| Legal Basis
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, stipulate that all overseas manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities exporting food to China (collectively referred to as "overseas manufacturers of imported food") must obtain registration with the GACC(General Administration of Customs of China). When exporting food to China, registered enterprises must mark their GACC registration number or the registration number approved by the competent authority of their home country (region) on both the inner and outer packaging of the food. In a word, the GACC registration number is the prerequisite for customs clearance and entry into the Chinese market.
Note: This regulation does not apply to manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities of food additives and food-related products.
| Registration Methods
Food exported to China is divided into two categories and is subject to different registration modes.
(1) Registration recommended by overseas competent authorities (18 Categories of Food);
(2) Self-registration by overseas manufacturers (other than 18 Categories of Food).
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18 Categories of Food |
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Meat and meat products |
Casings |
Aquatic products |
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Dairy products |
Bird's nest and bird's nest products |
Bee products |
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Eggs and egg products |
Edible oils and fats |
Filled pasta |
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Edible grains |
Milled grain products and malt |
Fresh and dehydrated vegetables and dried beans |
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Seasonings |
Nuts and seeds |
Dried fruits |
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Unroasted coffee beans and cocoa beans |
Special dietary foods |
Health foods |
| Registration Materials
1. 18 Categories of Food
Overseas manufacturers must submit their application for exporting food to China to their local competent authorities. Then, their local competent authorities shall audit and inspect the overseas manufacturers, confirm that they meet the registration requirements, and recommend registration to GACC. The following documents are required to be submitted to GACC:
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Serial No. |
Application Materials |
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1 |
Recommendation letter from the competent authority of the country (region) |
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2 |
List of overseas manufacturers and enterprise registration application forms |
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3 |
Enterprise identification documents, such as business licenses issued by the competent authority of the country (region) |
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4 |
Declaration from the competent authority of the country (region) that the recommended overseas manufacturers comply with the requirements of these regulations |
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5 |
Inspection reports from the competent authority of the country (region) on the reviewed overseas manufacturers |
When necessary, the GACC may request additional documents related to the enterprise's food safety, hygiene, and protection systems, such as factory floor plans, workshops, cold storage facilities, and process flow diagrams.
2. Foods Outside the 18 Categories:
These overseas manufacturers can apply directly to the GACC or entrust an agent to submit the registration application.
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Serial No. |
Application Materials |
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1 |
Enterprise registration application form |
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2 |
Enterprise identification documents, such as business licenses issued by the competent authority of the country (region) |
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3 |
Declaration from the enterprise stating compliance with the requirements of these regulations |
| Registration Evaluation Procedure
1. Evaluation by the GACC
The GACC conducts or commissions relevant organizations to organize review teams to assess the overseas manufacturers of imported food applying for registration. This assessment can be conducted through various methods, including document review, video inspection, on-site inspection, or a combination of these methods. Typically, document review is the primary method used for manufacturers of foods outside the 18 categories.
2. Registration Decision
Based on the evaluation results, GACC will notify the competent authorities of the country (region) or the overseas manufacturers of imported food in writing. GACC will grant registration and issue a GACC registration number for those who meet the requirements.
| Registration Validity Period
The registration is valid for five years. During the validity period, if there are any changes to the registration information of the overseas manufacturers, they must submit a change application to the GACC, along with a comparison table of the changes to the registration items and supporting documents related to the changes.
If GACC deems the changes acceptable after evaluation, it will approve the changes. However, suppose the changes involve the production site, legal representative, or the registration number granted by the country (region). A new registration application must be submitted, and the existing GACC registration number will automatically become invalid.
| Registration Renewal
Overseas manufacturers that need to renew their registration must apply to the GACC within 3 to 6 months before the expiration of the registration validity period. The renewal application documents include a renewal registration application form and a declaration of commitment to continuously meet the registration requirements.
| FAQs
Q1: Can an overseas manufacturer apply for multiple accounts?
A: An overseas manufacturer can only apply for one account. However, a single production site or enterprise name can apply for multiple GACC registration numbers for different product categories. Multiple production sites or processing enterprises cannot use a single GACC registration number.
Q2: How should the GACC registration number be marked?
A: Registered manufacturers can choose to mark either the GACC registration number or the registration number approved by the competent authority of their country (region), providing flexibility and autonomy for the manufacturers. Overseas manufacturers are encouraged to use the GACC registration number.
Q3: How can the registration information be queried?
A: The list of enterprises that have obtained registration qualifications can be queried on the GACC official website under "Registration Information of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food."
Official Website:
http://jckspj.customs.gov.cn/spj/xxfw39/jkspjwscqyzcmd/4650504/index.html]
Q4: What is the language requirement for documents submitted?
A: The registration application materials shall be submitted in Chinese or English. Suppose other agreements exist between the relevant country (region) and China on the registration method and application materials. In that case, they shall be implemented by the agreement between the two parties.
ZMUni is capable of obtaining a GACC registration number for your products, provided that they do not fall under the 18 Categories of Food and are eligible for self-registration. While for 18 Categories of Foods, we can provide guidance and support throughout the registration process. If you require any assistance, please contact us at info@zmuni.com.
