Step-by-Step GACC Registration Guide (2026 Update) — Food Products Export to China

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Overview of GACC Registration

GACC registration is a mandatory requirement for foreign manufacturers who want to export certain food products to China. Businesses must register their manufacturing facilities with the General Administration of Customs of China before their products can enter the Chinese market. China has one of the world’s largest food import markets, and its customs authority strictly regulates imported food products to ensure safety, quality, and traceability. Without a valid GACC registration number, shipments may face delays, rejection, or customs clearance issues at Chinese ports.

Under China’s overseas manufacturer registration regulations, companies exporting regulated food products must submit an application through the official registration system and provide details about their manufacturing facility, product categories, and food safety management system. Once the application is approved, the manufacturer receives a unique GACC registration number that must be displayed on product packaging when exporting goods to China. Obtaining GACC registration is therefore an essential step for businesses planning to export food products to China and access the Chinese market legally.

Who Needs GACC Registration in India?

GACC registration is required for Indian businesses that manufacture, process, or export certain food products to China. According to the import regulations of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), overseas food manufacturers must be registered with Chinese customs authorities before their products can enter the Chinese market.

The following businesses in India typically require GACC registration:

Food Manufacturers and Processors

Indian companies that manufacture or process food products such as packaged foods, snacks, beverages, spices, and processed food items must obtain GACC registration if they plan to export these products to China.

Seafood and Aquatic Product Exporters

Businesses exporting fish, shrimp, crab, or other aquatic products must ensure their manufacturing or processing facilities are registered with GACC before shipping products to China.

Meat and Poultry Exporters

Exporters dealing with meat, poultry, and related processed products are also required to complete GACC registration to comply with Chinese import regulations.

Dairy Product Manufacturers

Manufacturers of milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products must register their production facilities with GACC before exporting these products to China.

Agricultural and Plant-Based Food Exporters

Companies exporting products such as tea, grains, nuts, spices, fruits, and other plant-based food items may also need GACC registration depending on the product category.

If your business plans to export food products to China, completing GACC registration is an important step to ensure compliance with Chinese import regulations and smooth customs clearance.

Product Categories That Need GACC Registration

Under the regulations issued by the General Administration of Customs of China, overseas manufacturers exporting certain food products to China must register their facilities before exporting. The following product categories generally require GACC registration.

Product CategoryExamplesNotes
Meat and Meat ProductsFrozen meat, processed meat, sausages, canned meatRequires approval through the exporting country’s authority
Aquatic ProductsFish, shrimp, crab, lobster, seafood productsProcessing plants must meet Chinese hygiene standards
Dairy ProductsMilk powder, cheese, butter, yogurtStrict quality and safety compliance required
Bird’s Nest and Bird’s Nest ProductsRaw or processed edible bird’s nestMust meet China inspection requirements
Bee ProductsHoney, royal jelly, beeswaxSubject to residue and contamination checks
Eggs and Egg ProductsLiquid eggs, dried egg powder, processed egg itemsMust follow food safety and traceability rules
Edible Oils and FatsVegetable oil, palm oil, olive oil, animal fatsProduction facilities must be registered
Stuffed Wheat ProductsDumplings, buns, stuffed pastriesMust meet Chinese food processing standards
Edible GrainsRice, wheat, barley, cornMust comply with plant quarantine rules
Grain Milling ProductsFlour, starch, semolinaProduction facility registration required
MaltMalt used in brewing or food productionMust comply with processing standards
Fresh and Dehydrated VegetablesFresh vegetables, dried vegetablesPhytosanitary certification may be required
Dried BeansLentils, chickpeas, peas, pulsesMust meet quarantine inspection rules
SeasoningsSpices, sauces, condimentsIngredient disclosure required
Nuts and SeedsAlmonds, pistachios, walnuts, sunflower seedsSubject to quality and contamination checks
Dried FruitsRaisins, dates, dried mangoMust meet hygiene and processing standards
Coffee and Cocoa BeansRaw coffee beans, cocoa beansInspection may be required for contaminants
Special Dietary FoodsInfant food, medical nutrition foodsStrict safety and labeling compliance

Documents Required for GACC Registration

Businesses applying for GACC registration must submit specific documents to the General Administration of Customs of China through the official registration system. These documents help verify the manufacturer, product safety standards, and compliance with Chinese import regulations.

The commonly required documents include:

Business Registration Documents

A valid company registration certificate or incorporation document issued by the relevant authority in India.

Manufacturing License

A valid license that allows the company to manufacture or process food products in India.

Import Export Code (IEC)

The Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, which is mandatory for exporting goods from India.

Food Safety Certification

Food safety certificates such as FSSAI license or other relevant quality certifications demonstrating compliance with food safety standards.

Product Details

Information about the products being exported, including product name, ingredients, manufacturing process, and packaging details.

Label Information

Product label design and packaging details showing compliance with Chinese labeling requirements.

Facility Information

Details about the manufacturing or processing facility, including address, layout, production capacity, and hygiene practices.

Quality Control and Safety System Documents

Documents showing the company’s food safety management system, testing procedures, and quality assurance practices.

Authorization Letter

If a consultant or third party is submitting the application, an authorization letter from the company may also be required.

Note

The exact documents may vary depending on the product category and registration method required by the General Administration of Customs of China.

GACC Registration Process:  Step-by-Step Guide

Businesses that want to export certain food products to China must register their manufacturing facilities with the General Administration of Customs of China. The registration process generally involves the following steps:

GACC Registration Process

1. Determine Eligibility

The first step is to identify whether your product category requires GACC registration. Food manufacturers and exporters must check if their products fall under the regulated categories before applying.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Applicants must gather all necessary documents, including business registration certificates, food safety licenses, product details, and facility information. Accurate documentation helps avoid delays during the review process.

3. Create Account on the CIFER System

The applicant must register on the official China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) online portal and create a company account to start the application process.

4. Submit the Online Application

The company must complete the online application form and upload all required documents through the CIFER system. The application includes details about the manufacturing facility, products, and food safety management system.

5. Application Review by Chinese Authorities

The General Administration of Customs of China reviews the submitted application and may request additional information or clarification if required.

6. Approval and GACC Registration Number

Once the application is approved, the manufacturer receives a GACC registration number, which must be displayed on product packaging and used for exporting goods to China.

7. Ongoing Compliance

After registration, businesses must maintain compliance with Chinese food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and product traceability rules when exporting to China.

GACC Registration Fees

The official registration with the General Administration of Customs of China does not usually involve a direct government application fee. However, businesses may incur costs related to documentation preparation, compliance checks, translation of documents, and professional consultancy services.

The total cost of GACC registration can vary depending on:

  • Type of food product being exported
  • Complexity of the application
  • Documentation and compliance requirements
  • Professional service assistance

Companies often choose professional support to ensure the application is submitted correctly and approved without delays.

Validity of GACC Registration

Once approved by the General Administration of Customs of China, the GACC registration is generally valid for 5 years. During this period, the registered manufacturer is allowed to export approved products to China.

The assigned GACC registration number must be displayed on product packaging or labels when exporting goods to China.

GACC Registration Renewal

Businesses must renew their GACC registration before the expiry date to continue exporting products to China without interruption.

Key points about renewal:

  • Renewal should typically be applied for 3–6 months before the registration expires.
  • Updated documents and compliance information may be required during renewal.
  • The renewal application is submitted through the CIFER online registration system.
  • Chinese authorities review the application before extending the registration validity.

Timely renewal helps exporters avoid shipment delays, customs issues, or export restrictions.

Need Help with GACC Registration?
Get expert assistance with GACC registration for exporting food products to China. Our compliance specialists handle the entire process—from documentation to approval—so your business stays fully compliant with the requirements of the General Administration of Customs of China.

📞 Call: +91-7065883416
📧 Email: support@psrcompliance.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting in 2022, the GACC registration number for manufacturers will change. The format will move from 10 digits to 18 digits.

For example, it will look like this: CTHA 24022110201234. The first letters indicate the country code. You must display this new 18-digit GACC registration number on the Chinese labels of imported food products.

The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) is the main customs authority in the country. It plays an important role in border control and regulation.

To export food and beverage products to China, overseas manufacturers must register with the GACC. Starting January 1, 2022, Chinese importers must show the GACC registration number to customs officials to clear their goods.

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