On September 16, 2025, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) released its list of non-compliant imported food products for August 2025. A total of 617 batches from 52 countries and regions were denied entry, representing a month-on-month increase of approximately 30% (up 141 batches from 476 in July) and a year-on-year increase of about 105% (up 316 batches from 301 in August 2024).

The majority of non-compliant products originated from Ecuador (18.5%), followed by Japan (8.9%), the U.S. (7.8%), and Italy (6.0%). Key reasons for import rejections included:

• Non-compliance with national food standards (167 batches)

• Unqualified labeling (156 batches)

• Detection of animal disease (86 batches)

• Discrepancy between cargo and certificates (57 batches)

• Registration issues of overseas food manufacturers (46 batches)

Compared with the same period last year, risks in aquatic products have risen significantly, with issues highly concentrated in two categories:

1. Salmon from Norway and the UK, with multiple batches testing positive for parasites.

2. Whiteleg shrimp from Ecuador, with animal disease detections showing clustered distribution.

Additionally, with the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, a large volume of mooncakes entered the market, though some batches were restricted from entry due to non-compliance.

Five Batches of Mooncakes Denied Entry Due to Labeling Issues

In August 2025, Chinese customs denied entry to five batches of mooncakes from HongKong, China, due to non-compliant labeling:

Product Naming and Labeling Standards Have Been Strengthened

Since the implementation of the General Rules for Mooncake Quality (GB/T 19855-2023) on April 1, 2024, the industry has seen systematic guidance on naming and labeling practices:

• Standardized naming according to mooncake type and formula characteristics.

• Clarifications on the applicability of "other" or "innovative" mooncake categories.

Meanwhile, general labeling and nutrition labeling rules are being updated, and companies are advised to prepare transition plans for their product labels.

The Administrative Measures for Supervision of Food Labeling, General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Food (GB 7718-2025), and General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods have been released and will take effect on March 16, 2027.

Key updates include:

• Expanded labeling scope with detailed requirements for ingredients, additives, allergens, and imported food.

• Strengthened rules on quantitative labeling and numeric displays.

• New mandatory nutrition labeling items, including saturated fat and sugar, with specified tolerances and reference intake values.

More information on Food labeling:

• China Issues Q&A on Two Major Food Labeling Standards, GB 7718-2025 and GB 28050-2025

• Unpacking China's GB7718 - 2025 New National Standard for Food Labeling: Key Takeaways

• China's New Food Labeling Standard GB 7718-2025 Unveiled: 8 Critical Points to Master

For imported mooncakes and their ingredients, the regulations require: Chinese labels with fully corresponding bilingual information; inclusion of importer details, in-China registration numbers, and country of origin (including filling/packaging location). These requirements directly affect customs compliance and market circulation.

Packaging "Slimming": Layers, Costs, and Mixed Packaging

Mooncake packaging requirements have been further clarified:

• Layer limits: Packaging for mooncakes and zongzi must not exceed three layers (GB 23350-2021 and amendments).

• Cost control: For mooncakes priced above RMB 100, the cost of the second layer and beyond must not exceed 15% of the total price.

• Material and mixing restrictions: Mixed packaging with other products is prohibited, as is the use of precious metals, rosewood, and similar high-value materials.

• Space coefficient: A specific coefficient (k=7.0) and effective implementation dates have been defined.

Together with inspection rules on "excessive luxury packaging" and "covert bundling," these measures set clear enforcement criteria to reduce waste, control costs, and standardize packaging practices.

ZMUni Reminder

ZMUni Compliance Centre reminds all industry stakeholders that food safety is of utmost importance. Companies are encouraged to strengthen pre-import compliance reviews, verify customs documentation carefully, and enhance supplier quality management to reduce the risk of import rejections.

Overseas food manufacturers and importers should also keep pace with the latest food laws and standards, and seek professional compliance advice when needed, to ensure smooth and timely market entry.

With our extensive expertise in pre-packaged food compliance and import clearance, ZMUni is committed to providing reliable, professional, and efficient support to help your products enter China and other key markets successfully. For inquiries, please contact us at info@zmuni.com.