China Introduces New Customs Rules for Overseas Food Manufacturers

Through Order No. 280, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) has released a revised version of the administrative provisions governing the customs registration of overseas food manufacturers. The new regulations will take effect on 1 June 2026, allowing for a transition period of more than six months to facilitate industry adaptation.

According to the GACC, the registration system has been reformed, shifting from an official recommendation model to a catalog-based management framework subject to dynamic updates. The new approach also introduces a risk management system that differentiates registration methods, evaluation procedures, and administrative requirements based on the risk levels of exporting countries or regions, manufacturers, and products.

The GACC stated that more than 93,000 food manufacturers from 178 countries and regions have already successfully completed registration in China. Trade in food products from registered manufacturers will therefore continue without disruption. However, the Administration noted that manufacturers facing technical difficulties during implementation may contact the GACC through the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) National Notification and Enquiry Center.

Photo credit: Freepik

Source: Eping