GACC Registration for Food Products
- a22162
- Aug 15
- 7 min read
GACC stands for the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China. It is a powerful government agency that functions as the country's national customs authority.
Key Functions
GACC is responsible for a wide range of duties related to international trade and border security. Some of its main responsibilities include:
Customs Clearance and Duties: Overseeing the import and export of goods and services, including the collection of value-added tax, customs duties, and other taxes.
Inspections and Quarantine: Performing health checks, inspection, and quarantine for imported and exported animals, plants, and their products to safeguard national security and public health.
Trade Regulations: Enforcing trade laws and regulations, combating smuggling and commercial fraud, and protecting intellectual property rights.
Food Safety: A critical part of GACC's work is its registration system for overseas food manufacturers, processors, and exporters. Companies that want to export food to China must register with GACC to ensure customs clearance and compliance with safety standards.
Trade Statistics: Compiling and analyzing import and export data, which is used to inform government policy and trade negotiations.
GACC Registration for Food Products
Since January 2022, GACC has required all overseas food companies to register their facilities and products to be able to export to China. This process, often referred to as "GACC registration," is mandatory for most food categories, with certain "high-risk" products requiring a recommendation from the exporting country's competent authority. The registration number must be displayed on the product's packaging and documentation.
Register with GACC
To export food to China, foreign companies must register with the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC). This is a mandatory requirement that has been in effect since January 1, 2022, under GACC Decrees 248 and 249. The registration ensures that overseas food manufacturers, processors, and exporters meet China's food safety and quality standards.
The Registration Process 📝
The registration process varies depending on the type of food product you are exporting. GACC divides food products into two main categories:
1. High-Risk Products (Article 7)
These products require a recommendation from the competent authority in the exporting country before the application can be submitted to GACC. The local authority will review the company's compliance with regulations and, if satisfied, will recommend them to GACC. This category includes products like:
Meat and meat products
Aquatic products
Dairy products
Edible bird's nests and bee products
Eggs and egg products
Health foods
2. Other Products (Article 9)
For all other food products, companies can self-register directly through the GACC online portal, known as the China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) system. While this process doesn't require a government recommendation, applicants must still submit a comprehensive set of documents and attest to their compliance with Chinese regulations.
Key Steps and Required Documents 📄
The general steps for GACC registration are as follows:
Determine Your Product Category: Identify whether your food product falls under the "high-risk" (Article 7) or "other" (Article 9) category.
Gather Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents. This typically includes:
A formal application form
A business license from your country of origin
A statement of compliance with Chinese laws and standards
Detailed product specifications and ingredient lists
Information on your food safety management systems (e.g., HACCP, ISO certifications)
Online Application: Submit your application and supporting documents through the CIFER system.
Review and Approval: GACC reviews the application. For high-risk products, this may involve an on-site inspection of the manufacturing facility.
Receive Registration Number: Upon approval, GACC issues a unique registration number. This number is valid for five years and must be displayed on the product's inner and outer packaging, as well as on customs declarations.
The registration is crucial because without it, food products will not be able to clear Chinese customs. It is recommended to apply for registration well in advance of any export plans.
Fees
It's important to understand the different types of costs you may encounter.
No Official GACC Fees for Self-Registration
GACC does not charge any fees for the registration of overseas food manufacturers and exporters on its official CIFER system. The registration is free of charge.
Costs associated with third-party support and other necessary expenses range from a few hundred to several thousand US dollars.
Bestar assisting with GACC registration fee structure is like this:
1. Basic Application Package ($490 - $1,500 US dollars)
This is the most common fee, typically for companies that can self-register their products (i.e., non-high-risk products under Article 9 of Decree 248). This fee covers the administrative work and expert guidance provided by Bestar.
Service Included:
Review of your company's documents and product information.
Preparation and translation of all required forms into Chinese.
Submission of the application through the CIFER system.
Communication and follow-up with GACC on your behalf.
Receipt and delivery of your GACC registration number.
Factors influencing the fee:
Number of products: The cost may increase if you are registering multiple products or product categories.
Level of support: A basic package just covers the application, while a more expensive one includes a pre-application review of your internal food safety systems.
2. High-Risk Product Package ($1,500 - $5,000+ US dollars)
This higher-tier package is for companies with products that require a government recommendation from the exporting country (Article 7). The higher cost reflects the complexity of the process and the additional work required.
Service Included (in addition to the basic package):
Assistance with obtaining the necessary recommendation from your local competent authority.
Guidance on meeting the stricter documentation and compliance requirements for high-risk products.
Preparation for potential GACC on-site inspections, including mock audits and checklists.
Expert advice on a product's compliance with specific Chinese GB standards.
3. Additional Potential Fees (as needed)
These are costs that can add up, pushing the total expense into the thousands, especially for high-risk products.
On-site Inspection Fees: If GACC decides to conduct an inspection of your facility, the costs of their travel, accommodation, and per diem fees may be the responsibility of your company. This could easily amount to several thousand dollars.
Laboratory Testing Fees: If GACC requires your products to undergo specific lab testing in a Chinese-accredited lab to confirm safety and compliance, this will be an additional cost. The fee for this can vary significantly based on the type of product and tests required.
Renewal Fees: GACC registration is valid for five years. When it's time to renew, there is typically a fee associated with the renewal application, which is usually lower than the initial registration cost (a few hundred dollars).
Hourly Consulting Fees: Beyond a package deal, Bestar charges an hourly rate for ongoing support, clarification of regulations, or troubleshooting issues that arise. This rate could be anywhere from $100 to $300+ per hour.
In summary, while the official act of submitting the application might be free, a company's total expenditure on GACC registration can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple, self-registered product with no issues, to well over several thousand dollars for a complex, high-risk product that requires extensive consultant support, on-site inspections, and lab testing.
Other Potential Costs
In addition to consultant fees, there may be other costs associated with the registration process, particularly for "high-risk" food products:
On-site inspection fees: If GACC officials decide to conduct an on-site inspection of your facility (common for certain high-risk products), you may be required to pay for their travel and accommodation.
Laboratory testing: Some products may require specific lab testing to ensure they meet Chinese safety standards, and these tests will incur their own fees.
Renewal fees: GACC registration is typically valid for five years. When it comes time to renew, there may be an associated fee, though this is often lower than the initial application cost.
In summary, while the official GACC portal (CIFER) for self-registration may not charge a fee, the total cost for a company to successfully register can include a range of expenses for professional services, inspections, and testing. It is always recommended to consult with your country's trade authorities or a reputable professional service to get a clear and up-to-date understanding of all potential costs.
How Bestar can Help
Navigating the GACC registration process can be complex, and many businesses, particularly those with high-risk products or limited experience in the Chinese market, find it beneficial to hire professional consultants. Here’s how Bestar can provide crucial assistance:
1. Expertise and Guidance
GACC regulations are detailed and can be confusing, with different rules for various food categories. Bestar's primary value is our deep understanding of these regulations. We can:
Determine eligibility and classification: Help you correctly classify your products and determine whether they fall under the "high-risk" category that requires a government recommendation.
Provide regulatory insights: Advise on specific Chinese National Standards (GB Standards) that your products must meet.
Interpret changes: Keep you updated on any regulatory changes that may affect your business and ensure ongoing compliance.
2. Documentation and Application Management
The application process on the CIFER system is detailed and requires precise documentation. Bestar can simplify this by:
Handling documentation: We ensure all required documents, such as business licenses, safety certifications (e.g., HACCP), and product specifications, are properly prepared.
Translation: A significant barrier for many companies is that much of the required documentation and the CIFER system itself are in Chinese. Bestar can handle all necessary translations to ensure accuracy and avoid rejections.
Error prevention: We meticulously review your application before submission to prevent common errors that can cause significant delays or even rejection.
3. Communication and Liaison
Communicating with GACC officials and other government bodies can be a challenge due to language barriers and different administrative procedures. Bestar can act as a crucial go-between by:
Managing communication: We handle all correspondence with GACC on your behalf.
Liaising with competent authorities: For high-risk products, we can assist in the process of getting a recommendation from your country's local competent authority.
4. Preparation for On-Site Inspections
For high-risk products, GACC may require an on-site inspection of the manufacturing facility. Bestar can help you prepare for this by:
Conducting mock audits: We can perform a pre-inspection review of your facility to identify and correct any potential issues.
Developing an action plan: Based on their audit, we can help you implement necessary changes to ensure your facility meets GACC's standards.
5. Ongoing Support and Market Entry
Bestar's role often extends beyond the initial registration. We can provide:
Renewal management: GACC registration is valid for five years, and Bestar can help manage the renewal process to prevent lapses.
Market entry strategy: We can provide broader advice on entering the Chinese market, including compliance with labeling requirements and supply chain management.
Risk mitigation: By ensuring you are fully compliant from the start, Bestar helps you avoid fines, product recalls, or shipment rejections at the border, which can be costly and damage your brand's reputation.
In essence, while the official GACC registration is free, a professional service can save you significant time and money in the long run by providing expert guidance and ensuring a smooth, efficient, and successful process.
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