What is China’s GACC Registration and Who Needs One?

The GACC Registration (General Administration of Customs of China Registration), known in Chinese as 进口食品境外生产企业注册, is a mandatory requirement for overseas food manufacturers, processors, and exporters seeking to export food products to China. Administered by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), this registration system requires manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities exporting food into China to submit applications for each individual product category. For international food businesses targeting China’s massive consumer market, securing GACC registration is essential to ensure customs clearance and establish credibility with Chinese importers and consumers.

At AppInChina, we provide expert guidance to navigate this complex registration process, helping you establish compliant food export operations to China.

What is China’s GACC Registration?

GACC Registration is mandatory for producers from outside of China who wish to sell their food products and for exporters who wish to export the goods into the Chinese market. The registration system covers all food categories, including dairy products, meat and poultry, seafood, processed foods, beverages, dietary supplements, and agricultural products. Registration is in effect for five years and requires renewal before expiry. According to Order No. 248 of the General Administration of Customs, after 1 January 2022, the Chinese importer will have to provide the GACC Registration number to the customs officers in order to receive the goods. Any overseas food business seeking to export to China must obtain this registration to ensure successful customs clearance and legal market entry.

Why Do You Need GACC Registration?

GACC Registration ensures your food products can legally enter the Chinese market and clear customs without delays or rejections. Once a product is registered, the company must include the registration number (境外成产企业在华注册编号) in the customs declaration forms when exporting food to China. The number must also be displayed on the inner and outer packaging of food exported by registered facilities. Records of all registration numbers can be accessed through the official GACC website. Operating without GACC registration results in immediate customs rejection, product returns, and potential suspension from the Chinese market. Sanctions such as return requests of shipments, suspension of imports, and revocation of qualifications caused by triggering risk warnings can severely impact business operations and reputation in China.

Who Needs GACC Registration?

Any overseas food manufacturer, processor, or exporter targeting the Chinese market requires GACC registration. This includes food manufacturers producing packaged goods, beverages, or processed foods; agricultural producers exporting fresh produce, grains, or commodities; meat and poultry processing facilities; dairy product manufacturers; seafood processors and exporters; dietary supplement and health food producers; and food storage facilities involved in export operations. Your company must submit a separate application for each Food Product Category that you are shipping. For example, companies exporting both crackers and dried fruit would need separate registrations for each product category.

High-risk categories, such as dietary supplement products and dairy, must also be registered with the FDA or the local equivalent authority in addition to GACC registration. High-risk categories include:

• Meat and meat products
• Sausage Casings
• Aquatic products
• Dairy products
• Bird’s nest and bird’s nest products
• Bee products
• Eggs and egg products
• Edible oils and fats and oil materials
• Stuffed pasta products
• Edible grains
• Grain milling industry products and malt
• Fresh and dehydrated vegetables and dried beans
• Seasonings
• Nuts and seeds
• Dried fruits
• Unroasted coffee beans and cocoa beans
• Special dietary foods
• Health foods

How Can I Obtain GACC Registration?

Securing GACC registration involves a comprehensive application process with strict documentation and compliance requirements. GACC Decree 249: All overseas exporters must apply for Food Registration Procedures before shipment to a Chinese port. The application is submitted through the GACC online system and undergoes thorough review, including facility inspections for high-risk categories. According to the GACC, the application process typically takes 20-30 days, depending on product category complexity and documentation completeness. The application fee is 490 USD, approximately 3500 CNY.

The application is divided into 4 steps:

1. Basic information (including contact details, business details, details of product)
2. Products categorisation (products are then categorised according to their risk)
3. Payment (registration fee is then processed)
4. Review (The application is then reviewed by GACC.)

The application requires the following comprehensive documentation:

Required Registration Documents:

1. Company registration and business license from country of origin
2. Food safety certificates and local authority approvals
3. Detailed product specifications and ingredient lists
4. Manufacturing process descriptions and quality control procedures
5. Facility layout plans and equipment specifications
6. Quality management system documentation (HACCP, ISO certifications)
7. Raw material sourcing information and supplier qualifications
8. Storage and handling condition specifications
9. Product testing reports and nutritional analysis
10. Export history and market presence documentation

Additional Requirements by Product Category:

• Producers are required to provide proof of approval from local authorities, such as food safety certificates, information on raw materials, processing standards, storage conditions, and evidence of quality management
• Must be able to demonstrate food safety, with a health management and protection system in place. Exported products must meet Chinese laws and regulations.
• High-risk products require additional facility inspections and third-party certifications
• Organic products need organic certification documentation
• Health foods and supplements require detailed ingredient safety data

Important Registration Updates: GACC No. 105 Announcement states that the former 11-digit exporter registration number is no longer in use as of 5 September 2024, requiring all exporters to transition to the new 18-digit registration system format implemented by GACC Order No. 248. Under the new 18-digit format, registration numbers follow this structure: C-(Country Abbreviation)-12345678910112

Can Foreign Companies Obtain GACC Registration?

Yes, GACC registration is specifically designed for foreign food manufacturers and exporters seeking to enter the Chinese market. Unlike some other Chinese regulatory requirements, foreign companies can directly apply for GACC registration without establishing a Chinese entity. However, foreign companies must meet the same stringent food safety and quality standards as required for domestic Chinese food businesses.

The main challenges for foreign companies include understanding Chinese regulatory requirements, navigating language barriers in documentation, ensuring compliance with Chinese food safety standards, and managing the complex application process across multiple product categories. Importers require your registration number to complete China customs clearance. If you change distributor or have multiple distributors, they may be reluctant to share your registration number and authorisation password if circumstances change. This makes direct registration control particularly important for maintaining business flexibility.

By partnering with AppInChina as an importer (进口商), you will receive end-to-end support to ensure your products enter China. AppInChina has worked with companies worldwide that are now thriving in China.

How Can AppInChina Help?

AppInChina provides end-to-end GACC registration services to secure your food export credentials and establish successful operations in China’s food market. Our experienced team manages the entire registration process, from initial consultation and documentation preparation to submission, follow-up, and post-approval support. We ensure compliance with the latest GACC regulations and help navigate the complex requirements across different food categories.

Ready to export your food products to China? Contact us today to secure your GACC registration and establish compliant, successful food export operations to China.