Meaning
Administrative order promulgated by the General Administration of Customs of China defines the measures for the supervision of imported food safety. Known as the measures for the administration of import and export food safety, gacc decree 213 provides the legal framework for the inspection and quarantine of all food products entering or leaving the country. This regulation requires that foreign food producers and exporters be registered with the Chinese customs authorities before they can ship goods to the market.
It also sets out the specific requirements for food labeling, packaging, and the documentation of the supply chain. The decree is intended to protect the health of Chinese consumers by ensuring that all imported food meets the national safety standards. Compliance with these rules is a mandatory requirement for any international company looking to sell food products in the People’s Republic of China.
Regulatory Scope
Applicability of this decree extends to every stage of the food supply chain, from the initial production at the foreign facility to the final distribution in the domestic market. Gacc decree 213 mandates that all imported food must be traceable back to its origin and that the foreign producer must have a food safety management system in place. The regulation covers a wide range of products, including meat, dairy, seafood, and processed foods.
It also gives the customs administration the power to conduct audits of foreign food safety systems and to inspect overseas production facilities. If a country or a specific producer is found to have a high risk of food safety issues, the authorities can suspend imports until the problems are resolved. This proactive approach to safety allows the government to manage the risks associated with a globalized food trade.
Inspection Protocol
Verification of compliance occurs at the port of entry where customs officers review the required health certificates and laboratory test reports for each shipment. Gacc decree 213 specifies that food products must be stored in designated bonded warehouses while the inspection and testing are being conducted. Samples are taken from the shipment to check for the presence of pathogens, chemical residues, and other contaminants that are prohibited by Chinese law.
The decree also requires that the labels on the food packaging be in simplified Chinese and include all the necessary information, such as the ingredients and the country of origin. If a shipment fails to meet the safety standards, it must be either destroyed or returned to the country of export. This rigorous testing process ensures that only safe and high quality food reaches the shelves of Chinese supermarkets.
Compliance Barrier
Meeting the requirements of this regulation can be a significant challenge for foreign companies due to the complexity of the registration process and the strictness of the safety standards. Gacc decree 213 requires that foreign producers submit detailed information about their manufacturing processes and quality control measures to the customs authorities. The registration must be renewed every five years, and any changes to the production facility must be reported immediately.
Many companies find that the Chinese national standards for food safety are different from those in their home countries, requiring them to reformulate their products or change their manufacturing methods. Failure to maintain a valid registration or to comply with the labeling rules will result in the immediate rejection of shipments at the border. Despite these challenges, the regulation provides a clear set of rules that help to ensure the long term safety and stability of the Chinese food market.
