Food & Edible Products Customs Clearance Service (Importing into China)

The customs clearance process for imported food involves the following steps:

1. Documentation Submission
   The inspection and quarantine officer submits the Sanitary Inspection Application Form along with supporting documents, including:All documents must be stamped with the company seal before submission.

• Bill of lading

• Packing list

• Commercial invoice

• Trade contract

• Certificate of origin

• Exporting country's sanitary quality licenses and inspection certificates

• Product composition details and additive specifications

2. Chinese Label Compliance
   Imported prepackaged foods must bear Chinese labels compliant with GB7718-94: General Standard for Food Labeling (National Standard of China). Labels must include product name, ingredients, net weight, manufacturer information, shelf life, and storage conditions. Laser anti-counterfeit labels will be affixed to certified products.

3. Sanitary Inspection & Certification
   After sampling, the health certificate will be issued within 7 working days if the product meets China's food safety standards. The certificate confirms compliance with GB 5009 series standards and other relevant regulations.

1. Enterprise Qualification Verification
   

• Importers must verify the qualifications of overseas manufacturers to ensure compliance with China's food safety laws.

• Under the Regulations on the Registration of Overseas Food Production Enterprises, manufacturers exporting to China must obtain registration with the General Administration of Customs (GACC). The exporting country's veterinary, phytosanitary, and public health systems must also pass GACC's risk assessment.

2. Required Documentation
   Importers must prepare the following documents for customs declaration:For prepackaged foods, Chinese labels must be pre-printed and compliant with GB7718-94 requirements.

• Import contract

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Ocean bill of lading

• Bill of lading endorsement or air waybill

• Import licenses (as required by HS code)

• Quality certificates, origin certificates, sanitary certificates, and additive usage declarations

3. Post-Arrival Declaration & Inspection
   

• Upon arrival, the importer submits all documents to the port inspection authority for review.

• Approved shipments will receive a Sanitary Inspection Release Notice for customs clearance and cargo pickup.

• Goods must be stored in GACC-approved warehouses pending laboratory testing. Random samples will be collected for analysis of microbiological, chemical, and physical indicators.

• Qualified products will be issued a Health Certificate for market release. Non-compliant products may be destroyed, returned, or reprocessed under GACC supervision.

Panyue International Trade employs a systematic approach to mitigate import risks:

• Pre-Import Compliance Checks: Review of product formulations, labeling, and certification requirements.

• Supply Chain Transparency: Tracking of goods from overseas factories to Chinese warehouses.

• Technical Support: Assistance with GACC registration, laboratory testing, and dispute resolution.

Our team of experts ensures full compliance with China's Food Safety Law and Import Food Safety Management Regulations, minimizing delays and potential penalties.