Cordyceps sinensis, shorten from ophiocordyceps sinensis, also known as caterpillar fungus or cordyceps militaris, is a type of fungus rich in active components such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine. In recent years, growing global demand for healthy diets and food diversification has made cordyceps sinensis not only a best-seller in the domestic Chinese market but also a product of increasing interest in overseas markets. So, how does the export journey of cordyceps sinensis begin? This article provides a clear guide.
I. Threshold for Exporting Cordyceps Sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis is classified as an edible fungus and is managed as a vegetable under Customs supervision. Depending on the specific product form (fresh or dried), the appropriate HS codes for classification are 0709599000 (Other fresh or chilled mushrooms) or 0712399990 (Other dried mushrooms and truffles). Both the producers and the raw material planting bases must be registered with the Customs authorities.
(I) Producers of exported cordyceps sinensisshould apply for the export food producer registration with local Customs.
Procedure: To initiate the process, applicants must log in to the integrated online service platform of "Internet plus Customs" and enter the “Enterprise Management and Audit” section, or log in to the China International Trade Single Window and select the “Export Food Producer Registration Approval” module. The next step involves filling out the Application Formfor Export Food Producer Registration, then submitting the application and uploading all required documents to the local competent Customs office. The Customs authority will conduct a review to the required application within three working days. Upon successful verification that the materials are complete and fulfill all legal criteria, the Export Food Producer Registration Certificate will be issued.
(II) Raw material planting bases of exported cordyceps sinensis should obtain registration with Customs.
Procedure: To initiate the process, applicants must log in to the integrated online service platform of "Internet plus Customs" and enter the “Enterprise Management and Audit” section, or log in to the China International Trade Single Window and select the“Registrationfor Export Food Raw Material Planting Site” module. Following materials must be prepared and electronically submitted to the competent Customs office at their domicile for application: the completedApplication Formfor Export Food Raw Material Planting Site Registration; a planting site floor plan; the established quality and safety management systems of the site (including those for organizational structure, agricultural inputs, epidemic and disease monitoring, control of toxic and hazardous substances, and production and traceability records); a copy of the identity card of the planting site's responsible person or operator; and a list of agricultural chemicals commonly used at the site. The competent Customs office in the planting site's jurisdiction will conduct a document review upon accepting the application and may perform an on-site audit if necessary. Applications that satisfy all stipulated conditions will be granted registration.
Furthermore, in accordance with the Measures on Inspection, Quarantine and Supervision for Vegetables Supplied to Hong Kong and Macao",vegetable planting bases and producers or processers supplying Hong Kong and Macao are subject to a specific registration management system administered by Customs. Accordingly, to exportcordyceps sinensis to Hong Kong or Macao, China, the planting base shall apply for the distinct Vegetable Planting Base Registration for Supply to Hong Kong and Macao, and the processing enterprise shall apply for the Vegetable Producer and Processer Registration for Supply to Hong Kong and Macao.
The specific eligibility conditions and procedural details that applicants must fulfill for these registrations can be found by logging into the integrated online service platform of "Internet plus Customs", navigating to the “Enterprise Management and Audit” section, and consulting the relevant items.
II. Export Procedures for Cordyceps Sinensis
(I) The exporter or its agent must file a declaration with the Customs office at the place of origin or cargo consolidation. Prior to export, the enterprise is required to submit an application for inspection and quarantine to Customs via the portal of China International Trade Single Window. Upon acceptance of the application, the designated local Customs office will carry out on-site inspection and quarantine in accordance with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of the destination country or region.
(II) Customs will accept the declaration for the export of cordyceps sinensis and conduct an on-site inspection and quarantine procedureof the goods as per system control instructions. This involves verifying the consistency between shipping documents and the actual goods in terms of name, quantity (weight), production date, batch number, packaging, shipping marks, and the name of the exporting manufacturer. Furthermore, samples will be collectedbased on relevant standards and the requirements of the importing country or region, and then a Sampling Voucher should be issued.
(III)For shipments that are found compliant upon inspection and quarantine, or that become compliant after effective phytosanitary or technical treatment and subsequent re-inspection or re-quarantine, Customs will issue an electronic ledger in accordance with established procedures. If the importing country or region requires a Phytosanitary Certificate, it will be issued as per relevant regulations. Conversely, for shipments that fail inspection and quarantine with no effective phytosanitary or technical treatment available, or that remain non-compliant after treatment and re-inspection or re-quarantine, Customs should issue an Export Goods Rejection Notice, prohibiting the shipment from exporting.
(IV) For exported cordyceps sinensis, which has previously passed inspection and quarantine, but exceeded the specified validity period for such procedures, the enterprise must re-apply for procedures of export inspection and quarantine.
(V) Customs conducts ongoing supervision of the production and export activities related to cordyceps sinensisso as to ensure continuous compliance with all relevant standards and requirements.
III. Inspection and Quarantine Requirements for Exporting Cordyceps Sinensis
(I) Guiding Principles for Inspection and Quarantine
1. Relevant laws, regulations, standards, and related stipulations concerning inspection and quarantine proceduresof the People's Republic of China.
2. Legal, regulatory, and standard requirements of the importing country or region.
3. Bilateral agreements, protocols, or memoranda of understanding signed between the importing country or region and China.
4. Stipulations agreed upon in the trade contract.
(II) The following inspection and quarantine requirements shall be met for exportingcordyceps sinensis:
1. The transport packaging and markings must comply with all applicable requirements as stipulated in the guiding principles for inspection and quarantine mentioned above.
2. The shipment shall be free from plant seeds other than the declared goods.
3. The shipment shall be free from live pests (including insects, mites, mollusks, and weeds), soil, and plant debris (such as roots, stems, leaves, and fruits).
4. The detected levels of toxic and hazardous substances must not exceed the limits prescribed by the food safety and hygiene standards of the importing country or region.
5. Furthermore, all relevant requirements stipulated in any agreements or protocols signed between the importing country or region and China must be met.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Official Platform for China Customs. The Official Platform for China Customs version shall prevail.
