What is the primary function of the National Import/Export Services (NIES)?

The primary function of the National Import/Export Services (NIES) is to endorse international health certificates and conduct facility inspections. This role is crucial as it ensures that products, particularly food and pharmaceuticals, meet safety and quality standards before they are traded internationally. By endorsing health certificates, the NIES validates that the products comply with health regulations, which is vital for protecting public health and ensuring that goods entering a country do not pose a risk.

Furthermore, facility inspections conducted by NIES ensure that manufacturing and processing sites adhere to necessary health standards, which reassures importing countries of the safety of the products. This function is essential in maintaining hygiene and safety in global supply chains, especially in sectors like food and pharmaceuticals, where the risk of contamination or public health hazards is significant.