GACC Registration

GACC Registration is an important compliance requirement for eligible overseas food manufacturers and processing facilities that want to export food products to China. GACC stands for the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China. It regulates the registration of overseas establishments involved in producing, processing, and storing food products for export to the Chinese market.

For Indian food manufacturers, processors, and eligible storage facilities, understanding the GACC registration process is important before starting exports to China. Businesses need to identify the correct product category, check the applicable registration procedure, prepare supporting documents, and meet the requirements specified by Chinese Customs.

My Startup Solution provides GACC registration assistance to Indian businesses looking to enter or expand in the Chinese food export market. Our support includes eligibility assessment, document preparation, application guidance, and assistance with applicable registration and compliance requirements.

What Is GACC Registration?

GACC registration is the registration of eligible overseas food manufacturing, processing, and storage establishments with China's General Administration of Customs. The registration helps Chinese authorities identify overseas establishments supplying food products to China and monitor their compliance with applicable food safety requirements. Under China's updated Decree No. 280, effective from 1 June 2026, overseas food establishments must follow the revised registration framework. This replaced the earlier Decree No. 248.

The registration requirements depend on the food category, risk classification, and applicable registration route. Businesses may need to complete registration through the China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) system or follow the relevant procedure involving their country's competent authority.

Who Needs GACC Registration in India?

GACC registration is relevant to Indian businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, or storing food products intended for export to China. The following businesses may require registration:

• Food manufacturing companies exporting products to China.
• Food processing units supplying Chinese importers.
• Agricultural and food processing establishments covered by applicable registration requirements.
• Seafood and aquatic product processing facilities.
• Dairy product manufacturers.
• Meat and meat product processing establishments.
• Manufacturers of edible oils, dehydrated vegetables, and food ingredients covered by the relevant categories.
• Eligible overseas cold storage and food storage facilities.

Important: A trading company that only purchases and exports food products without manufacturing, processing, or storing them may not require establishment registration under the overseas manufacturer registration framework. However, other applicable import and export requirements must still be checked.

Food Categories Covered Under GACC Registration

GACC registration requirements depend on the type of food product being exported. Under the updated 2026 framework, certain food categories require registration with a recommendation from the competent authority of the country of origin.

Examples include:

• Meat and meat products.
• Dairy products.
• Aquatic products.
• Eggs and egg products.
• Edible oils and fats.
• Bee products.
• Edible grains, grain flour, and malt.
• Dehydrated vegetables.
• Nuts and seeds.
• Dried fruits.
• Food products for special dietary purposes.
• Health foods and dietary supplements.
• Seasoning powders.
• Stuffed wheaten food.
• Bird's nests and related products.

The applicable product catalogue and classification should be checked before applying. Some products may follow different registration or declaration procedures.

Documents Required for GACC Registration

Preparing the correct documents is an important part of the GACC registration process. The requirements may vary according to the product category, registration route, and nature of the manufacturing facility. Commonly required documents and information include:

• Company registration certificate or Certificate of Incorporation.
• Import Export Code (IEC), where applicable.
• FSSAI licence and relevant food business approvals.
• Manufacturing or food processing licence, where applicable.
• Details of the manufacturing or processing facility.
• Name and address of the registered establishment.
• Details of the legal representative and authorised contact person.
• Food product names and applicable categories.
• Production process flow chart.
• Food safety and hygiene management information.
• Quality control and inspection records.
• Relevant declarations and compliance commitments.
• Additional documents requested by the competent authority or GACC.

Documents may need to be translated or presented in a specified format depending on the application requirements.

GACC Registration Process in India

The GACC registration process involves identifying the correct registration route, preparing the application, and completing the required formalities.

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Product Category

The first step is to identify whether the Indian establishment falls under the GACC registration requirements. The food products intended for export are checked against the applicable Chinese product categories and registration requirements.

Step 2: Identify the Registration Route

GACC provides different registration procedures depending on the food category. Certain categories require recommendation and review by the competent authority in the country of origin. Other eligible categories may follow the applicable direct application procedure. The correct route must be identified before preparing the application.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

The applicant needs to collect company details, manufacturing information, food safety documents, product details, and other supporting records. Documents should be checked for consistency so that the information matches the company's official records and manufacturing activities.

Step 4: Submit the Registration Application

The application is prepared and submitted through the applicable registration channel, including the CIFER system where required. Businesses applying through the competent authority must follow the relevant recommendation and submission procedure.

Step 5: Application Review and Clarification

The application may be reviewed by the relevant authority. Additional information, explanations, or supporting documents may be requested. The applicant should respond to these requirements with accurate information and relevant evidence.

Step 6: GACC Registration Approval

Once the application is accepted and approved, the establishment receives its GACC registration number. The registration details can be checked through the applicable official GACC registration records.

Why Is GACC Registration Important for Food Exporters?

GACC registration is an important part of China's food import compliance framework. It helps eligible Indian businesses:

• Meet applicable overseas establishment registration requirements.
• Prepare for food exports to China.
• Establish their registration status with Chinese Customs.
• Support communication with Chinese importers.
• Maintain relevant food safety and manufacturing records.
• Reduce the risk of documentation-related export difficulties.

Businesses should confirm that their registration covers the correct establishment and food categories before arranging shipments.

GACC Registration Validity and Renewal

Under the revised Decree No. 280, GACC registration generally remains valid for five years. However, the renewal procedure depends on the applicable food category and the relevant GACC requirements.

Certain eligible establishments may receive automatic renewal, while businesses dealing with food categories excluded from automatic renewal must submit a renewal application within the prescribed period.

Changes to important registration information, such as the manufacturing facility's location or legal representative, may also require action under the applicable rules. Therefore, businesses should regularly check their registration details and maintain updated establishment records.

Why Choose My Startup Solution for GACC Registration?

Obtaining GACC registration requires careful attention to product classification, establishment details, supporting documents, and Chinese regulatory requirements. My Startup Solution helps Indian businesses understand the registration process and organise the required documentation. Our assistance includes:

• Reviewing business eligibility for GACC registration.
• Identifying relevant food product categories.
• Guiding businesses on documentation requirements.
• Assisting with application preparation and submission procedures.
• Providing guidance on registration status and applicable renewal requirements.

Whether you operate a food manufacturing unit, processing facility, or eligible storage establishment, professional assistance can help you understand the applicable registration requirements and prepare your application systematically.

Get Professional Assistance for GACC Registration

Planning to export food products from India to China? Understanding the GACC registration requirements is an important step before entering the Chinese market.

My Startup Solution can help you with the registration process, documentation guidance, and applicable compliance requirements. Contact our team to discuss your business activities and understand the appropriate registration procedure.