Frequent asked questions about Decree of the General Administration of Customs No.248 and No.249
GACC 12/16/2021
There is only half of month left for the Decree of GACC No.248 and No.249 are officially implemented. This article will explain some frequent asked questions regarding these two decrees.
Q: How to register imported food and enterprise information for overseas manufacturers?
A: Overseas manufacturers can access the Registration System through: https://cifer.singlewindow.cn/ or through China International Trade Single Window (https://www.singlewindow.cn/).
Q: How to submit the registration applications?
A: Overseas products who meet the category listed in the table below can get the Registration System account from competent authority of the country/region and submit the application. Overseas products who do not meet the category listed below should apply for the account themselves.
| 18 Categories of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food | |
| Meat and Meat Products | Edible Grains |
| Casings | Milled Grain Industry Products and Malt |
| Aquatic Products | Fresh and Dehydrated Vegetables and Dried Beans |
| Dairy Products | Condiments |
| Bird’s Nest and Bird’s Nest Products | Nuts and Seeds |
| Bee Products | Dried Fruits |
| Eggs and Egg Products | Unroasted Coffee Beans and Cocoa Beans |
| Edible Fats and Oils | Foods for Special Dietary Purposes |
| Stuffed Wheaten Products | Functional Food |
Q: How to find the commodity numbers involved in the registration of overseas production enterprises?
A: Overseas production enterprises can find the corresponding commodity number (HS code) and inspection and quarantine name (inspection and quarantine code) by going through the Home > Product Category Query in the Registration System.
Q: Where to find the guidelines for the Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food?
A: The guide can be found in: http://online.customs.gov.cn/static/pages/treeGuide.html
Q: What should overseas production enterprises declare when importing food?
A: Start from January 1,2022, the registration number should be put in “Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food” column in section “Product Qualification” of the declaration form. For 2020 version of the declaration form, overseas manufacturers should choose “Imported Food Overseas Production Enterprise” in “Other Enterprise Category” column in section “Other Enterprises” and type in registration number in “Number or Enterprise Name” column.
Q: Is there any requirements for the registration number labeling and packaging label?
A: The registration number approved by the competent authorities of the country/region should be placed both on the inner and outer package of the food. The food produced after January 1, 2022, its labeling should meet the requirements of the new Food Safety Law. The food produced before January 1, 2022, its labeling should meet the requirements of the old Food Safety Law.
Q: What is the effective period of registration?
A: Overseas manufacturers who registered before will not be affected by the new rule. Overseas manufacturers should renew the registration within 3 to 6 months before the expiration date. The registration is valid for 5 years.
Q: What is the registration fee?
A: GACC will not charge any fees for overseas manufacturers who want to register imported food.
CCIC Chicago can help overseas food manufacturers who do not meet the 18 categories listed in the above table to register in the GACC Registration System.
Reference:
http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/2480148/3619591/index.html
http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/2480148/3619657/index.html