China MARA Imported Feed and Feed Additive Registration Guide

According to Article 3 of the Administrative Measures for the Registration and Management of Imported Feeds and Feed Additives, overseas enterprises must apply for and obtain an import registration certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) when exporting products to China for the first time. It is strictly prohibited to sell or use imported feed or additives within Chinese territory without this certificate.

The registration license is valid for a period of five years. To maintain market access, a renewal application must be submitted no later than six months prior to the expiration date.

Scope of Import Registration License

The requirement for a MARA registration license applies to a broad range of products, including:

• Single feed and feed additive premixes.
• Concentrate feed and formula feed (complete feed).
• Supplementary concentrates.
• Pet Food: This encompasses formula feed and feed additive premixes specifically for pets such as dogs and cats.

Relevant Regulatory Authorities

The primary authority governing this sector is MARA. MARA is responsible for:

• Managing the import registration process.
• Evaluating and approving new feed and new feed additives.
• Maintaining the feed ingredient catalog and the feed additive variety catalog.

Application Flow Chart and Review Process

The path to securing a MARA registration certificate involves several technical and administrative stages:

• Application Submission

The overseas enterprise submits the initial dossier to MARA.

• Official Review

The competency designated department reviews the dossier to see if it meets all requirements. If insufficient, an issuance of "extra materials required" notice is sent.

• Sample Test

If the dossier passes the review, products must undergo mandatory sample testing at accredited laboratories.

• Decision Making

Based on the technical review and test results, MARA makes a final decision.

• Certificate Delivery

Successful applicants receive their official approval certificate.

Required Application Documentation

Applicants must prepare a comprehensive technical dossier, which typically includes:

• Administrative Forms: Application form and letter of authorization.
• Origin Proof: Approval for production and use at the place of origin.
• Technical Data: Physicochemical properties, product source, composition, and manufacturing methods.
• Safety & Quality: Quality standards, testing methods, and stability data.
• Packaging and Labeling: Proposed Chinese labels, packaging specifications, and shelf-life data.
• Supportive Materials: Instructions for use and registration documents from other countries outside the place of production.

Proregulations' MARA Compliance Services

1. Regulatory Consultation on Feed and Pet Food

We provide a thorough feasibility analysis of importation and professional consultation on Chinese import regulations. Our experts advise on the status of ingredients under the current MARA catalogs and provide guidance on access granted by the General Administration of Customs (GACC).

2. MARA Import Registration Management

Proregulations handles the entire lifecycle of the registration process, including:

• Initial import registration for new products.
• Registration modifications for changes in production or formulation.
• Timely registration renewals to prevent market disruption.

3. Comprehensive Compliance Audit

We perform a detailed audit of feed ingredients and additives to ensure they align with Chinese standards. Our team provides modification recommendations in cases of non-compliance to ensure a higher success rate for the official submission.

4. Chinese Label Compliance Audit

Our specialists review product specifications and provide modified recommendations for Chinese labels. We offer full translation and label production services to ensure all packaging meets mandatory MARA requirements.

5. Quality Compliance and Test Monitoring

We supervise the quality testing phase, acting as a liaison between the manufacturer and the testing laboratories to ensure that sample tests are conducted accurately and efficiently.

If you need to ensure your feed or pet food products are fully compliant with MARA standards or require assistance with the five-year renewal process, please contact us.