Before entering Chinese market, overseas production enterprises need to apply for an “Import Registration Certificate” with an approval number of foreign pet feed (This certificate is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture for pet food formulas. Whether the product label of imported pet food has an approval number of foreign pet feed is an important basis for identifying whether it is legal). It also needs to file in the “Export to China Directory” of the General Administration of Customs (formerly the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine), that is, the “Registration Level List of Production and Processing Enterprises for Pet Food Exported to China”.
Registration in the General Administration of Customs is the supervision of the production factory by the General Administration of Customs. It requires official-to-official coordination. For registration by the General Administration of Customs, the local feed authority recommends enterprises to China. Depending on the situation, the General Administration of Customs will send an expert team to the enterprise for on-site review.
According to the “Enterprise Lists of Overseas Pet Food Registration, Production, and Processing”, “List of Countries (Regions) and Products Allowed to Import Feed” (excluding plant-derived feed raw materials), “List of Products and Registered Enterprises in Countries (Regions) that Allow Import of Feed Additives and Premixes”, and some supporting documents, the General Administration of Customs of China implements the registration system for production enterprises in countries or regions that allow the import of feed and feed additives. Imported feed should come from registered overseas feed production enterprises. If a product is imported from the exporting country for the first time, it requires the competent authorities of the two countries to sign relevant agreements on health and animal and plant inspection and quarantine. The registration is valid for 5 years. The applicant shall submit an renewal to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China 6 months before the expiration of the validity period. Every renewal registration is valid for 5 years.
Overseas feed (pet food) production enterprises shall comply with the relevant requirements of the laws, regulations and standards of the exporting country or region, and meet the equivalent requirements of relevant Chinese laws, regulations and standards. After the competent feed authorities of the exporting country or region have examined the qualification and assisted the submission of the materials, the Embassy of the exporting country in China will recommend the materials to the General Administration of Customs of China.
Filing Information
- Company information: company name, address, official approval number;
- Registered product information: registered product name, main raw materials, uses, etc.;
- Official certificate: proves that the recommended company has been approved by the competent authorities and its products are allowed to be sold freely in the exporting country or region.
Q&A About GACC Admission Qualifications
Q1: What are the requirements for imported formula feed manufacturers?
A1:
- About Health Management System
Manufacturers of imported formula feed should implement a health management system. They should be approved by the competent department, and accept their supervision and inspection. These products should meet the relevant requirements of the exporting country and be allowed to be sold freely in the market of the exporting country.
- About Registration
The production enterprises importing formula feed shall, upon approval by the competent authorities of the exporting country, recommend to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, and can only export formula feed to China after obtaining registration in the Chinese side.
Q2: What requirements must be met when importing formula feed?
A2:
- Quarantine Approval
Importers should apply for an “Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License” before signing a trade contract.
- Certificate Verification
- Verify whether the “Entry Permit for Animal and Plant Quarantine” has been obtained;
- Check whether it comes from a registered enterprise;
- Verify whether its health certificate is authentic and valid.
- Cargo Inspection
In accordance with relevant laws, administrative regulations, rules and bilateral protocols, inspection and quarantine of imported formula feed shall be implemented. Those that pass inspection and quarantine will be allowed to enter into the market of China.
Q3: What are the key factors and conditions affecting GACC admission?
A3: It mainly includes the national trade relations between two countries, the size and production capacity of the enterprise, corporate management capabilities, and the familiarity and implementation of Chinese regulations.
Q4: Can companies apply directly to the General Administration of Customs of China?
A4: No, all companies that intend to export pet feed to China should be recommended to the General Administration of Customs of China by their country’s competent authorities through their embassy in China.
Q5: Is on-site audit necessary for GACC approval of pet food?
A5: The General Administration of Customs of China determines whether to conduct an on-site audit of the applicant company based on the results of the company’s preliminary risk assessment and the recommendations of the importing country.
