In 2024, the General Administration of Customs of People's Republic of China (GACC) issued 12 notices on non-compliant imported food products. A total of 4,200 batches of non-compliant food were inspected by local customs in the port supervision process in 2024, marking an almost 80% increase compared to the 2,358 batches in 2023. The most common violations were found in seafood and its products, meat and meat products, dried fruits, and beverages.

Clear Increasing Trend

Statistics show that November 2024 saw the highest number of non-compliant food batches.Additionally, every month except October in 2024 reported higher numbers of rejected food imports compared to previous years.

In recent years, Chinese customs have continuously optimized regulatory processes, increased random inspections, and strengthened efforts to prevent the entry of non-compliant food, ensuring food safety for domestic consumers.

Figure 1: Number of Non-compliant Food Batches in 2024

Food Origins: Dynamic Changes

In 2024, non-compliant food imports originated from over 90 countries and regions worldwide, showing a diverse range of sources. Europe (33 countries) and Asia (27 countries) were the leading regions, making up the bulk of non-compliant food imports. Additionally, foods from North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania were also rejected to varying extents.

Table 1: Comparison of Non-compliant Food Origins in 2023 vs 2024

Entry Ports: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Tianjin Remain Dominant

In 2024, non-compliant food imports were recorded at 36 ports across China, reflecting a relatively concentrated distribution. Shanghai topped the list with 995 batches, followed by Tianjin with 865 batches and Shenzhen with 445 batches. Major ports such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou remain the primary entry points for non-compliant food imports.

Table 2: Comparison of Non-compliant Food Entry Ports in 2023 vs 2024

Key Reasons for Rejected Food in 2024

Data shows that over 300 reasons were cited for food import rejections in 2024. The main causes included:

• Inconsistent documentation (865 batches)

• Non-compliant Labeling (842 batches)

• Issues with certification documents (275 batches)

• Detection of animal diseases (259 batches)

• Illegal use of sodium metabisulfite (156 batches)

• Non-compliant packaging (145 batches)

• Registration issues with overseas food manufacturers (128 batches)

• Unapproved products (101 batches)

Compliance Tips

To help businesses minimize losses caused by food rejections at Chinese ports, ZMUni Compliance Centre highlighted 5 key points for companies to focus on when exporting food in China:

1. Inconsistent Documentation and Missing Certificates

Thoroughly review the required documents, ensure consistency between the goods and required certification materials to prevent mismatches. Establish strict management and review procedures for documentation.The required customs clearance documentation include: contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, customs declarations, safety commitment letters, China registration numbers, exporter and importer registrations, product formulations, original and translated product labels, and other documents required by GACC.

2. Non-compliant Labeling and Packaging

According to the Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, imported food, additives, and related products must comply with China's national food safety standards. So, global businesses are encouraged to thoroughly review packaging and formulation for compliance with Chinese regulations.

3. Illegal Use of Food Additives

Under the Food Safety Law, producing or selling food that contains additives exceeding permissible scopes or limits is prohibited. Food additives must strictly comply with national standards regarding permitted categories and usage limits.

4. Unapproved New Food Ingredients

The Food Safety Law mandates that any food produced or imported using new food ingredients, new varieties of food additives, or new food-related products must undergo a safety assessment submitted to the relevant regulatory bodies. 

5. Registration Issues for Overseas Food Manufacturers / Unapproved Products

As per the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food, effective from January 1, 2022, foreign manufacturers must register with the GACC and obtain a GACC registration number before exporting products to China.

For detailed application requirements please refer to our previous article.

Also, on January 3, 2025, GACC issued a notice inviting public feedback on the Revised Draft of the Registration and Administration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food. The upcoming revisions are expected to introduce significant changes, particularly benefiting sectors such as health foods. Read previous news.

Conclusion

In 2024, the significant rise in the number of non-compliant food import batches in China highlights the country's increasingly stringent food safety standards and regulatory enforcement. From label compliance and proper use of food additives to the approval of new food ingredients and registration of overseas manufacturers, any regulatory misstep can lead to border rejections. For food enterprises, strict adherence to China's food safety laws and regulations has become essential for smooth customs clearance and market entry.

We hope this article will help relevant enterprises navigate regulatory requirements more effectively, ensuring product compliance, enhancing market competitiveness, strengthening consumer trust, and supporting long-term sustainable growth.

If your business requires third-party compliance services for food imports and exports, feel free to contact us at info@zmuni.com. We are committed to providing you with professional support and solutions.