Importing dairy products from abroad into the Chinese market requires strict adherence to various requirements and regulations set by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and relevant regulatory authorities. Enterprises must fully understand and implement the following considerations in advance to ensure their compliant import of products.
I. Requirements for Imported Dairy Product Market Access
China implements a market access management system for imported dairy products. After evaluating and reviewing the food safety management systems and food safety conditions of foreign countries or regions, the GACC determines the list of dairy products of those countries or regions that are granted market access. This list is published on the GACC website (http://43.248.49.223) and updated dynamically. Before importing dairy products, enterprises must confirm that the specific type of dairy product from the respective country or region has been granted market access.
II. Qualification Requirements for Enterprises Importing Dairy Products
Overseas manufacturers exporting dairy products to China must be recommended by the competent authority of their respective country or region and successfully registered with the GACC. A list of enterprises that have obtained registration in China can be found via the “Registration Information of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food” (https://ciferquery.singlewindow.cn).
Furthermore, overseas exporters or agents, as well as domestic importers of dairy products, are also required to file their information via the International Trade “Single Window” or the “Internet + Customs” platform. Importers also have the option to submit a hard copy of the “Consignee Registration Application Form” along with relevant documents to their local customs to apply for registration. The list of registered entities can be checked on the “Directory of Administrative Counterparties with specific Qualifications” available on the homepage of the “Disclosure Platform of Enterprises' Import and Export Credit Information.”
III. Declaration Requirements for Imported Dairy Products
Domestic consignees of imported dairy products or their customs agents must truthfully declare them to customs in accordance with the law upon import. The primary documents required for declaration include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) An electronic scan of the health certificate issued by the competent government authority of the exporting country or region. This certificate must bear the official seal of the issuing authority and the signature of its authorized representative, specify the People’s Republic of China as the destination, and its sample of the health certificate must be confirmed by the GACC.
(2) For dairy products imported for the first time, a test report covering all items listed in the corresponding national food safety standards is required. For subsequent imports, a copy of the initial import test report and a test report for items specifically required by the GACC must be provided. All test reports shall correspond to the production date or batch number of the imported dairy products. Importers may also submit to the GACC a Letter of Commitment for Proof of Test Reports, affixed with their official seal, to be exempted from submitting the reports at the time of declaration.
(3) If deemed necessary, electronic scans of documents such as the trade contract, full set of bill of lading, packing list, container movement information sheet, and invoice must be provided. (Copies of these documents must bear the official seal of the consignee).
(4) A product list provided by the importer, overseas manufacturer, or exporter, detailing information such as product name, brand, country of origin, specifications, quantity/weight, total value, production date, and batch number.
(5) For imported dairy products that require an automatic import license, such a license must first be obtained from the commerce department and then recorded as part of the accompanying documents during customs declaration.
(6) For imported infant formula milk powder, the registration number from the“Infant Formula Milk Powder Registration Certificate (Import)" issued by the market regulatory authority must be declared.
(7) Imported dairy products labeled as "organic" must be accompanied by copies of the China Organic Product Certification Certificate, the Organic Product Sales Certificate, as well as the certification mark and product identification.
(8) Prepackaged dairy products requires a declaration confirming possession of relevant label inspection documents.
(9) Other required documents.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Official Platform for China Customs. The Official Platform for China Customs version shall prevail.
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