导航菜单
On October 23, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) issued Announcement No. 150 of 2026, releasing the amended Administrative Provisions on Filing of Importers and Exporters of Imported Food. The revised provisions introduce simplified filing procedures and updated requirements for domestic food importers and overseas food exporters and agents.
For businesses importing food into China, it is essential to distinguish between three separate compliance requirements: 1) GACC registration of overseas food manufacturers, 2) filing of overseas food exporters or agents, and 3) filing of domestic food importers. These requirements apply to different entities and cannot substitute for one another.
1. GACC Registration of Overseas Food Manufacturers
Applicable entities: Overseas food manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities subject to GACC registration requirements.
Under GACC Decree No.280, overseas food manufacturers subject to GACC registration may submit applications through the CIFER Registration System. However, additional documentation is required for 17 specified food categories.
17 specified food categories: Applications must include an inspection report and a recommendation letter issued by the competent authority of the exporting country or region. These categories include meat, aquatic products, dairy products, bird's nests, bee products, edible oils, grains, nuts and seeds, and health foods.
Other food categories: Manufacturers may submit applications directly, subject to applicable registration requirements. Examples include tea, confectionery, and certain packaged beverages and processed foods.
The applicable requirements should be verified against the current GACC classification and relevant product-specific rules.
Official database: China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) System
2. Filing of Overseas Food Exporters or Agents
Applicable entities:
Overseas exporters that sell or arrange shipments of food to China.
Overseas agents acting on behalf of food manufacturers in export transactions involving China.
Key changes under the 2026 revision:
The filing form has been simplified from 20 fields to 10.
The processing period has been reduced to three working days from acceptance.
Changes to filing information must be completed within 60 days, as required by the revised provisions.
Example: If Manufacturer A has completed the required GACC registration and sells its products to China through trading companies B and C, each trading company must complete its own overseas exporter-filing, where applicable. The manufacturer's registration does not replace the trading companies' filing obligations.
No separate paper certificate is issued for this filing. Businesses can check the published records through the official platform.
Official database: List of Overseas Exporters or Agents of Imported Food
3. Filing of Food Importers in China
Applicable entities: Domestic companies importing food from overseas and subject to China's food importer filing requirements.
Key changes under the 2026 revision:
The required filing materials have been simplified to a single form: the Food Importer Filing Information Form.
The form has been simplified from 20 fields to 16.
The processing period has been reduced to three working days from acceptance.
Changes to filing information must be completed within 60 days.
Filing remains valid on a long-term basis, subject to applicable cancellation provisions.
Applications are handled by the competent local customs office. Eligible companies may also complete food importer filing alongside their customs filing as consignees or consignors of import and export goods.
Official database: China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform
| Item | Overseas Manufacturer | Overseas Exporter or Agent | Domestic Food Importer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Responsible entity |
Overseas manufacturer |
Overseas trading company or agent |
Domestic importing company |
| Regulatory authority |
GACC |
GACC |
Local customs office |
| Requirement |
GACC registration |
Filing |
Filing |
| Core purpose |
Establishes the manufacturer's registration status for relevant food exports to China |
Identifies the overseas exporter or agent |
Identifies the domestic food importer |
| Validity |
Generally five years, subject to applicable rules |
Long-term, subject to applicable provisions |
Long-term, subject to applicable provisions |
Confirm that the overseas manufacturer is registered where required, the relevant exporter or agent and domestic importer have completed their respective filing procedures, and the food product meets China's import market access requirements.
Relevant parties should complete required updates within the prescribed 60-day period.
Manufacturer registration and exporter/importer filing serve different purposes. One does not replace the other.
ZMUni Insight
The amendments aim to simplify administrative procedures while maintaining traceability across the imported food supply chain. Businesses should review the registration and filing status of their suppliers and trading partners before shipment to reduce the risk of customs clearance delays or other compliance issues.
For assistance with GACC registration or food importer and exporter filing in China, contact ZMUni at info@zmuni.com.
