Dear Sir/Madam,
Update on China's Revised Registration Requirements for Overseas Food Manufacturers – GACC Decree No. 280
The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) has issued the Administrative Provisions of the Customs of the People's Republic of China on Registration of Overseas Manufacturers for Export of Food to China (Decree No. 280), which came into effect on 1 June 2026, replacing the previous Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Producers of Imported Food (Decree No. 248).
Traders exporting food products to China are advised to note of the following key changes introduced under GACC Decree No. 280.
Key Changes
1) Revised catalogue of food categories that require recommendation from Competent Authority for GACC registration
The previous list of 18 food categories requiring Competent Authority (CA) recommendation has been replaced with a new catalogue of 17 categories as listed below. Traders intending to export any of the food categories listed below must obtain GACC registration prior to export.
1. Meat and meat products
2. Casings
3. Bird's nests and bird's nest products
4. Bee products
5. Eggs and egg products
6. Edible fats and oils
7. Stuffed wheaten food
8. Edible grains
9. Grain flour and malt
10. Dehydrated vegetables
11. Seasoning powder
12. Nuts and seeds
13. Dried fruits
14. Special dietary foods
15. Health foods/dietary supplements
16. Dairy products
17. Aquatic products.
2) Audit and Application Requirements
Manufacturers exporting food categories listed above must be audited by the Competent Authority (CA). Audit reports and CA recommendation letters are required to be submitted alongside the application materials. Applications may be submitted to GACC directly by the trader or through an authorised agent.
3) Automatic Renewal
An exporting establishment’s registration with GACC remains valid for five years and will be automatically renewed upon expiration, except in the following circumstances:
a) the food product is on the list of products ineligibles for automatic renewal (i.e. meat and meat products, and bird's nests and bird's nest products);
b) the manufacturer is undergoing rectification for non-compliance;
c) GACC has lawfully suspended imports from the manufacturer's country or region.
4) Renewal Application Window
Previously, manufacturers could submit their renewal application 3 to 6 months before the expiry of their registration. Under Decree No. 280, manufacturers whose registration are not eligible for automatic renewal (refer to 3a to 3c) may submit renewal applications to GACC between 3 and 12 months before the expiry of their current registration.
5) Expanded Grounds for Revocation
The grounds for revocation of registration have been expanded from seven to nine circumstances, with two new grounds added:
1. The manufacturer causes a major food safety incident involving food for export to China due to its own reasons;
2. Food exported to China is found to have serious food safety issues during border inspection and quarantine;
3. The manufacturer has significant deficiencies in food safety and sanitation management system, failing to ensure that its exported food to China comply with the safety and sanitation requirements;
4. The manufacturer remains non-compliant with registration requirements after the rectification;
5. The manufacturer provides false materials or conceals relevant information;
6. The manufacturer refuses to cooperate with re-inspection or accident investigation conducted by GACC;
7. The manufacturer leases, lends, transfers, resells, or misuses the registration number;
8. Registration was granted to applicants that do not meet registration requirements; and
9. Other circumstances where registration may be revoked under applicable laws.
6) Overseas Cold Storage Facilities
Cold storage facilities used for the storage of food of terrestrial animal origin and aquatic products are now subjected to GACC registration requirements as well.
GACC Registration Platform
All GACC registration-related matters, including new applications, modifications, renewals, suspensions, and reinstatements, must be submitted through the
official China Import Food Enterprises Registration (CIFER) system at
https://cifer.singlewindow.cn. This is the only official registration channel and no fees are charged.
Action Required
Traders should review their existing GACC registrations in light of the changes introduced under Decree No. 280. In particular, traders should:
a) confirm your existing registrations remain valid under Decree No. 280,
b) check whether your products fall under the updated catalogue requiring CA recommendation for registration,
c) review and update your Customs declaration practices where necessary, and
d) ensure that any overseas cold storage facilities used are registered where required.
Further Information
Yours faithfully
Export Facilitation Section
Food Export & Fisheries Management Department
Food Supply Operations Division
Singapore Food Agency
