Objective To provide scientific basis for monitoring targeted heavy metals in Chongqing. Method The data on heavy metal contamination in export canned food were collected from 2007 to 2009 in Chongqing and analysed for classification and statistics. Results Seven kinds of heavy metals were monitored in 2007，including lead ( Pb) ，total mercury ( total Hg) ，total arsenic ( total As) ，inorganic arsenic ( inorganic As) ，cadmium (Cd) ，zinc ( Zn) as well as tin ( Sn) . The contents of lead in 5 of 65 samples and the contents of total mercury in 9 of 60 samples were more than the upper limits. Total arsenic，inorganic arsenic，cadmium，zinc as well as tin in all samples were qualified. The same kinds of heavy metals were monitored in 2008，and the content of these heavy metals in all samples was in the range of standard level and qualified. Zn and Sn were removed from and chromium ( Cr) and stibium ( Sb) were added in the monitoring list in 2009. All samples were qualified for targeted heavy metals monitored in 2009. Conclusion The qualification of heavy metals in export canned food in Chongqing was good and the probability of exceeding standard level is small，while more attention should be paid on certain metals such as lead.