Import Food to China: A Practical Guide for Global Exporters

For global food exporters, importing food to China can unlock a massive market—but it requires navigating complex regulations, customs procedures, and logistics. This practical guide walks you through how to legally and efficiently import food into China, covering customs clearance, GACC registration, QC inspection, Chinese food labeling requirements, shelf-life rules, cross-border e-commerce options, and cold-chain logistics. Geared toward exporters, logistics professionals, compliance managers, and food brands, these step-by-step insights will help you chart a smooth path into China’s market while staying compliant.

Navigating Chinese Import Regulations and Compliance

China maintains strict food import regulations to ensure safety and compliance with national standards. All imported food must meet China’s food safety laws and national standards, meaning your product’s ingredients, additives, and quality must align with Chinese requirements. Exporters should verify that none of their ingredients are prohibited in China and that any required sanitary or phytosanitary certifications (for meat, dairy, etc.) are in place.

GACC Registration:

Since January 1, 2022, all foreign food manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities must register with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) before exporting food to China. While previously only high-risk categories required registration, the rule now applies to all food products. High-risk items (e.g., meat, seafood, dairy) must be registered through national authorities, while others can self-register via GACC’s CIFER portal. Once approved, the GACC number must be printed on product packaging and included in customs declarations.

China Importer Record:

Chinese importers—whether distributors or agents—must also be registered with customs as approved food importers. Working with a qualified local partner, such as Gate Kaizen, ensures all licensing and importer records are properly managed under regulatory requirements.

Pre-Import Approvals:

Certain food categories (like meat, dairy, and seafood) require bilateral approval between exporting countries and China. Other specialized foods, such as infant formula or dietary supplements, may need product-specific registration with Chinese regulators. Always verify whether any additional pre-import approvals apply to your product category.

China Customs Clearance and CIQ Inspection Process

Once your goods are en route, the focus shifts to customs clearance. China customs clearance involves preparing meticulous documentation and working closely with your Chinese importer or customs broker. Key documents include the bill of lading/airway bill, commercial invoice, packing list, sales contract, and any required certificates (e.g. country of origin, health certificates for animal/plant products, sanitary certificates). Your customs broker will use China’s “Single Window” system to declare the shipment to Customs.

Once your goods are en route, the focus shifts to customs clearance. China customs clearance involves preparing meticulous documentation and working closely with your Chinese importer or customs broker. Key documents include the bill of lading/airway bill, commercial invoice, packing list, sales contract, and any required certificates (e.g. country of origin, health certificates for animal/plant products, sanitary certificates). Your customs broker will use China’s “Single Window” system to declare the shipment to Customs.

Upon arrival, China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) officers (part of Customs) will inspect the food shipment. They verify documentation and often examine labels and packaging for compliance. Chinese regulations require that all imported food packages bear a compliant Chinese label before sale, so customs may check that labels are present and accurate. In fact, authorities report labeling errors as one of the most common causes of import non-compliance. Make sure your labels (or Chinese stickers) are affixed prior to or during CIQ inspection; if labeling is missing or incorrect, customs can refuse entry of the goods.

During CIQ inspection, samples may be taken for laboratory testing—especially for high-risk or perishable foods. Officials will test for things like excessive pathogens, contaminants, or additives beyond allowed levels. If all checks out, Customs will issue a clearance and Food Safety Certificate, allowing the goods to enter commerce. If problems are found (e.g. missing paperwork, spoilage, or safety issues), the shipment can be held in bonded storage, sent back, or destroyed in worst cases. Fortunately, the vast majority of shipments clear fine, but thorough preparation is essential to avoid costly disruptions.

Shelf-Life Requirements: A practical aspect to watch is your product’s remaining shelf life at time of import. Chinese importers and retailers generally expect a significant portion of shelf life to remain on arrival (a common rule of thumb is at least 50% of shelf life remaining). For instance, perishable items like dairy or baked goods arriving with only a few weeks left before expiration may be deemed unsellable. While Chinese law doesn’t state an exact percentage for all foods, some regulations (and retailer policies) effectively enforce this standard. Plan production and shipping schedules so that products are fresh upon reaching

China – it will improve your chances of smooth CIQ inspection and make your products more appealing to distributors.

Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance:

• Use an Experienced Import Agent: Partner with a customs expert who understands China’s food import rules. Companies like Gate Kaizen can handle document pre-checks, label coordination, and ingredient translations to ensure efficient clearance.
• Ensure Documentation Accuracy: All documents must match exactly—product names, HS codes, weights, and declared values must align with labels and invoices. Inconsistencies can cause delays or rejections.
• Meet Chinese Standards: Verify your product complies with applicable GB standards, including limits on additives and contaminants. Submitting relevant test reports or certifications can expedite the process.
• Prepare for Quarantine Inspection: High-risk food categories (e.g., meat, dairy, fresh produce) are subject to quarantine checks. Have all required permits ready and use appropriate cold-chain logistics if the goods need temperature-controlled storage during inspection.

Chinese Food Labeling Requirements and Shelf-Life Standards

One of the most critical compliance steps is food labeling for China. All pre-packaged food imported into China must carry a label in simplified Chinese that meets the national labeling standards (GB 7718-2011 for general foods, GB 28050-2011 for nutrition labeling, among others). The label can be applied as a permanent sticker or printed directly on packaging, but it must be in place when the product clears customs.

Key information that must appear on the Chinese label includes :

• Product Name and Description: Use a proper Chinese product name (not a direct English transliteration) that reflects what the food is. Include the product type or description if needed.
• Ingredients List: All ingredients (and additives) in descending order by weight, listed in Chinese. Allergens should be clearly indicated (e.g. “contains milk, soy”).
• Net Weight/Volume: Use metric units (grams, milliliters) and include any required format (for example, “净含量: 250g”).
• Manufacturer Information: The name and address of the food manufacturer (can be in English if it’s an overseas address, but often a Chinese transliteration is added).
• Country of Origin: The origin country of the product. This is mandatory to list.
• Chinese Importer/Distributor Information: The name, address, and contact info of the Chinese company responsible for the import/distribution must be on the label. This ties the product to a legally accountable entity in China.
• Production Date and Expiration Date (Shelf Life): Clearly print the production or packing date and the expiration or “best before” date in the format required (often YYYY-MM-DD). Chinese labels must state the shelf life period or expiration date. Ensure translations like “生产日期” (production date) and “保质期” (shelf life) are used correctly. China generally requires that imported foods still have plenty of shelf life remaining – plan accordingly as noted above.
• Storage Conditions: If the product requires refrigeration, a cool dry place, or any special storage, this needs to be indicated.
• Usage Instructions (if applicable): For foods that require preparation (like cake mixes or powdered drinks), instructions in Chinese should be included.
• Nutrition Information: A nutrition facts table in Chinese is mandatory for most packaged foods, formatted according to GB 28050-2011. It should list energy (calories), protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, etc. per 100g or per serving, as required.
• Other Mandatory Marks: If the product falls under special food categories (e.g. health food, infant formula), additional labeling rules apply (such as showing a registration number or specific warning statements). Also, certain products may need a CIQ import seal or “食品安全进口” stamp applied by inspectors (for example, meat products often get an ink stamp for inspection passed).

It’s crucial that the Chinese label is accurate and not misleading. Chinese law forbids false claims or superlatives on food labels (e.g. “healthiest,” “cure for…” are not allowed). Any nutritional or health claims must meet strict criteria or have prior approval. Compliance with labeling is not just a formality—it’s a top reason shipments get rejected. As noted, Chinese inspectors have turned away many shipments due to label problems ranging from missing importer info to translation errors. Invest time in getting your labels right, and consider having them professionally reviewed or pre-approved. Gate Kaizen’s compliance team, for instance, can assist with Chinese label design and verification to ensure it meets GB standards.

Logistics and Cold-Chain Considerations for Perishable Goods

Logistics planning is a make-or-break factor, especially for perishable or temperature-sensitive foods. Logistics for perishable goods to China requires maintaining product quality throughout transit and clearance. Here are key considerations:

• Shipping Mode Selection:

Use ocean freight for products with long shelf life (e.g., canned goods, dry snacks), allowing 2–5 weeks for delivery. For short shelf-life items like fresh dairy or baked goods, air freight is preferred despite higher costs, as it preserves product freshness.

• Cold Chain Management:

For frozen or refrigerated products, partner with experienced cold-chain logistics providers. Use reefer containers or insulated air freight with ice packs. Coordinate with your importer to ensure immediate cold storage upon arrival at ports like Shanghai or Shenzhen. Cold chain breaches may lead to spoilage or CIQ rejections.

• Bonded Warehousing:

Storing goods in bonded warehouses within China’s free trade zones allows you to defer import taxes until products enter the domestic market. This is ideal for both perishables (with cold storage) and non-perishables. Gate Kaizen provides bonded warehousing with temperature control and fulfillment services tailored to inventory flow and e-commerce.

• Last-Mile Distribution:

After customs clearance, ensure reliable domestic logistics, including refrigerated trucking or integration with e-commerce fulfillment centers. China’s cold-chain infrastructure is strong in major cities, enabling safe nationwide delivery. Collaborate with your importer or logistics partner to protect product quality until final delivery.

Quality Checks: It’s advisable that your importer or distributor re-inspects the goods after customs clearance. This internal QC step (checking for any temperature excursions, leakage, or damage) ensures any issues are caught before products hit the market. Chinese consumers are very quality-conscious, especially for imported food, so maintaining a good cold-chain and quality control builds your brand reputation.

General Trade vs. Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC): Two Import Pathways

When planning your China market entry, you should evaluate whether to import via general trade or the cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) route. China offers these two distinct channels for foreign food products, each with its advantages:

General Trade Import: This is the traditional route where bulk goods are imported into China by you or a local distributor. Products must be fully compliant with Chinese regulations, including GACC registration, Chinese labeling, and conformity with all local food safety standards. After clearing customs, goods can be sold across wholesale, retail, or domestic e-commerce channels. Taxes include import duties (based on product type), 13% VAT, and, in some cases, consumption tax. This model supports B2B distribution and is ideal for brands targeting large-scale retail or supermarket presence.

Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC): CBEC allows foreign brands to sell directly to Chinese consumers via approved online platforms with simplified rules. Products on the official CBEC positive list can be sold without full regulatory registration or physical Chinese labels—only an online “e-label” in Chinese is required. CBEC offers tax incentives: no import duties under certain order limits, and a reduced VAT (typically 9.1%). Goods benefit from faster customs clearance through e-commerce pilot zones.

Two CBEC Logistics Models:

• Bonded Warehouse Model: Products are bulk-shipped to a bonded facility in China and cleared individually when a customer places an order. This enables fast delivery (1–3 days) and is used in most CBEC operations. Gate Kaizen supports this with inventory, fulfillment, and platform integration.
• Direct Shipping Model: Orders are shipped from your home country directly to Chinese consumers. It saves on warehousing costs but involves longer delivery times (1–2 weeks), making it better for low-volume or test runs.

Partnering with Gate Kaizen for a Smooth Market Entry

Importing food to China involves many moving parts – compliance, logistics, sales channels – which can be challenging to manage alone. This is where a specialized partner like GateKaizen.com can be invaluable. Gate Kaizen serves as a strategic partner for food brands entering China, providing end-to-end support to streamline the import process and go-to-market execution. Here’s how Gate Kaizen can help food exporters:

• Regulatory Compliance & GACC Registration: Gate Kaizen ensures your product complies with Chinese regulations, handling GACC registration, label reviews, document preparation, and any necessary certifications. For SMEs without internal regulatory teams, they act as your local compliance partner.
• Customs Clearance & Import Agent Services: Acting as your official importer, Gate Kaizen manages China customs clearance, CIQ inspections, and duty payments using their licensed entity—eliminating the need for you to set up a local company. You maintain brand control with full process transparency.
• Bonded Warehouse Logistics: Gate Kaizen provides bonded warehousing and fulfillment, including cold storage for perishables. Inventory is stored in China’s free trade zones and released into general trade or cross-border e-commerce as needed—ensuring fast delivery and deferred tax until sale.
• Go-to-Market Support (SMEs & DTC): Beyond logistics, Gate Kaizen helps brands launch and grow in China. Services include e-commerce setup (Tmall, JD), digital marketing, influencer engagement, and offline distribution strategy. Their local team supports brand building and sales, especially for DTC and SME brands entering China without a large footprint.

Why partner with Gate Kaizen? It provides a one-stop solution – regulatory, logistics, and marketing under one roof – which ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Instead of juggling multiple service providers (one for customs, another for warehousing, another for marketing), you have a coordinated approach. Gate Kaizen’s model is also flexible and cost-effective: you don’t need to commit to a joint venture or costly subsidiary; you can test the market with lower risk. Their support is scalable, meaning as your China sales grow, they help you ramp up smoothly.

Several international food and beverage SMEs have leveraged Gate Kaizen to enter China without heavy upfront investment. For example, a small organic snack producer could use Gate Kaizen to register with GACC, ship products into a bonded warehouse, sell via cross-border e-commerce, and run social media campaigns targeting Chinese millennials – all managed by Gate Kaizen’s team on behalf of the brand. This kind of partnership accelerates learning and results, giving you a trusted guide in a complex market.

Key Steps to Import Food to China Successfully

Entering China’s food market is undoubtedly complex, but with careful planning it can be highly rewarding. As we’ve covered, the key steps include ensuring your company and products are properly registered with GACC, preparing compliant Chinese labels and documentation, choosing the optimal import channel (general trade or CBEC) for your strategy, and managing robust logistics to keep your goods fresh and safe. Always stay updated on regulatory changes (China continually refines food import rules) and maintain close communication with your Chinese partners and import agents during the process.