[Purpose and significance] Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, many local epidemics have been related to imported cold chain food, so the construction of an imported cold chain food traceability system is extremely urgent. In this paper, we propose the use of blockchain technology to build an imported cold chain food traceability system to achieve informatization of the whole chain for imported cold chain food. Under this system, when food quality or epidemic-related problems occur, it will be possible to clearly identify the responsible subject and trace the source of the problem to enable recall of products and other responses. The establishment of an imported cold chain food traceability system is of great significance in alleviating the pressure of the epidemic in China, improving regulatory efficiency, shaping the corporate brand image, and enhancing consumer trust. [Summary] First, we systematically categorize the reasons why imported cold chain food has repeatedly become a risk point during the epidemic. Second, we conduct a detailed analysis of the advantages of blockchain technology, which we propose to use to build an imported cold chain food traceability system; these advantages include its characteristics of decentralization and immutability. We also divide the traceability system into four layers: application, collection, communication, and data storage, and provide a brief description of each. Finally, in view of the difficulties and deficiencies faced in the construction of a blockchain traceability system, we put forward suggestions for improvement.