Begin with the food and its origin
How to import food into China depends on the actual category, producer and country or region of origin. Provide the product identity, ingredients where relevant and proposed sales route. Separate shelf-stable, chilled and frozen handling requirements using the manufacturer’s specification.
Use the current producer-registration process
The official customs service guide identifies GACC Order 280 for overseas food producer registration, effective from 1 June 2026, replacing Order 248. Check the current category-specific process and any applicable origin requirements for the actual producer and goods. Registration alone does not establish every condition for a shipment’s entry.
Prepare product and shelf-life records
Send packaging and quantity details, manufacturer and batch information, expiry dates and draft shipment documents. Record the minimum remaining shelf life required at delivery. Clarify the conversion between cartons and individual saleable units and any customer-specific batch restriction.
Confirm the handling chain before arrival
Describe temperature requirements during receiving, storage and onward transport. Include what happens to damaged packages or stock outside agreed conditions. TAPO assesses category acceptance and the contracted coordination scope. A listed cold-room temperature is not proof of suitability for every food product.