Exporting products to China has become increasingly regulated over the past few years. For businesses looking to tap into the vast Chinese market, GACC registration has emerged as a crucial requirement. Whether you are a manufacturer, trader, or exporter of food products, beverages, cosmetics, chemicals, or electronics, complying with GACC regulations is essential for smooth customs clearance and legal entry of goods into China.
The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) plays a key role in overseeing imports to ensure safety, traceability, and adherence to Chinese standards. Without proper GACC registration, shipments may be delayed, returned, or outright rejected, leading to financial loss and reputational damage. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to GACC registration, including its process, requirements, benefits, fees, timelines, and how professional consultancy can simplify compliance.
What is GACC Registration?
GACC Registration refers to the official approval process issued by the General Administration of Customs China for foreign manufacturers, exporters, and food facilities that intend to ship products to China. This registration is mandatory under GACC Decree 248 and Decree 249, which replaced the previous AQSIQ and CIQ systems.
Each registered manufacturer or exporter receives a unique GACC Registration Number, which is used to verify the authenticity and safety of their products during Chinese customs clearance. The system ensures that all imported products comply with Chinese standards, are traceable throughout the supply chain, and meet the quality and safety requirements mandated by law.
Without a valid GACC registration, goods cannot legally enter China, making it a non-negotiable step for businesses aiming to export to one of the largest consumer markets in the world.
Who Needs GACC Registration?
GACC registration is mandatory for a wide range of exporters and manufacturers. Understanding which category your product falls under is critical to determine the required documentation and process.
1. Food Manufacturers and Processors
Food products constitute the largest category of GACC-regulated imports. This includes:
Meat, poultry, and seafood
Dairy products
Cereals and grains
Snacks, confectionery, and beverages
Spices, sauces, and processed foods
High-risk products, such as frozen seafood or meat, require additional approval from embassy recommendations, while low-risk products can often be registered directly online.
2. Exporters and Trading Companies
Even if you are not the manufacturer, exporters handling imported goods must be registered with GACC. This ensures traceability and accountability for all shipments entering China.
3. Non-Food Product Manufacturers
Some non-food items also fall under GACC regulations, including:
Cosmetics and personal care products
Packaging materials
Health supplements
Pet food and feed additives
Certain chemical products
Agricultural goods
Proper registration ensures that these products meet Chinese safety and quality standards.
Importance of GACC Registration
GACC registration is not just a formality—it is critical to maintain compliance and ensure smooth business operations. The benefits of obtaining GACC registration include:
Legal Compliance: Ensures your products can legally enter China.
Faster Customs Clearance: Registered products experience fewer delays at Chinese ports.
Traceability: Each shipment is linked to a registered manufacturer for quality monitoring.
Market Credibility: Chinese buyers and distributors trust GACC-registered suppliers.
Reduced Risk of Rejection: Non-registered shipments may be detained or returned.
For exporters aiming to expand in China, GACC certification is a must-have for sustainable business growth.
Step-by-Step GACC Registration Process
The registration process varies slightly depending on whether the product is high-risk or low-risk. However, the general steps are:
Step 1: Determine Product Category
Before beginning registration, identify whether your product is considered high-risk or low-risk according to Chinese regulations. This determines whether you need an embassy recommendation or can proceed directly online.
Step 2: Register on the GACC Single Window Portal
All applications are submitted through the official China Import Food Enterprise Registration System. You will need to provide:
Company name and address
Country of origin
Product category and HS code
Production capacity
Facility layout
Step 3: Prepare Technical Documentation
Documents required typically include:
Business license
Manufacturing license
ISO, HACCP, or FSSAI certificates for food products
Product test reports
Factory process flow chart
Hygiene and safety control documents
Product labels (in Chinese)
High-quality, accurate documentation is crucial, as incomplete submissions often result in delays or rejection.
Step 4: Embassy Recommendation (If Required)
High-risk products must be supported by a recommendation letter from the exporter’s national authority. In India, this could be the FSSAI or Export Council. This step ensures that the product meets local safety standards before it is approved for export to China.
Step 5: Technical Review by GACC
The GACC authorities evaluate your documents to verify:
Product safety
Manufacturing standards
Compliance with Chinese food laws
Traceability measures
Some high-risk products may require an on-site or remote video inspection of the manufacturing facility.
Step 6: Issuance of GACC Registration Number
Once approved, you will receive a unique GACC Registration Number, which must be displayed on:
Product packaging
Labels
Export documentation
Customs declarations
Documents Required for GACC Registration
Depending on the product category, the required documents may include:
Business registration certificate
Manufacturing or food license
HACCP or GMP certifications
Product testing reports from accredited labs
Factory layout and production flow chart
Technical specifications and ingredients/composition
Exporter information
Chinese label sample
Ensuring all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and correctly translated is critical to avoiding delays.
Timeline for GACC Registration
Low-risk products: Typically 15–30 days
High-risk food products: 30–60+ days
Timelines depend on inspection requirements, embassy recommendations, and Chinese regulatory workloads.
GACC Registration Fees
GACC registration itself does not carry high direct fees. However, exporters may incur costs for:
Document preparation
Translation into Chinese
Product testing
Consultancy fees for professional assistance
A professional consultant can help streamline the process and minimize unnecessary expenses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many exporters face delays or rejection due to avoidable errors such as:
Incorrect HS codes
Incomplete or poorly translated documents
Outdated licenses or certifications
Non-compliance with Chinese labeling requirements
Missing process flow charts or hygiene documents
Working with an expert ensures all these common mistakes are avoided, allowing faster approval and smoother customs clearance.
Benefits of GACC Registration
Legal Market Access: Required for all shipments to China.
Customs Efficiency: Registered products pass customs quickly.
Traceability: Ensures accountability of every batch of goods.
Buyer Confidence: Builds trust with importers and distributors.
Risk Reduction: Minimizes shipment rejection or detention.
International Compliance: Demonstrates adherence to global standards.
Validity and Renewal
GACC registration is generally valid for five years.
Renewal applications must be submitted before expiration.
Any changes in factory address, ownership, or product list must be updated in the system.
Failure to renew can result in suspension or loss of registration.
Why Professional GACC Consultancy is Important
Navigating the GACC registration process can be complicated. Professional consultants help in:
Identifying the correct HS code and product category
Preparing Chinese-compliant documents
Coordinating embassy recommendations for high-risk products
Ensuring labels meet Chinese requirements
Avoiding delays or rejections
Fast-tracking the registration process
For first-time exporters or businesses dealing with high-risk products, professional guidance significantly reduces the risk of errors and ensures timely approval.
How PSR Compliance Can Help
PSR Compliance offers end-to-end GACC registration services for exporters and manufacturers. Their team assists with:
Documentation preparation
Portal registration and filing
Embassy coordination
Label compliance
Technical audits
With PSR Compliance, businesses can obtain GACC certification quickly and efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring full compliance with Chinese regulations.
For professional GACC registration support, visit:
PSR Compliance – GACC Registration
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