Overseas Food Exporter Registration Guide for China Import

To import food into China, overseas exporters and production enterprises must complete customs registration. Without registration, goods cannot be cleared through customs even after arriving at port. Following the implementation of new regulations in 2019, registration requirements have become stricter. Today we will walk through the complete process.

Which Enterprises Need to Register

According to the “Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China” and relevant customs announcements, the following enterprises must complete registration:

• Overseas food production enterprises — Enterprises that produce food outside China and export it to China
• Overseas exporters — Overseas traders who export food to China
• Overseas agents — Enterprises that act as agents for overseas food exports to China

Applicable food categories:

• Meat and meat products
• Aquatic products
• Dairy products
• Grain and grain products
• Beverages
• Alcoholic beverages
• Pastries and biscuits
• Candy and chocolate
• Special foods (infant formula, health foods, etc.)
• Other foods for human consumption

Registration Platform

Official registration portal: General Administration of Customs “Internet + Customs” platform

• URL: www.customs.gov.cn
• Select “Enterprise Management and Audit” → “Registration of Overseas Food Production Enterprises for Import”

Registration Operation Steps

Step 1: Online Registration

1. Visit the General Administration of Customs “Internet + Customs” platform
2. Select the overseas enterprise registration portal
3. Fill in basic enterprise information
4. Create a registration account

Step 2: Fill in Enterprise Information

Required information:

• Enterprise name (Chinese and English)
• Enterprise registered address
• Enterprise registration number
• Contact person information
• Food categories produced/traded
• Country/region

Step 3: Upload Documents

Overseas production enterprises need to provide:

• Recommendation letter issued by the competent authority of the country (region) where the enterprise is located
• Enterprise registration certificate
• Enterprise food safety management system documentation
• Production process description
• Product list and formulations
• Enterprise floor plan
• Other documents required by customs

Overseas exporters need to provide:

• Enterprise registration certificate
• Description of food categories traded
• Proof of trade relationship with the production enterprise

Step 4: Submit for Review

1. Check that all information and documents are complete
2. Submit the registration application online
3. Receive an application number
4. Track review progress online

Step 5: Obtain Registration

• After approval, receive a customs registration number
• Registration information is published on the General Administration of Customs website
• The registration number is used during import declaration

Review Timeline

Stage	Time
Preliminary document review	5 working days
Substantive review	10-15 working days
On-site inspection (if required)	Additional time
Total	Approximately 15-30 working days

Some high-risk food categories (such as meat and dairy products) require recommendation through the exporting country’s competent authority to the General Administration of Customs of China, which involves a longer process.

Registration Validity Period

• General food enterprise registration validity period: 5 years
• Renewal registration must be applied for before expiration
• If not renewed in time, registration automatically expires

Common Reasons for Rejection

1. Incomplete documents — Missing required documents or unclear documents
2. Inconsistent information — Enterprise name, address, etc. are inconsistent across different documents
3. Unclear food category description — Failure to accurately describe the food categories being traded/produced
4. Missing official recommendation letter — High-risk foods not recommended through official channels
5. Document translation issues — Inaccurate Chinese translation or notarization not provided

Important Reminders

1. Prepare early — We recommend starting registration at least 2 months before your planned export date
2. Complete documentation — Prepare all documents at once to avoid repeated submissions
3. English translation — All foreign-language documents must have Chinese translations
4. Keep updated — Enterprise information changes must be promptly updated in the registration
5. Maintain compliance — After registration, you must continuously meet food safety requirements

How Vortrich Can Help

As a professional import logistics service provider, Vortrich can:

• Guide overseas enterprises through the registration process
• Assist with preparing and reviewing registration documents
• Provide Chinese translation support
• Handle the complete import customs clearance process
• Ensure compliant and efficient clearance

Food import registration is the first step toward compliance. With proper preparation, customs clearance can proceed smoothly.