From 8 January 2023, China will no longer implement quarantine and infectious disease management measures for the entry of personnel and goods into the country. After almost three years of strict measures, the government has loosened its grip on the pandemic control. Indicative is the classification of Covid-19 as a slightly less threatening virus and the revised protocols concerning its control and prevention announced on 26 December. Can these latest developments also impact the China-Europe rail freight business?