(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
Entering China’s vast food market offers overseas brands unparalleled growth opportunities, but navigating the intricate web of import regulations is crucial to avoid costly delays and rejections. As a leading advertising agency specializing in localization for overseas brands in China with over a decade of expertise, we’ve seen firsthand how mastering these requirements can transform market entry into a seamless success story. In this guide, discover actionable steps to ensure your food products meet China’s stringent standards, from registration to labeling, empowering your brand to thrive in this competitive landscape.
1. Overseas Manufacturer Registration with GACC
1.1 Filing Process Overview The General Administration of Customs (GACC) mandates that all overseas food manufacturers register their facilities before exporting to China, a process updated in 2025 to streamline digital submissions. This involves submitting detailed facility information, production processes, and hygiene protocols via the Single Window platform. Compliance here prevents shipment seizures, allowing brands to focus on scaling sales rather than bureaucratic hurdles.
1.2 Renewal and Updates Registrations must be renewed every four years, with immediate updates required for any facility changes, as per the revised Decree 248 effective in 2025. Overseas brands should appoint a China-based agent to handle filings, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. This proactive approach not only maintains compliance but also builds trust with Chinese regulators and importers.
2. Product-Specific Certifications and Testing
2.1 Health Food and Infant Formula Approvals For categories like health supplements or infant formula, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) requires pre-market registration, including clinical trials and safety assessments conducted in China or recognized labs. In 2025, electronic filing via the Digital Registration System has expedited approvals to 3-6 months. Brands can leverage this by partnering with accredited testing firms early, reducing time-to-market and enhancing product credibility.
2.2 Labeling and Traceability Standards All imported food must feature bilingual labels in simplified Chinese, detailing ingredients, allergens, and nutritional info per GB 28050 and GB 13432 standards. The 2025 updates emphasize digital traceability codes for recall efficiency. Implementing scannable QR codes not only meets requirements but also engages tech-savvy Chinese consumers, boosting brand loyalty through transparency.
3. Customs Documentation and Clearance Procedures
3.1 Essential Documents Preparation Key documents include commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin, all submitted electronically through China Customs’ system. For food, additional CIQ (China Inspection and Quarantine) forms verify compliance with sanitary standards. Streamlining this with automated software minimizes errors, ensuring faster clearance and lower holding costs at ports.
3.2 Tariff Classifications and Duties Products are classified under HS codes, with 2025 tariff adjustments favoring certain agri-foods at 5-15% rates. Overseas brands should use tools like the China Tariff Database for accurate classification to avoid penalties. This strategic planning can optimize costs, freeing up resources for marketing and localization efforts.
4. Risk Management for Non-Compliance
4.1 Inspection and Quarantine Protocols Upon arrival, shipments undergo CIQ inspections for contaminants, with random sampling rates increased in 2025 for high-risk foods like dairy. Brands can mitigate risks by pre-submitting lab reports from ISO-accredited facilities. This foresight not only accelerates approvals but also safeguards reputation in a market sensitive to food safety.
4.2 Post-Entry Surveillance Ongoing monitoring via GACC’s non-compliant lists, updated monthly, requires brands to track and respond to alerts swiftly. Establishing a local compliance team or consultant ensures rapid issue resolution. Such vigilance turns potential setbacks into opportunities for demonstrating commitment to quality.
Case Study: Australian Premium Beef Exporter’s Success
An Australian beef exporter, facing initial rejections due to incomplete GACC registration, partnered with our agency for a full compliance overhaul in early 2025. We guided them through facility audits, bilingual labeling redesign, and CIQ pre-testing, resulting in a 40% reduction in clearance times and a 25% sales uplift on Tmall within six months. This not only secured their market foothold but also positioned them as a trusted premium supplier, highlighting how tailored localization turns regulatory challenges into competitive edges.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation! info@pltfrm.cn www.pltfrm.cn
