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Thu, May 28 2026
Raju Karn
GACC stands for the General Administration of the People's Republic of China. It is China's main authority that controls what products can enter the country through customs. If you are a food manufacturer, processor, or storage facility outside China and you want to export food products to China, you must register with GACC. This is called GACC Registration or GACC Certification.
Without this registration, your shipment can be stopped at the Chinese border, returned, or even destroyed. So, getting your GACC registration done correctly and on time is extremely important for your business.
China has replaced the old registration rule (Decree No. 248) with a new regulation called GAC Decree No. 280, effective from June 1, 2026. This new rule brings several key changes for food exporters worldwide. If you are already registered under the old rule, your registration stays valid , but how you renew it and file customs declarations is now different.
You need GACC registration if you are any of the following:
Under the new Decree No. 280, there are three ways to register with GACC:
This is for producers of the 17 high-risk categories listed above.
Under the old rule, the government authority had to submit the application for you. Now you can submit it yourself after getting the recommendation , this saves time.
This is for processed food exporters whose product does not fall in the 17 high-risk categories.
This is simpler, faster, and used widely by mid-sized manufacturers of packaged food, snacks, chocolates, tea, and similar items.
This is a brand-new option only for countries that have a formal food safety agreement with China.
Whether your country qualifies depends on bilateral agreements with China. Check with your national food safety authority to find out if this is available for you.
Before applying, make sure you have:
➜ A registered business entity (company, LLP, or partnership)
➜ A valid Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT
➜ A FSSAI License (state or central , not just registration)
➜ Food safety certifications like HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, or BRC
➜ A food traceability system in place (tracking raw materials to final product)
➜ Compliance with Chinese rules for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological limits
For seafood, dairy, and meat: an EIA or MPEDA permit
For grains, spices, or nuts: APEDA registration
Gather these documents before starting your application:
→ Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration
→ Factory license or manufacturing registration
→ Import Export Code (IEC)
→ GST Registration Certificate
→ List of all products with HS Codes
→ Manufacturing process flowchart
→ Quality control procedures and safety management documents (HACCP/ISO 22000)
→ Product labels and packaging designs (must follow Chinese standards)
→ Lab test reports (pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbiological testing)
→ Factory layout/plant diagram
→ Production capacity details
→ Storage and hygiene control records
→ Pest control management plan and records
→ Inspection report from competent authority (for Pathway 1)
→ Phytosanitary certificate (for grains, nuts, dry fruits)
→ Veterinary health certificate (if required for your product)
The first step in the GACC registration process is to identify your product category. You must check whether your product falls under the 17 high-risk categories or non-high-risk categories, as this decides your registration pathway under GACC rules.
Next, you must ensure your manufacturing unit complies with Chinese food safety requirements. This includes maintaining proper hygiene standards, HACCP or ISO 22000 systems, traceability mechanisms, pest control systems, and laboratory testing compliance.
In this step, collect all required documents such as company registration certificates, IEC, GST, product lists with HS codes, quality control records, lab test reports, factory layout, and other compliance-related documents needed for verification.
After preparing documents, you must create an account on the official CIFER portal (https://cifer.singlewindow.cn). This is the official GACC system where all foreign food manufacturers must register for exporting to China.
Once the account is created, fill out the application form carefully and upload all required documents. If your product falls under the high-risk category, you must also upload recommendation letters and inspection reports from the concerned authority.
After submission, GACC authorities will review your application. They may ask for additional information, clarifications, or even conduct a virtual or physical inspection depending on the product category and risk level.
Once your application is approved, GACC will issue a unique registration number. This number must be used on product packaging, customs documentation, and shared with your Chinese importer for smooth clearance of goods.
For these two, you must apply for renewal between 3 and 12 months before your registration expires. If you miss this window, your registration lapses and you cannot export until you re-register , which could take months.
If either of these fields is missing or wrong, your shipment will be blocked at Chinese customs. Make sure your customs broker knows about these new requirements before June
Getting GACC registered is not just a legal requirement , it is a business opportunity. Here's why it matters:
✓ Access to 1.4 billion consumers , one of the world's biggest food markets
✓ No customs rejection or shipment destruction
✓ Build long-term relationships with Chinese importers, distributors, and retail chains
✓ Better brand reputation in the global market
✓ Eligibility for government incentives under APEDA, MPEDA, Tea Board, and Spices Board schemes
✓ Avoid penalties of up to ₹50 lakhs or more per non-compliant shipment
⚠ Wrong or incorrect HS Code for your product
⚠ Incomplete manufacturing process details
⚠ Product labels not following Chinese standards
⚠ Missing quality control or food safety documents
⚠ Mismatch between factory details and application data
⚠ Poor formatting or translation errors in submitted documents
Note : There is no official fee from GACC itself. Any website or agent charging you directly for the "registration" (not for their service fee) should be treated with caution.
GACC Registration is the gateway to one of the world's biggest food markets. Whether you export processed snacks, spices, grains, dairy, or seafood , you need to be registered with China's General Administration of Customs before your products can legally enter the country.
With the new rules under Decree No. 280 effective June 1, 2026, it is more important than ever to understand which pathway applies to you, keep your documents in order, and meet the new customs declaration requirements. The process is manageable if you plan ahead and prepare your paperwork carefully.
Start early, get your FSSAI/EIA/APEDA certifications in place, and make sure your factory meets food safety standards , and you will be well on your way to successfully exporting to China.
Get expert assistance for GACC registration to export food products to China with complete compliance support. Our specialists handle the entire 2026 updated step-by-step process—from CIFER application to document preparation and approval—so your business stays fully compliant with China import requirements.
📞 Call: 8796104190📧 Email: support@psrcompliance.com
Fast, accurate, and compliant support for smooth China food export approvals.
GACC registration is mandatory for overseas food manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities that export food products to China. Trading companies or brand owners alone cannot register unless they are also the actual manufacturer. If production is outsourced, the contract manufacturing facility must complete the registration.
Yes, but the responsibility lies with the manufacturer, processor, or cold storage facility. Exporters and traders can facilitate shipments, but the registered entity must be the actual production or storage unit involved in handling the food product.
GACC divides food products into specified (high/medium-risk) and unspecified (low-risk) categories. High-risk products such as meat, dairy, seafood, and edible oils require government recommendation from the exporting country authority. Low-risk products like biscuits, beverages, and certain processed foods can be registered directly through the CIFER portal.
All applications must be submitted through the CIFER system under the China International Trade Single Window portal. This is the official online platform used by GACC for foreign food manufacturer registration and approval.
No, GACC does not charge any official fee for registration. The CIFER application process is free of cost. However, businesses may incur costs for documentation, certification, lab testing, or consultancy services if they hire third-party assistance.
Applicants generally need to submit business registration documents, food safety certifications such as FSSAI, HACCP, or ISO 22000, factory layout and process flow charts, water testing reports, pest control records, and product-related compliance documents depending on the category.
The standard processing time for GACC registration is approximately 20 to 45 working days. However, for high-risk food categories requiring additional inspection or recommendation, the process may take longer depending on regulatory checks.
GACC registration is valid for 5 years from the date of approval. Renewal applications should be submitted between 3 to 12 months before expiry to avoid suspension or delays in export clearance.
Once approved, a unique GACC registration number is issued to the manufacturer. This number must be printed on both inner and outer packaging and must also be included in customs documentation. Missing or incorrect usage can result in shipment delays or rejection.
Applicants can log into the CIFER portal to track real-time application status, updates, or queries raised by GACC authorities. Any required corrections or additional information must be submitted through the same system.
Book your free consultation with our specialists today.