Trade Advice
From China Solutions
Importing into China requires familiarity with relevant procedures, certifications, and regulations, as well as corresponding challenges. This is all the more crucial when importing food products, which are highly regulated. This CS alert discusses key steps to import food products into China, as well as strategic considerations for food exporters or producers.
Overview of Import Steps
The flow chart below reflects key steps to import food products into China.
Importer/Exporter Registrations
Both the importer and exporter must comply with registration requirements in order to import food products into China. Regardless of whether the importer is foreign-owned or Chinese-owned, all importers of food products must be established in China with a registered business scope that includes the business activities of (a) importing and (b) distributing food products (even if the importer does not intend to commercially distribute the products). Importers must also be registered as a foreign trade operator with the Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”).
Additionally, producers must register with the State Certification and Accreditation Administration if the food product in question is on the “List of Food Imports Subject to Enterprise Registration.” Typically, the food products on this list require additional registration because the food has heightened safety requirements (e.g. meat, health products).
Additionally, as of October 2012, importers and exporters must register each shipment of food products online with the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (“AQSIQ”) for tracking purposes.
Pre-Import Licensing
The three most common licensing structures are described below.
Customs Approval
Once the food products arrive in China, they are inspected by Customs. Customs reviews the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, and inspects the food products, in order to confirm their declared value. Customs then issues a corresponding duty memo, which must be paid to Customs within 15 days.
First-Time Import Review
For food products that are imported in to China for the first time, AQSIQ conducts a first-time import review, which includes:
(i) Document review;
(ii) Label verification; and
(iii) Sample inspection.
Document Review
The AQSIQ conducts a review of documents that demonstrate compliance with shipping requirements and permission to manufacture and sell the food products in the country of origin. The documents reviewed include the manufacturer’s business license, a certificate for export from the country of origin, the supply contract with the Chinese buyer, a detailed packing list, and a description of the packaging materials.
These documents are typically submitted prior to the arrival of the shipment, but they are not reviewed until after product arrival and Customs approval.
Label Verification
The AQSIQ inspects the Chinese language labels of pre-packaged food products that are imported for the first time. Label requirements vary by food type, but generally include standard information such as a list of ingredients, storage requirements, and the contact information of the distributor. The AQSIQ also has strict formatting requirements that include specifications on font and label placement.
Once AQSIQ approves the label, it issues a Food Label Verification Certificate, which is valid for two years.
Sample Inspection
The AQSIQ inspects food samples to ensure that they meet safety requirements and match their labels. Samples are chosen at the AQSIQ’s discretion, and are inspected using x-ray, trained dog, sieve checks, etc.
Once the food product passes the inspection, the AQSIQ issues a sanitary certificate for the products, which is valid for three years. The goods are then released to the importer.
Summary of First-Time Import
Food products that are imported for the first time invariably undergo complicated procedures as described above. However, after the first import and after the products are shipped more regularly, the process becomes more straightforward. For subsequent shipments, AQSIQ officials will still randomly inspect labels and samples even after a first-time import, but such inspections are cursory and less frequent, especially as officials become familiar with the products.
Strategic Considerations
Importing food products into China requires significant resources. Food producers/exporters considering shipping their products to China should remain aware of the strategic considerations involved in such an endeavor.
Procedural Opaqueness
China’s import regulatory environment is dynamic. Regulations may vary across types of food, and may not be consistently applied and enforced across ports, bureaus, and officers. Given this procedural opaqueness, it is important to allow for additional time and money to resolve issues, start with small import volumes, and work with a trusted importer (and perhaps multiple importers).
Time
After taking the time to search for a trusted importer and understand import requirements, the actual process of importing food products for the first time can be a significant undertaking. Certain food products, such as health foods, can take up to 19 months to obtain relevant registrations. Even the Customs and first-time import review alone generally take up to one month for a first-time shipment, but unpredictable delays have been known to delay a first-time import for longer.
Cost
Costs, like timeframes, are never firm and depend on many variables. Additional costs may include label verification costs, the cost of samples for testing, Customs daily storage fees, and importer service fees.
Trusted Importer
The import of food products has a much higher chance of success when working with a trusted, experienced importer that can handle import procedures, especially as the importer holds the relevant import registrations and licenses, and acts as the liaison between the exporter and the relevant government bureaus. It is advisable to conduct due diligence on potential importers to verify that they are duly established and registered and have a history of successful operations. At the outset, you may want to work with multiple importers (despite the additional cost) to evaluate the quality of their support.
For further details please contact Nestor Gounaris at ngounaris@chinasolutionsllc.com, or visit China Solutions at www.chinasolutionsllc.com
Aug 19, 2013