China Prepackaged Food Compliance and Importation Guide

In accordance with the Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, all imported food products must adhere to national food safety standards. To enter the Chinese market legally, products must pass inspections by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and obtain the necessary safety inspection certificates.

Key Regulatory Framework

The importation of food products into China is governed by a robust legal system designed to ensure traceability and consumer safety:

• Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection

Governs the mandatory inspection of food commodities entering or exiting the country.

• Measures for the Safety Administration of Imported and Exported Food

Provides detailed procedures for risk management and oversight of the food supply chain.

• Provisions on the Administration of Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Foods

Requires all overseas food production, processing, and storage facilities to be registered with the GACC.

Administrative Departments and Oversight

The regulatory oversight of imported food is shared between several key authorities:

• GACC (General Administration of Customs of China)

Responsible for entry-exit inspection and quarantine, as well as the registration of overseas manufacturers.

• SAMR (State Administration for Market Regulation)

Oversees food safety in circulation and catering within the domestic market.

Food Importation Compliance Procedure

The process for importing food into China is divided into three distinct phases:

Phase 1: Before Importing

• Regulatory Analysis: Understanding specific regulations and import procedures for the product category.
• GACC Registration: Filing for overseas manufacturers, exporters, and importers.
• Special License: Obtaining import licenses for specific food products (e.g., health foods or dairy).

Phase 2: Custom Declaration

• Entry Inspection: Special foods must be imported at designated ports of entry.
• Qualification Verification: Obtaining necessary qualifications according to relevant supervision conditions.
• Customs Inspection: Compliant products proceed to the market, while noncompliant goods are returned or destroyed.

Phase 3: After Importing

• Sales Records: Maintaining detailed import and sales records for traceability.
• Random Inspection: Cooperating with SAMR for post-market random inspections; noncompliant products face recall.

Proregulations' China Food Compliance Services

• Regulatory Consultation and Feasibility Analysis
  Conducting preliminary analysis on the feasibility of importation and identifying the correct regulatory procedures for your specific product.
• Ingredients Compliance Review
  Reviewing product formulas (ingredients and additives) against current GB standards to verify compliance and providing suggestions for necessary revisions.
• Chinese Label Review and Design
  Reviewing existing labels and designing compliant Chinese labels that meet all mandatory formatting and content requirements.
• GACC Overseas Manufacturer Registration
  Assisting overseas facilities in navigating the complex registration process to secure the required GACC approval numbers.
• Customs Clearance and HS Code Identification
  Managing the preparation of qualification documents and identifying accurate HS codes to facilitate smooth customs entry.
• GB Compliance Test Monitoring
  Coordinating with accredited laboratories to monitor mandatory compliance testing required for entry-exit inspection.

If you need to ensure your prepackaged food products meet China's GACC and GB standards or require assistance with formula review and label design, please contact us.