Assorting with the upcoming implementation of “Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Manufacturers* of Imported Food (Decree 248)” and “Measures of the People's Republic of China for the Administration of Import and Export Food Safety (Decree 249)” on Jan. 1, 2022, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) released a follow-up notice to clarify implementation matters of these two decrees.
*Manufacturer in this article (also in Decree 248) refers to producing, processing and storage facility.
Major content
The notice mainly answers eight questions. Details and ChemLinked’s interpretations are listed below.
1. How to get access to the registration system and how to check the approved registration number in China?
There are two ways to enter the registration system. Applicants can visit https://cifer.singlewindow.cn/, or can visit the homepage of https://www.singlewindow.cn/ and then click “China Import Food Enterprise Registration”.
Registered manufacturers can find their approved “Chinese registration numbers” on GACC website or in the registration system.
ChemLinked’s Reminder: GACC released the English registration platform in November. Click here to read detailed registration procedures and ways to check the registration number. |
2. How to apply for overseas food manufacturer registration?
Unless otherwise specified, manufacturers whose products are listed in the 18 food categories (see details below), they should use the system account given by the competent authority in exporting countries/regions to submit the application via the registration system. Manufacturers whose products are beyond the 18 food categories can log in the registration platform and apply for the account by themselves. After obtaining the account, they can fill in the application and submit it to GACC directly.
18 food categories subject to recommendation registration:
Meat and meat products, casing, aquatic products, dairy products, bird's nest and bird's nest products, bee products, eggs and egg products, edible oils and fats, stuffed pasta, edible cereals, industrial products of cereal flour and malt, preserved and dehydrated vegetables and dried beans, seasonings, nuts and seeds, dried fruits, unroasted coffee beans and cocoa beans, special dietary foods, and health food
ChemLinked’s Reminder: For food manufacturers producing both products within the 18 food categories (e.g. dairy product) and outside the 18 food categories (e.g. biscuit), you can read GACC’s explanation of this situation here. |
3. How to query the involved food categories and HS code?
Food categories and corresponding HS code as well as CIQ (China inspection and Quarantine) code can be found in the registration system. You need to log in the system, and then click the button of “Product type query” at the homepage. Read more functions related to this registration system here.
4. Where to download the guideline and attachments related to overseas food manufacturer registration?
See the link here: Overseas Food Manufacturer Registration Guideline.
5. Import declaration related to overseas food manufacturer registration
For imported foods which will be shipped to China on and after Jan. 1, 2022, “Chinese registration number” shall be submitted during the import declaration. Otherwise, GACC will reject the declaration.
6. Registration number labeling
Imported foods produced on and after Jan. 1, 2022 should label registration number on the inner and outer package of products. The registration number here refers to the registration number used in exporting country or the approved registration number in China. Manufacturers can mark either of the registration number on the package.
Foods produced before Jan. 1, 2022 shall follow current requirements raised before Decree 248.
View case study about the labeling issue here: CL webinar-Prepare for China’s Overseas Food Manufacturers Registration Under New GACC Requirements.
7. Validity of registration
Manufacturers that have already passed the registration, their registrations remain valid. For overseas food manufacturers that intend to renew the registration, they shall apply to the GACC for renewal registration as per Article 20 of Decree 248 within three to six months before the current registration expires.
8. Registration fee
GACC does not charge registration free.
For more information related to Decree 248, you can watch ChemLinked online course "The Ultimate Guide to China's GACC Overseas Food Manufacturer Registration".
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