GACC Registration for APEDA Exporters – Complete Guide (2026)

If you export food or agricultural products from India to China, you may hear about GACC Registration at some point. Usually, this happens when a Chinese buyer asks for it, a shipment is stopped, or the importer says they cannot proceed without approval. At this stage, many exporters get confused. They start asking questions like: Is GACC registration compulsory? Does APEDA registration cover this? Who actually needs to apply?

This blog explains GACC Registration for APEDA exporters in a simple and easy way. You will learn what GACC is, how it is linked with APEDA, who needs registration, and how to apply step by step. We will also cover common mistakes exporters make. No legal terms. No complicated language. By the end of this blog, you will clearly know what GACC registration is and what you need to do.

What Is GACC Registration?

GACC stands for General Administration of Customs of China. It is the Chinese authority that controls imports of food and agricultural products into China.

In simple words:

If China is importing food or agri products from another country, GACC decides who is allowed to export and what is allowed to enter.

Under China’s food safety regulations, foreign manufacturers, processors, and exporters of certain products must be registered with GACC before exporting to China.

Without GACC registration:

• Chinese customs may reject the shipment
• Importers may cancel orders
• Goods can be returned or destroyed

How APEDA and GACC Are Connected

Many Indian exporters assume that APEDA registration is enough. That is only half true.

Here’s the clear difference:

➜ APEDA is an Indian authority that registers exporters of scheduled agricultural products.

➜ GACC is a Chinese authority that approves foreign exporters for entry into China.

For exports to China:

• APEDA registration is required from India
• GACC registration is required from China

Think of it like this:

APEDA allows you to export from India,
GACC allows your product to enter China.

Both are important. One cannot replace the other.

Who Needs GACC Registration?

You need GACC Registration if you are involved in exporting food or agricultural products to China, including:

➤ Manufacturers

➤ Processing units

➤ Storage facilities

➤ Cold storage operators

➤ Pack houses

➤ Exporters linked to food production

If your product falls under China’s regulated food categories, GACC approval becomes mandatory.

Products That Commonly Require GACC Registration

Some common APEDA-related products that usually need GACC registration include:

• Rice (including non-basmati)

• Fruits and vegetables

• Spices and herbs

• Pulses and grains

• Oilseeds

• Processed food products

• Meat and dairy (special conditions apply)

• Marine and fishery products (through additional authorities)

Each product category may have specific rules, documentation, and approval routes.

Why GACC Registration Is Important for Exporters

GACC registration is not just a formality. It directly affects your business.

Key reasons it matters:

⁃ Chinese buyers ask for it before signing contracts

⁃ Customs clearance depends on it

⁃ Non-registered exporters face shipment rejection

⁃ It builds trust with Chinese importers

⁃ It avoids last-minute export delays

In 2026, China has become much stricter about food traceability and safety.

Types of GACC Registration

There are generally two ways GACC registration happens:

1. Registration Through Competent Authority

For certain high-risk food products, registration is routed through Indian authorities like:

➊ APEDA

➋ FSSAI

➌ MPEDA

In this case, the Indian authority verifies details and forwards them to GACC.

2. Self-Registration on GACC Portal

For other food categories, exporters or manufacturers can apply directly on the GACC CIFER portal.

The method depends on:

‣ Product category

‣ Risk level

‣ China’s current regulations

Step-by-Step GACC Registration Process

Here is the actual flow exporters follow:

Step 1: Confirm Product Eligibility

First, check whether your product requires GACC registration and under which category it falls.

This step is critical because wrong classification leads to rejection.

Step 2: Ensure APEDA Registration Is Active

Your APEDA certificate must be:

• Valid
• Updated with correct product details
• Linked to the same exporter/manufacturer information

Mismatch between APEDA and GACC data causes delays.

Step 3: Prepare Required Information

You will need details such as:

• Company profile
• Manufacturing or processing facility details
• Product description
• Food safety control measures
• Storage and hygiene practices

Everything must be accurate and consistent.

Step 4: Apply on GACC Portal (CIFER System)

The application is submitted online on the GACC CIFER portal.

This includes:

• Uploading documents
• Filling product and facility information
• Selecting correct HS and product category

This is where most exporters make mistakes.

Step 5: Review by GACC Authorities

GACC reviews the application. They may:

• Approve directly
• Ask for clarification
• Request corrections
• Reject incomplete applications

Response time depends on product type and documentation quality.

Step 6: Registration Approval

Once approved:

• A GACC registration number is issued
• Your details appear on China’s official database
• You are legally allowed to export to China

Documents Required for GACC Registration

While documents may vary by product, commonly required ones include:

→ APEDA registration certificate

→ IEC certificate

→ Company incorporation documents

→ Manufacturing or processing unit details

→ Food safety certificates (if applicable)

→ Product list and HS codes

→ Declaration and undertaking

→ Label and packaging details

Clean documentation speeds up approval.

Common Problems Faced by Exporters

Many exporters struggle due to:

⚠ Wrong product category selection

⚠ Mismatch between APEDA and GACC details

⚠ Incomplete facility information

⚠ Poor translation or unclear descriptions

⚠ Not understanding China’s food rules

These issues often lead to rejection or long delays.

How Long Does GACC Registration Take?

There is no fixed timeline, but generally:

• Simple applications: 2–4 weeks

• Authority-routed cases: 4–8 weeks

• Complex products: longer

Delays usually happen due to incorrect filings, not because of GACC itself.

Is GACC Registration Valid Forever?

No.

GACC registration has a validity period and must be:

✓ Maintained

✓ Updated if details change

✓ Renewed as per Chinese regulations

Non-compliance can lead to suspension.

📞 Need clarity before exporting to China?
Talk to our experts at PSR Compliance – 7065883416 and get clear guidance before you apply.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is GACC registration mandatory?
Yes, from January 1, 2022, all overseas food manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities exporting to China must register with GACC.

❓ Which products require GACC registration?
High-risk products like meat, dairy, aquatic products, honey, and many APEDA-listed food products require GACC registration.

❓ How does APEDA support GACC registration?
APEDA acts as the Competent Authority, reviewing, inspecting, and recommending eligible enterprises to GACC.

❓ Can traders apply for GACC registration directly?
No, in most cases only the actual manufacturer or processor is eligible to apply.

❓ What is the CIFER system?
CIFER is GACC’s official online portal where exporters submit applications, product details, and documents.

❓ What happens without GACC registration?
Unregistered shipments can be detained, rejected, or destroyed at Chinese ports.

❓ How long does GACC approval take?
GACC approval generally takes around 20–45 working days.

❓ Is GACC registration the same as APEDA registration?
No, APEDA registration enables exports from India, while GACC registration is mandatory for entry into China.

❓ How can I track my GACC application status?
You can track it in CIFER under statuses like “Enterprise temporary storage,” “Supplements and corrections,” “Competent authority accepted,” or “GACC accepted.