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Writer：admin Time：2025-05-30 01:02 Browse：℃
China is one of the world’s leading exporters of food products, with a food export market valued at approximately USD 94 billion in 2023, supplying a broad range of packaged foods, snacks, sauces, and beverages worldwide. For wholesale buyers importing food from China, navigating the complex web of Chinese food export regulations is crucial for successful market entry and compliance.
This comprehensive guide explains key regulatory requirements, certifications, labeling rules, customs procedures, and quality standards buyers must understand in 2025 to streamline imports from China.
China’s food export regulations are governed by several governmental agencies working in tandem:
| Agency | Role in Food Export Regulation |
|---|---|
| General Administration of Customs of the PRC (GACC) | Oversees customs clearance, food import/export inspections |
| Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) | Regulates agricultural products and animal-derived food safety |
| State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) | Responsible for food safety standards and quality certification |
| National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) | Manages certification bodies and product certification |
Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China (2015, amended 2019)
Administrative Measures for Import and Export Food Safety
National Food Safety Standards (GB standards)
These laws and standards govern food hygiene, safety, packaging, labeling, and inspection for export.
Exported food products must comply with both Chinese and destination country regulations.
| Certification | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HACCP | Food safety risk control system | Required by many countries |
| ISO 22000 | Food safety management | Widely recognized internationally |
| GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) | Production quality control | Ensures hygiene and consistency |
| Organic Certification | For organic food products | Follows CNAS-accredited certification bodies |
| Halal / Kosher | Religious dietary compliance | Required for Muslim/Jewish markets |
| Green Food Certification | Environmentally friendly farming | Optional but valued |
Wholesalers should verify that suppliers hold valid and authentic certifications.
Different categories of food products are subject to specific export rules:
| Food Category | Applicable Regulations | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Packaged snacks & confectionery | GB 2760 (Food Additive Standard), labeling | Limit on food additives, allergen labeling |
| Sauces and condiments | GB 2716 (Soy sauce standards), microbial limits | Salt content, fermentation controls |
| Dairy and infant formula | Special sanitary requirements | Must meet Codex Alimentarius and importing country rules |
| Seafood and frozen foods | Cold chain and sanitary certificates | Traceability and temperature controls mandatory |
| Health supplements | CFDA approval for nutraceuticals | Strict ingredient and claims regulations |
Correct labeling is essential for customs clearance and market acceptance.
| Label Element | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product name | Accurate and specific | Must match customs declaration |
| Ingredients list | Complete and truthful | Includes allergens |
| Net weight | Clearly displayed | Metric units preferred |
| Manufacturer information | Name and address | Contact details for recall |
| Production & expiry dates | Use clear formats | YY-MM-DD recommended |
| Storage instructions | Temperature and handling | Critical for perishables |
| Certification marks | Organic, Halal, etc. | Only if certified |
Packaging materials must be food-grade and comply with environmental regulations (e.g., no banned plastics).
Efficient customs clearance reduces shipment delays.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-shipment Inspection | Quality inspection and sampling by GACC or authorized bodies |
| 2. Documentation Submission | Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificates |
| 3. Customs Declaration | Declaration via electronic customs system |
| 4. Customs Examination | Physical inspection and verification |
| 5. Import Duties & Taxes | Payment of applicable tariffs and VAT |
| 6. Release & Delivery | Goods cleared and released for distribution |
Customs may require additional tests if products are flagged.
Verify supplier compliance: Check certifications and factory audit reports.
Understand destination regulations: Different countries have varied import requirements and banned substances.
Engage licensed customs brokers: Facilitate smooth clearance and accurate paperwork.
Request sample testing: Independent lab testing before bulk orders reduces risks.
Plan for labeling localization: Translate and adapt labels as per import market laws.
| Challenge | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Delays in customs clearance | Incomplete or inaccurate documentation | Pre-validate documents and use experienced brokers |
| Product rejection | Non-compliance with standards or contaminants | Third-party pre-shipment inspection and lab tests |
| Labeling errors | Mismatched or missing required info | Use professional labeling services and review local rules |
| Quality inconsistency | Poor factory QC or raw material issues | Perform supplier audits and implement quality agreements |
China’s Food Export Supervision Law, effective January 2022, introduces stricter controls over exporters:
Mandatory registration of food export enterprises with GACC.
Enhanced traceability requirements.
Stricter penalties for non-compliance.
Buyers should partner with registered, compliant suppliers to avoid shipment issues.
Blockchain for enhanced traceability of food origin and batch tracking.
IoT sensors for real-time temperature and humidity monitoring during transport.
Electronic certification platforms to reduce paperwork errors.
These tools improve transparency, speed, and trust in food wholesale transactions.
Guangzhou Shaoting Food Co., Ltd. operates with strict adherence to Chinese and international food export regulations:
Holds all key certifications including HACCP, ISO 22000, and GMP.
Implements rigorous factory audits and quality controls.
Provides full documentation support including health certificates and certificates of origin.
Uses compliant, food-grade packaging with multilingual labeling.
Works with licensed customs brokers for efficient export clearance.
Clients benefit from reduced regulatory risks and smooth import processes.
Understanding and complying with Chinese food export regulations is vital for wholesale buyers aiming for successful and risk-free import operations. From certifications and labeling to customs clearance and new laws, being informed and prepared ensures timely delivery of safe, high-quality food products.
Partnering with reputable and compliant suppliers like Guangzhou Shaoting Food Co., Ltd. can streamline the regulatory complexities and support your global food wholesale business growth.
Whatsapp: +8618998453346
Phone: +8618998453346
Tel: +8618998453346
Email: [email protected]
Addr: Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China