What is GACC Registration Number?
To export food products to the Chinese market in the form of general trade, it is mandatory for overseas manufacturers to register with the General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC).
If all requirements are met, GACC will issue a GACC registration number, which shall be displayed on the inner and outer packaging of food products. This is the prerequisite for customs clearance and entry to the Chinese market.
General trade refers to the unilateral import or unilateral export trade of enterprises with import and export rights in China. The goods imported and exported according to the general trade transaction are general trade goods.
Overseas food manufacturers refer to enterprises located outside mainland China that engage in the production, processing, and storage of food. They do not include enterprises involved in the production, processing, and storage of food additives or related food products (e.g. packaging, containers).
How to Obtain GACC Registration Number?
Food exported to China is divided into two categories and is subject to different registration modes.
(1) Registration recommended by overseas competent authorities (18 Types of Food)
(2) Self-registration by enterprises (other than 18 Types of Food)
18 Types of Food |
meat and meat products, casings, aquatic products, dairy products, bird’s nest and bird’s nest products, bee products, eggs and egg products, edible fats and oils, stuffed pasta, edible grains, grain milling industrial products and malt, fresh-keeping and dehydrated vegetables and dried beans, seasonings, nuts and seeds, dried fruit, unroasted coffee and cocoa beans, special dietary food, health food (food supplements) |
How to Obtain Recommended Registration?
Food products under the umbrella of 18 Types of Food are subject to Registration recommended by overseas competent authorities. This means that oversea manufacturers must submit their application for exporting food to China to their local competent authorities. Then their local competent authorities shall conduct an audit and inspection of the manufacturers, confirm that it meets the registration requirements, and recommend registration to GACC.
(1) Recommendation letter from the competent authorities of the country (region) where the enterprise is located;
(2) List of enterprises and enterprise registration application;
(3) Enterprise identity documents, such as business licenses issued by the competent authorities of the country (region) where the enterprise is located;
(4) Declaration from the competent authorities of the country (region) where the enterprise is located, stating that the recommended enterprise meets the requirements of these regulations;
(5) Inspection report from the competent authorities of the country (region) where the enterprise is located on the audit and inspection of the relevant enterprise.
When necessary, the General Administration of Customs may require the submission of enterprise food safety and health protection system documents, such as the floor plan of the enterprise plant, workshop, and cold storage, as well as process flowcharts.
Thus, the registration recommended by overseas competent authorities is initiated by the oversea manufacturers and then the approval process is handled between the two governments.
How to Obtain Self-Registration?
Food products other than 18 Types of Food are allowed to apply for self-registration, for instance, coffee, wine, chocolate, tablet candies, drink powder, etc. In general, they are of low safety and hygiene risk, thus they are not under as strict supervision as the 18 Types of Food.
Overseas food manufacturers shall apply for registration to GACC by themselves or through agents, and submit the following application materials:
(1) Enterprise registration application;
(2) Enterprise identity documents, such as business licenses issued by the competent authorities of the country (region) where the enterprise is located;
(3) Declaration from the enterprise stating that it meets the requirements of these regulations.
How Long is the Valid Period of GACC Registration Number?
The registration validity period is 5 years.
What is the Language Requirement for Documents Submitted?
The registration application materials shall be submitted in Chinese or English. If there are other agreements between the relevant country (region) and China on the registration method and application materials, they shall be implemented in accordance with the agreement between the two parties.
In conclusion, the GACC registration number is the prerequisite for customs clearance and entry into the Chinese market. For food falling under the category of 18 Types of Food shall obtain recommended registration, whose approval process is dealt with between two governments. In other words, GACC utilizes the endorsement from the competent authorities of the exporting countries to ensure the safety and quality of food products imported into China.
For food products other than 18 Types of Food, generally of low safety and hygiene risk, overseas food manufacturers are allowed to apply for registration to GACC by themselves or through agents.
Thus, as a professional customs clearance agency, ZMUni is capable of obtaining a GACC registration number for your products, provided that they do not fall under the 18 Types of Food and are eligible for self-registration.
However, if your products fall under the 18 Types of Food, we are not authorized to obtain a GACC registration number on your behalf, as the approval process is handled between two governments. Nevertheless, we can provide guidance and support throughout the registration process.
Contact us for any questions:info@zmuni.com
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