From everyday essentials like pasteurized milk and sterilized milk to baking staples such as cream and anhydrous milk fat, and extending to fermented dairy products, cheese, and whey protein powder — the rich diversity of imported dairy categories reflects the vast opportunities within the Chinese market.
Whether you are a Chinese enterprise planning to launch a dairy import business or an overseas food manufacturer aiming to enter the Chinese market, ensuring the safety and compliance of imported dairy products is the fundamental prerequisite for success.
Based on the latest regulatory requirements of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), we have distilled the five core compliance steps that must be completed prior to importation. We also provide practical verification channels and process guidance to help you systematically mitigate risk and expedite customs clearance.
a) Country Eligibility: Confirm that the country of origin of the intended dairy product imports holds approved status for export to China.
b) Facility Registration: Ensure that the overseas manufacturer possess a valid GACC registration number.
c) Importer Licensing: Confirm that the consignee possesses the necessary import permits and food distribution credentials for dairy products.
d) Filing Number: Ensure that the overseas exporter or agent and the consignee have obtained the Importer & Exporter Filing Number for Imported Food.
e) Product Compliance: Confirm that the formulation, safety indicators, and Chinese labeling fully comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Confirm Country Eligibility for Export to China
Not all countries are permitted to export dairy products to China.
GACC conducts an assessment of the food safety management system and the sanitary conditions of the exporting country or region. Only those that successfully pass this evaluation are granted market access and included in the approved country list.
The list of eligible countries of origin for dairy products can be found in the Catalogue of Food Exported to China from Countries or Regions that Meet the Assessment and Review Requirements or Have Traditional Trading Relationships, which is updated on an ongoing basis.
Source: GACC
Verify GACC Registration Number for Overseas Manufacturers
Registration for overseas dairy manufacturers exporting to China must be initiated through a recommendation submitted by the competent authority of the country of origin to the GACC. Upon successful completion of the assessment and review process, the manufacturer will be assigned a unique GACC Registration Number.
A regularly updated list of registered overseas manufacturers is accessible via the Registration Information of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food database.
Source: GACC
Recipient Qualifications for Dairy Import and Distribution
Entities engaged in the importation and distribution of dairy products within the territory of China must obtain a Food Operation License. This license shall be applied for at the local food and drug administration at or above the county level in the place of the recipient's business domicile. The permitted business scope indicated on the license must explicitly include "Dairy Products."
Furthermore, if the import involves infant formula powder, this specific category must be separately annotated on the license. Recipients are advised to verify the inclusion of the relevant business scope via the official website of the local Administration for Market Regulation or at the service counter.
An Automatic Import License is required for certain dairy categories; a small number of high-risk dairy products require an Import Animal and Plant Quarantine License in advance.
Importer and Exporter Filing Number for Imported Food
Overseas exporters or agents and domestic consignees are required to register their information via the Imported Food and Cosmetics Exporter and Agent Filing System managed by the GACC. Additionally, domestic consignees must complete a separate filing procedure with the competent Customs office in the place of their business domicile.
Only importers and exporters who have successfully completed the filing process are permitted to conduct customs clearance procedures for food imports.
Source: GACC
Ensure Product Compliance for Imported Food
a) Formulation Compliance: Enterprises must ensure that the product formulation, including ingredients, processing aids, food additives, and nutritional fortifiers, complies with the corresponding requirements of China's national food safety standards.
b) Safety Indicators Compliance: The product's safety indicators (e.g., aerobic plate count, coliforms), contaminant limits (e.g., lead, nitrate), and pesticide and veterinary drug residues (e.g., antibiotics) must conform to the applicable food safety standards.
c) Labeling Compliance: The Chinese label of the product must adhere to the requirements stipulated in the National Food Safety Standard - General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718), the National Food Safety Standard - General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 28050), and the National Food Safety Standard - Labeling of Prepackaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses (GB 13432).
Given that product compliance involves multi-dimensional assessments and standards are subject to dynamic updates, navigating this process requires a high degree of professional expertise. It is strongly recommended that enterprises engage professional consultants for comprehensive oversight as needed.
Conclusion
By rigorously implementing the five critical strategies outlined above, enterprises can systematically mitigate import risks and ensure the safe and compliant entry of dairy products into the Chinese market.
If you have any questions in this regard, please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com.
