Background and Technological Evolution

SN/T 1296-2025, "Technical Guidelines for Establishing 'International Sanitary Ports,'" is the latest industry standard issued by the General Administration of Customs on July 25, 2025, and will be officially implemented on February 1, 2026. This standard integrates and replaces the four existing standards: SN/T 1269-2010, SN/T 1296-2011, SN/T 3159-2012, and SN/T 4272-2015, achieving unified specifications for the establishment of international sanitary airports, international sanitary ports, and international sanitary land ports.

Major technical changes in this revision include: additional basic conditions for establishing ports, detailed requirements for on-site assessment preparation, strengthening communication and coordination capacity building, and a comprehensive update to port health supervision. These changes reflect the new requirements for port public health capacity building in the post-epidemic era.

Definition and Scope of Application of International Health Ports

According to the standard definition, an International Health Port refers to an international navigation port that, based on the continuous development, strengthening, and maintenance of the core port public health capacities stipulated in the International Health Regulations (2005), proactively applies for and passes on-site assessment accreditation from the World Health Organization, and meets relevant safety and health control requirements. This includes International Health Airports, International Health Ports, and International Health Land Ports (including road and railway ports).

This document is applicable to all open ports in the country to carry out the "International Health Port" creation activities, and provides systematic technical support for the ports to enhance their international public health governance capabilities.

Basic conditions and organizational structure for establishment

Creating an International Health Port requires a comprehensive organizational structure, including a leadership body led by the local government of the port, an office responsible for daily coordination, and technical teams covering 12 specialized areas, including infectious disease surveillance and quarantine, medical diagnosis and emergency response.

Creation Process and On-site Assessment Requirements

The creation process adopts a seven-step approach: voluntary application by the port → preliminary assessment by the directly affiliated customs → written application to the General Administration of Customs → capacity building → approval by the General Administration of Customs → on-site assessment by the WHO → post-approval reassessment mechanism. The entire process embodies government leadership, customs guidance, and multi-stakeholder participation.

On-site assessment preparation requirements: Creating ports must prepare complete English-language verification materials in accordance with the "Assessment Tool for Core Capacity Requirements for Designated Ports under the International Health Regulations (2005)." These materials include an overall report, a self-assessment form, a creation work plan, and a specific technical report.

Capacity Building System Framework

The standard divides capacity building into three main areas: communication and coordination capabilities emphasize the establishment of a comprehensive liaison mechanism; routine port capabilities cover basic capabilities such as medical services, quarantine supervision, and health surveillance; and emergency response capabilities focus on emergency response and handling capabilities.

Special Capacity Requirements for Different Port Types

Recommendations for the Implementation of the Standard

It is recommended that all ports implement this standard: establish a cross-departmental collaboration mechanism to ensure that the government plays a leading role; strengthen professional personnel training to enhance the core capacity of public health at ports; improve the emergency response plan system to enhance the ability to respond to public health emergencies; focus on international standards alignment to ensure that the results of the creation are internationally recognized.

After implementation, this standard will effectively promote the construction of my country's port public health system, enhance my country's participation and influence in global public health governance, and make positive contributions to building a community of health and well-being for all mankind.