China Customs Issues Draft Revised Measures on Registration of Imported Food Importers and Exporters for Public Comments
Published 20 March 2026
Yu Du
On 19 March 2026, the General Administration of Customs issued a draft revision of the Measures for the Registration of Imported Food Importers and Exporters, inviting public comments until 30 April 2026. The current version of the Measures has been in force since 1 October 2012. The draft revision introduces several key updates, mainly in the following areas.
Streamlining Filing Procedures
One of the most notable changes is the simplification of filing requirements. Under the draft, domestic importers are only required to submit a standardized filing information form, eliminating previously required supporting materials. The number of data fields has also been reduced significantly, from 20 to 16 items for importers, and from 20 to 10 items for overseas exporters or agents.
Compared with the current regime, which involved more extensive documentation and repetitive compliance declarations, the revised draft avoids duplicating obligations already established under the Food Safety Law and related regulations. This reflects a clear shift toward reducing compliance costs while maintaining regulatory effectiveness.
Clarifying Eligibility Requirements for Importers
The draft explicitly requires domestic food importers to possess a valid market entity qualification for food production or operation before applying for registration. While such a requirement was implicit in practice under the current rules, the revision formalizes it, strengthening the legal basis for eligibility review and aligning registration with broader market supervision requirements.
Standardizing Food Categories
The revised Measures update and standardize the classification of food categories covered by registration. The scope is aligned with the current regulatory framework for overseas food manufacturer registration, ensuring consistency across different regulatory regimes.
This replaces the older classification approach under the 2012 version, which had become outdated and inconsistent with current customs supervision practices.
Shortening Processing Time
The draft reduces the processing time for importer registration from five working days to three. It also introduces, for the first time, a clear processing deadline of three working days for overseas exporters or agents.
Strengthening Full-chain Supervision
The draft strengthens post-registration supervision and introduces clearer mechanisms for ongoing compliance.
First, it formalizes customs’ authority to verify registration information, conduct inspections, and require supporting materials. Importers must accurately declare registration numbers during import clearance, and customs will verify this information.
Second, it refines the rules on information changes. Registered entities must update their information within 60 days of any change, with additional clarity provided for cases such as relocation of domestic importers.
Third, it introduces a more structured exit mechanism. Registration must be cancelled in cases such as business termination, revocation of business licenses, or voluntary application. Customs may also cancel registration if entities fail to correct discrepancies or violate applicable laws.
Digitalization of Filing Channels
The draft confirms that registration, modification, and cancellation can be processed through the “Single Window for International Trade” or the Customs Government Service platform [ https://online.customs.gov.cn/ ], with paper submission retained as an option for domestic importers .
Comment
This revision by China Customs is not about tightening market access, but about rebalancing facilitation and oversight. Procedures are simpler, with fewer materials and shorter timelines, while stronger data verification, ongoing supervision, and exit mechanisms enhance full lifecycle management. It reflects a shift away from prior approval toward a more continuous and structured regulatory approach.
Streamlining Filing Procedures
One of the most notable changes is the simplification of filing requirements. Under the draft, domestic importers are only required to submit a standardized filing information form, eliminating previously required supporting materials. The number of data fields has also been reduced significantly, from 20 to 16 items for importers, and from 20 to 10 items for overseas exporters or agents.
Compared with the current regime, which involved more extensive documentation and repetitive compliance declarations, the revised draft avoids duplicating obligations already established under the Food Safety Law and related regulations. This reflects a clear shift toward reducing compliance costs while maintaining regulatory effectiveness.
Clarifying Eligibility Requirements for Importers
The draft explicitly requires domestic food importers to possess a valid market entity qualification for food production or operation before applying for registration. While such a requirement was implicit in practice under the current rules, the revision formalizes it, strengthening the legal basis for eligibility review and aligning registration with broader market supervision requirements.
Standardizing Food Categories
The revised Measures update and standardize the classification of food categories covered by registration. The scope is aligned with the current regulatory framework for overseas food manufacturer registration, ensuring consistency across different regulatory regimes.
This replaces the older classification approach under the 2012 version, which had become outdated and inconsistent with current customs supervision practices.
Shortening Processing Time
The draft reduces the processing time for importer registration from five working days to three. It also introduces, for the first time, a clear processing deadline of three working days for overseas exporters or agents.
Strengthening Full-chain Supervision
The draft strengthens post-registration supervision and introduces clearer mechanisms for ongoing compliance.
First, it formalizes customs’ authority to verify registration information, conduct inspections, and require supporting materials. Importers must accurately declare registration numbers during import clearance, and customs will verify this information.
Second, it refines the rules on information changes. Registered entities must update their information within 60 days of any change, with additional clarity provided for cases such as relocation of domestic importers.
Third, it introduces a more structured exit mechanism. Registration must be cancelled in cases such as business termination, revocation of business licenses, or voluntary application. Customs may also cancel registration if entities fail to correct discrepancies or violate applicable laws.
Digitalization of Filing Channels
The draft confirms that registration, modification, and cancellation can be processed through the “Single Window for International Trade” or the Customs Government Service platform [ https://online.customs.gov.cn/ ], with paper submission retained as an option for domestic importers .
Comment
This revision by China Customs is not about tightening market access, but about rebalancing facilitation and oversight. Procedures are simpler, with fewer materials and shorter timelines, while stronger data verification, ongoing supervision, and exit mechanisms enhance full lifecycle management. It reflects a shift away from prior approval toward a more continuous and structured regulatory approach.