ZMUni Compliance Centre

On March 18, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) issued Announcement No. 27 of 2026, unveiling the implementation details for the updated Administrative Provisions on Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food. These measures, set to take effect on June 1, 2026, aim to modernize and simplify the registration process for the more than 96,000 overseas enterprises currently exporting food to China.

The new framework introduces several significant changes designed to reduce administrative burdens and enhance trade efficiency:

1. Refined Category List for Official Recommendation

The list of food categories requiring registration under "Official Recommendation" has been reduced from 18 to 17. Notably, six types of primary agricultural products—including oilseeds, miscellaneous grains, fresh vegetables, dried beans, seasonings, and unroasted coffee/cocoa beans—have been removed from this specific list.

Manufacturers of these removed categories must now ensure compliance with the requirements outlined in GACC Announcement No. 219 of 2025 regarding the management of overseas enterprises for imported agricultural products.

Official Link for the List of Agricultural Products Approved for Import into China:

http://dzs.customs.gov.cn/dzs/2020-05/19/article_2025123119301257348.html

Query Platform for the Quarantine Registration List of Overseas Animals, Plants and Related Products:

https://scintl.chinaport.gov.cn/aprwebserver/pages/apr/public/html/companyList.html

2. Streamlined Application Procedures

The GACC is shifting toward a more enterprise-centric application model.

Direct Submission: All registration applications will now be submitted directly by the enterprise. For products remaining in the "Official Recommendation" list, companies can apply directly to the Chinese authorities after obtaining an inspection report and recommendation letter from their local competent authority.

Simplified Documentation: Identification requirements have been expanded beyond business licenses to include other official certificates. Furthermore, details such as "production type" and "production capacity" are now only required when deemed necessary.

Faster Feedback: Registration progress will be communicated directly to enterprises via the system and simultaneously shared with overseas authorities.

3. Automatic Registration Renewal

In a move that benefits approximately 95% of registered enterprises, the GACC has introduced automatic renewals. While the registration validity remains five years, most categories will now be extended automatically without the need for a renewal application.

Note: This automatic extension does not apply to manufacturers of meat and meat products, or bird's nest and bird's nest products. Enterprises in these specific sectors must still apply for renewal within a window of 3 to 12 months before their registration expires.

4. Inclusion of Cold Storage Facilities

The new regulations explicitly define the scope of overseas storage facilities requiring registration. Due to the high risks associated with low-temperature storage and transport, cold storage facilities housing terrestrial animal-derived food and aquatic products must now be registered.