China Customs Now Capable of Electronic Verification of Special Food Registration

The electronic data of health food, infant formula and FSMP products registration/filing certificates are now linked to the customs clearance database nationwide. It is certain that this measure will help optimize and expedite the procedures involved in special foods assessment, verification and release during customs inspection by Chinese authorities. The big question for international interests is whether or not this has any implications for special foods traded using crossborder ecommerce.

On Oct. 17, 2018, China GAC and SAMR announced new customs clearance protocols involving online verification on certification documents during customs declaration and inspection. Since the date of promulgation, the electronic information of food for special medical purposes registration certificate, health food registration/filling certificate and infant formula registration certificate will be available on the customs database nationwide.

More efficient customs clearance

Digitization of customs declaration for filed and registered special foods should translate to more efficient customs procedures which will mean less delays and reduced costs for international stakeholders, and is the latest step in China’s “paperless administration reform” campaign. Enterprises are encouraged to conduct digital customs declaration unless special circumstances require submission of hard copy documentation.

Implications for Specials Foods Traded Via CBEC?

Now that China’s GAC have instant access to special food registration data it greatly facilitates pre-market assessment of products at ports. This latest measure is considered by some experts to be in preparation for the promulgation of the long anticipated administrative rules on CBEC and may imply that infant formula, health food and FSMP products traded through CBEC will require registration.