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Does your business export to China? You now have to register with the GACC to comply with the new food products regulation.

What is GACC?

GACC refers to The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China. This year, on 1 January 2022, GACC released Decree No. 248 and Decree No. 249, in order to regulate food manufacturers and producers. The ultimate aim of this is to express that the food imported into China meets food safety requirements, thereby building trust and confidence in Chinese people. 

New responsibilities of the Importer:

China Customs will delegate authority to food importers in China to do safety inspections on imported food. If importers of these foods do not meet requirements, they will face penalties.

This change is reflected in the new regulations of Article 22 - Food importers in China should establish an audit system of foreign exporters and producers, focusing on the following: the development and implementation of food safety risk control measures; compliance with Chinese laws and regulations and national food safety standards.

Mandatory GACC approval for China:

Foreign companies exporting food to China need to go through two types of registration procedures:

1. Food products subject to recommendation:
   If you are involved with exporting food products like meat, fish, seafood, dairy products, eggs, honey, nuts or dried fruits to China, you are required to first contact your local food safety authority. They thereafter have to confirm first that your business conforms to the relevant regulations, after which they will issue a recommendation of your firm to GACC
   
2. Food products subject to registration:
   Local approvals which consist of things like food safety certificates, information on raw materials, processing standards, storage conditions and proof of quality management are to be presented from the producer. Production of labels in Chinese is another requirement. Further complementing the new regulations, there would be random testing of imported food products. The importer also needs to present sufficient documentation, plus supporting proof to guard himself that he is fit for processing and storing products according to the standards mentioned. Additionally, if any other problems arise, GACC has the right to temporarily suspend registration till the issue is resolved.

Manufacturers and producers are required to register their factories with GACC before entering the Chinese market. However, currently, the CIFER registration login page is in Mandarin. The page might be available in English soon (via an EN icon).

GACC’s 4 existing product categories:

Step by step guide:

1. Login to GACC portal 
2. Create an account for your company
3. For registration of products that fall under the 18 product categories, SFA will provide further instructions 
4. If self-registration for the other products:
   Select the relevant category listed under ‘For Business registration’
   Fill in relevant fields under the four sections of the application form
5. Submit application

The new rules and regulations not only protect food consumers better, but additionally build up their confidence in imported food, which benefits expansion of consumption. The improved food safety supervising system also clarifies each and everyone’s responsibilities, further fostering a more sustainable food trade. 

Looking to export your products into China? Let Trustana do the work for you. Read on here to find out how.

References:

1. https://www.china-certification.com/en/china-food-certifications/
2. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-12-29/China-s-new-regulations-on-imported-food-to-take-effect-16oraQXoqBO/index.html