The PRC has updated the registration rules for foreign food manufacturers » Gazeta.kg

In accordance with the new rules published by the General Administration of Customs of China, updates for the registration of foreign food manufacturers will come into effect on June 1, 2026. The PRC has decided to change its approach to registration, moving away from a fixed list of product categories in favor of a risk-based system that takes into account the country of origin, specific enterprise, and type of product.

Importers will now be assigned a risk level based on the type of product, which will affect registration methods, documentation requirements, as well as inspection and assessment procedures. The registration period for foreign companies remains at five years, with the possibility of automatic renewal for another five years, except in certain situations:

if the product is on the list of exceptions where renewal is not possible;

if the enterprise needs to rectify identified non-compliances;

if the import of this category of products is suspended.

The timeframe for enterprises to apply for registration renewal has also changed. Documents can now be submitted 3-12 months before the current term expires. In addition, the new rules introduce a product catalog for which registration requires an official recommendation from the competent authority of the exporting country. If the safety risk changes, the GAC of China has the right to revise the registration requirements.

For countries with recognized food safety systems in China, the registration mechanism through lists provided by competent authorities will continue to apply.