GACC Requirements for Food & Beverage Imports to China (2026 Guide)

If you want to export food or drinks to China, the biggest challenge is following the GACC rules. Many businesses think that having the basic export papers is enough, but shipments can be stopped at Chinese customs if registrations are missing, labels are wrong, or other rules are not followed. The regulations became stricter in 2026, so even small mistakes can cause delays or rejection of your products.

This guide makes the rules easy to understand. By reading it, you will know exactly what GACC requires for food and beverage exports to China and how to follow the rules correctly without any confusion.

What is GACC Registration and Why It Matters?

GACC stands for the General Administration of Customs of China. It is the main government authority that controls and checks all food and beverage products coming into China. Its job is to make sure every product is safe, correctly labeled, and meets China’s strict food safety rules.

For any business that wants to sell food or drinks in China, GACC approval is mandatory. Without it, shipments can be stopped at customs, returned to the sender, or even destroyed. Products cannot be legally sold in China without compliance. Following GACC rules is not just paperwork, it ensures that your products are safe for consumers and helps your business avoid delays, fines, and losses.

2026 Update: What Has Changed?

In 2026, China introduced major updates under GACC Order No. 280, replacing the older rules. The new regulation takes effect from June 1, 2026 and applies to all overseas food manufacturers. It introduces a stricter registration process and a more detailed monitoring system.

The focus of the new rules is on full traceability of products, risk-based approval, and stronger food safety controls. This means following GACC rules is no longer optional. Every step, from production to shipment, must meet the updated standards to avoid delays or rejection at Chinese customs.

Who Needs GACC Registration?

Many businesses get confused about GACC registration, but it is simple. If your company is involved in making, processing, or storing food or beverages for export to China, you must register with GACC. Even if you export through a third party, your facility still needs registration. China clearly states that all overseas manufacturers exporting food must be registered, and unregistered companies cannot export legally.

You need GACC registration if you are:

➔ A food manufacturer

➔ A beverage producer

➔ A food processing unit

➔ A storage facility exporting food

Even exporting through a third party does not remove the requirement for your facility to be registered.

Key GACC Requirements for 2026

Step-by-Step Process to Export Food to China

Step 1: Check Product Eligibility

Make sure your product is allowed to be imported into China. Some foods, like certain meat or health products, may have extra rules.

Step 2: Apply for GACC Registration

Register your company on the CIFER portal. Submit all required documents and get your GACC registration number. This number is essential for customs clearance.

Step 3: Prepare Product Label

Translate your label into Chinese. Include product name, ingredients, manufacturing and expiry dates, country of origin, and GACC number.

Step 4: Coordinate with Chinese Importer

Make sure your importer has the required import license. Check that all documents match between you and the importer.

Step 5: Ship Goods with Proper Documents

Include invoice, packing list, GACC registration number, and any certificates. Proper documentation avoids delays at customs.

Step 6: Customs Clearance in China

Authorities inspect the shipment. They can approve or reject your goods depending on compliance with all rules.

Validity and Renewal of GACC Registration

GACC registration is valid for 5 years. You must renew it before it expires to continue exporting to China. Under the new rules, some registrations may be renewed automatically. If you fail to renew on time, you will not be allowed to export your products.

Key points:

• Registration is valid for 5 years
• Renewal must be done before expiry
• Some registrations may renew automatically
• Without renewal, exporting is not allowed

Common Problems Exporters Face

Many businesses face issues due to lack of clarity.

Common mistakes:

⚠️ No GACC registration

⚠️ Wrong product category selection

⚠️ Incorrect labeling

⚠️ Mismatch in documents

⚠️ Not updating product details

⚠️ Even a small mistake can lead to:

⚠️ Shipment rejection

⚠️ Financial loss

⚠️ Market entry failure

Real-Life Example

An Indian beverage company, FreshSip Beverages Pvt. Ltd. (Mumbai), planned to export packaged drinks to China. They had all export documents but were unaware of GACC registration requirements.

Their shipment was stopped at Chinese customs because:

• They did not have a valid GACC number
• Their labels were not in Chinese

They approached PSR Compliance, who helped them:

☑ Complete GACC registration

☑ Correct product labeling

☑ Align documents with Chinese standards

After re-submission:

⚡ Their shipment cleared successfully

⚡ They started regular exports to China

Key Takeaways

① GACC registration is mandatory for all food exporters

② 2026 rules are stricter under new regulation

③ Labeling and traceability are critical

④ Both exporter and importer must comply

⑤ Even small mistakes can lead to rejection

Final Thoughts

Exporting food and beverages to China is a great opportunity, but compliance is the biggest challenge. The rules are detailed, strict, and constantly evolving.

If you understand GACC requirements properly:
Export becomes smooth

If you ignore them:
It becomes costly and risky

Planning to export food products to China but confused about GACC requirements?

PSR Compliance can help you with complete registration, documentation, and compliance support.

📞 Call: +91-7065883416
Export to China without rejection or delays

GACC Registration FAQs

1. Since when must overseas food manufacturers register with GACC to export to China?
   Since January 1, 2022.
2. What system is used for GACC registration?
   The CIFER system.
3. What number must be displayed on GACC-registered products?
   An 18-digit GACC registration number.
4. Which products require recommended registration with home country authorities?
   High-risk products like meat, dairy, and infant formula.
5. Can low-risk food products register directly with GACC?
   Yes, via the GACC Single Window system.
6. Where must the GACC registration number appear on packaging?
   On both inner and outer product packaging.
7. Is a Chinese-language label mandatory for GACC-registered products?
   Yes, Chinese labeling is required.
8. How long is a GACC registration valid?
   5 years.
9. What documents are typically required for GACC registration?
   Application forms, business license, food safety certifications, production flow charts, and facility photos.
10. How long does GACC registration take for low-risk products?
    7–8 days.
11. How long can high-risk product registration take?
    Several months, often needing a Chinese representative agent.
12. What happens if a product lacks a valid GACC registration number?
    It may be denied entry, returned, or destroyed by Chinese Customs.