GACC Certification for Spice, Rice & Agro Exporters in India (2026)

If your business exports spices, rice, or agricultural products from India to China, compliance in 2026 is no longer optional,it is the foundation of your export operations. GACC certification is not just another regulatory step; it is the official clearance that allows your products to enter the Chinese market legally. Many exporters only start asking about Chinese customs registration, food export approvals, or China import compliance requirements when a shipment is already held at the port. In reality, approval must be secured before dispatch, not after. Under China’s import control framework, all overseas food and agro producers must be registered with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

This guide walks Indian spice, rice, and agro exporters through the exact GACC registration process for 2026-clearly, compliantly, and without costly mistakes.

What is GACC?

GACC full form: General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China

GACC is the Chinese authority that regulates all imports into China. For food, agricultural, and processed products, GACC requires overseas manufacturers and producers to register on its official system before they are allowed to export.

Although many businesses call it “GACC certification,” technically it is GACC registration—a mandatory customs approval for foreign producers.

In simple words:
👉 No GACC registration = No legal entry of your products into China

Why GACC Certification Is Mandatory for Spice, Rice & Agro Exporters

China classifies food and agricultural imports as regulated categories due to food safety, traceability, and quality control.

For Indian exporters, this means:

• Spices (turmeric, cumin, chilli, coriander, masala blends)
• Rice (basmati & non-basmati)
• Agro products (oilseeds, pulses, grains, processed foods, herbal products)

…must be registered with GACC before shipment.

Without GACC:

• Shipments are detained or rejected at Chinese ports
• Importers cancel contracts
• Exporters face loss of goods, penalties, and damaged reputation

Who Needs GACC Registration in India?

GACC registration is required for:

➤ Manufacturers / Processors of spices, rice, and agro products

➤ Food processing units exporting to China

➤ Packers and brand owners whose name appears on export labels

➤ Exporters working with Chinese importers for regulated food categories

⚠️ Important: Traders or exporters alone cannot apply unless they are also the manufacturer/processor. GACC focuses on the production facility, not just the export company.

Products Covered Under GACC for Indian Exporters

🌶️ Spices

• Turmeric, chilli, pepper, cumin, coriander
• Spice powders and blends
• Herbal seasoning products

🌾 Rice

• Basmati rice
• Non-basmati rice
• Parboiled and processed rice

🌱 Agro & Food Products

• Pulses, lentils, grains
• Oilseeds
• Processed food items
• Herbal and plant-based products

Benefits of GACC Certification for Indian Exporters

✓ Legal access to the Chinese market

✓ Faster customs clearance

✓ Increased trust with Chinese importers

✓ Protection from shipment rejection

✓ Long-term export stability

Documents Required for GACC Registration (2026)

This section is critical and often missed by exporters.

Mandatory Documents

→ Manufacturing/processing business registration certificate

→ FSSAI License (for food and agro products)

→ Factory layout & production flow chart

→ Product list with HS codes

→ Quality control and hygiene procedures

→ Exporter profile and contact details

Product-Specific Documents

→ Product specifications and ingredients

→ Packaging and labeling details

→ Food safety compliance declarations

→ Previous export records (if applicable)

Additional Requirements (If Applicable)

→ Importer details in China

→ Test reports (for regulated food items)

→ Compliance declarations as per Chinese standards

Step-by-Step GACC Registration Process for Indian Exporters

Step 1: Category Identification

First, we identify whether your product falls under:

• General food category
• High-risk/regulated category (most spices & rice do)

This determines the approval route and documentation.

Step 2: Account Creation on GACC Portal

We create and verify your profile on the official GACC overseas manufacturer registration system.

Step 3: Document Preparation & Translation

All documents must:

• Match Chinese regulatory requirements
• Be technically accurate
• Follow product classification rules

Even minor errors can cause rejection.

Step 4: Online Application Submission

The application is submitted through the GACC system with:

• Factory details
• Product category
• Compliance declarations

Step 5: Review & Clarifications

GACC may:

• Ask for additional documents
• Request corrections
• Conduct compliance checks

We handle all communication on your behalf.

Step 6: Approval & Registration Number

Once approved:

• Your facility is listed in the GACC database
• You receive a GACC registration number
• Your products become legally eligible for China exports

Timeline, Validity & Renewal

Processing Time

Standard timeline: 20–45 working days

Complex product categories may take longer

Validity

GACC registration is generally valid for 5 years

Renewal

Renewal must be initiated before expiry

Failure to renew may lead to de-listing and shipment blockage

Common Mistakes Exporters Make

• Applying under the exporter’s name instead of manufacturer
• Uploading incorrect or incomplete documents
• Using wrong HS codes
• Missing Chinese labeling requirements
• Ignoring follow-up queries from GACC

These mistakes cause:
❌ Application rejection
❌ Long delays
❌ Shipment detention

Real-Life Case Study: Indian Spice Exporter to China

Client: Mr. Amit Mehra
City: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Business: Spice manufacturing & export unit

Amit had been exporting turmeric and cumin to Southeast Asia for years. In early 2025, he signed a major supply agreement with a Chinese importer. Confident in his compliance, he dispatched the first shipment—only to face detention at the Chinese port.

The problem:
His importer informed him that GACC registration was mandatory for overseas spice manufacturers. Since his factory was not registered, the shipment could not be cleared.

How PSR Compliance helped:

• Verified his product category under Chinese customs
• Prepared complete GACC documentation aligned with spice regulations
• Submitted the application on the official portal
• Responded to compliance queries raised by GACC

Result:
Within 32 working days, Rohit received his GACC registration approval. His shipment was released, and his company is now a verified overseas supplier in the Chinese customs system. Today, his exports to China continue without interruptions.

How PSR Compliance Assists You

At PSR Compliance, we don’t just submit forms—we manage your entire export compliance journey.

Our Support Includes:

☑ Product category evaluation

☑ Documentation & regulatory mapping

☑ End-to-end GACC registration

☑ Query handling with Chinese customs

☑ Renewal and ongoing compliance support

We ensure your exports are legally compliant, technically accurate, and commercially safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (2026)

1. What is GACC full form?
General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China.

2. Is GACC registration mandatory for spices and rice?
Yes, these fall under regulated food categories.

3. Is GACC certification the same as registration?
Commonly called certification, but officially it is a customs registration.

4. Can traders apply without a factory?
No, the manufacturer/processor must apply.

5. How long does GACC approval take?
Usually 20–45 working days.

6. What happens if I export without GACC?
Shipments may be rejected, detained, or destroyed.

7. Is GACC required for basmati rice?
Yes, rice exports to China require GACC registration.

8. How long is GACC valid?
Typically valid for five years.

9. Can PSR Compliance handle the entire process?
Yes, we provide end-to-end support.

10. Do I need to renew GACC registration?
Yes, renewal is mandatory before expiry.