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In recent years, ensuring food safety and implementing robust regulatory measures have become critical concerns for nations around the world. Recognizing the importance of a reliable food safety system, China has taken significant steps to strengthen its food regulatory framework.
As of 2018, the China Food and Drugs Administration (CFDA) is the Chinese agency responsible for controlling the safety and issuing licenses for the production and distribution of food, beverages, wines, and spirits. It also has regulatory authority over these products. This article presents the CFDA's responsibilities and a regulatory update for compliance and approval in 2025 - 2026.
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Publication updated on June 2, 2025 |
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1. Introducing the new CFDA in China
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In 2013, the SFDA (State Food and Drugs Administration) was renamed CFDA (China Food and Drugs Administration). It is the agency responsible for the safety and supervision of 4 product categories: food produts, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
- A 2018 reform gave it limited responsibilities.
Previously, it operated under two separate agencies, namely the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) and the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).
- In 2020, these two agencies merged again to form a unified entity, the CFDA. This helped streamline the regulatory oversight and eliminate redundancies.
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The CFDA retains its prerogatives of sanitary inspection and supervision only for food products. It is an integrated unit of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). |
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This new CFDA is headquartered in Beijing and oversees provincial and municipal branches. Its establishment marks a transformative milestone in the nation's commitment to improving food safety, enhancing public health, and strengthening consumer confidence.
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2. Responsibilities and scope of control
The China Food and Drug Administration operates under the SAMR which oversees all matters related to food safety throughout China. Its responsibilities and activities include regulation, supervision, inspection, control and issuance of licenses and approvals for all families of food products.
2.1. Strengthened food safety measures
The Chinese government has consistently prioritized food safety, recognizing its critical role in public health and social stability. The new CFDA administration builds on existing policies and introduces enhanced regulatory mechanisms to strengthen the food safety ecosystem. Here are some further insights and key aspects of this new administration.
2.2. Strengthened regulatory oversight
The CFDA consolidates the authority's power by unifying regulatory efforts, optimizing resource allocation, and avoiding duplication of tasks. It enables more effective enforcement of food safety laws and regulations throughout the entire food supply chain, from production to distribution.
2.3. Risk assessment and early warning system
The new CFDA authority emphasizes the establishment of robust risk assessment and early warning systems. Through the use of advanced technologies, data analysis and risk prediction models, the administration can proactively identify potential food safety hazards and take timely action to mitigate risks.
2.4. Stringent quality control standards
The administration is placing a strong emphasis on establishing and enforcing strict quality control standards for food. This includes improved inspection methods, expanded testing capabilities, and enhanced surveillance to identify and address issues related to food adulteration, contamination, and mislabeling.
2.5. Strengthening food traceability
Traceability is a key aspect of food safety, enabling rapid identification and removal of unsafe products from the market. The new CFDA administration is promoting the implementation of advanced traceability systems using technologies such as blockchain, radio frequency identification (RFID), and QR codes. These systems enhance transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain, facilitate efficient recall management, and improve consumer confidence.
2.6. International cooperation and harmonization of standards
Recognizing the global nature of food production and trade, the CFDA administration actively participates in international cooperation and harmonization efforts. By aligning with international food safety standards and sharing best practices, China aims to enhance its export competitiveness, ensure the safety of imported food and contribute to global food security.
3. China customs (GACC) registration for food producers and exporters
3.1. Information for exporting producers and traders concerning GACC registration with Chinese customs
Your company is based outside of China and you are already selling or planning to export to China. Customs now requires you to register your company and products on one of their online platforms. The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) has issued two regulations on this issue, which have taken effect since January 1, 2022.
Decree 248 is the Regulation on the registration and administration of foreign producers of food imported into China. It stipulates that food manufacturers and traders exporting to China must register with local customs. Article 15 of this decree states that the GACC registration number of food manufacturers must appear on the back label in Chinese. This means that if the product label does not contain the number, the import clearance process cannot be completed at the Chinese port of destination.
This regulation divides all food products into 2 categories:
Category 1 concerns food products classified as high or medium risk. They are subject to a registration procedure with a logic of approval and validation. Manufacturing or processing companies must first be inspected by the health authorities in the country of origin. These authorities then recommend the company to the GACC and its products can be registered on the Chinese customs platform. For overseas companies already exporting to China, there is little risk of refusal.
These additional procedures and formalities reflect the Chinese authorities' desire to involve foreign producers, exporters and their governments in a global chain of responsibility for food safety.
- Meat and meat products (beef, lamb, pork, minced meat, etc.)
- Natural guts (natural casings for sausages, salted casings for charcuterie)
- Aquatic products and seafood (salmon, shrimp, scallops, squid)
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Dairy products (powdered milk, cheese, pasteurized butter, UHT cream)
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Bird nests and products incorporating them in their manufacture
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Honey and other bee products (honey, royal jelly, dehydrated bee pollen)
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Eggs and egg products (including egg powder and dehydrated egg whites)
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Edible oils and fats (including olive oil, duck fat)
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Stuffed wheat products (pasta, noodles, pre-cooked sheets)
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Edible cereals (rice, bagged quinoa, hulled millet)
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Grain milling products and malt (including wheat flour, cornmeal)
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Canned and dehydrated vegetables and beans (dried peas, dried beans)
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Spices and seasonings (herbes de Provence, sauces, bouillon cubes, spices).
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Nuts and seeds (cashew nuts, whole almonds, roasted sunflower seeds)
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Dried fruits (dried apricots, dried figs, sultana raisins)
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Unroasted coffee and cocoa beans (green coffee bags, cocoa beans)
- Special dietary foods (protein meal replacements, sports bars)
- Functional health foods (including herbal food supplements)
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The second category is reserved for low-risk foods and wines and spirits. These products are subject to a declaration logic and regular registration procedure. Producers and processing centers can register directly with Customs. No prior inspection is required. The process is carried out in stages on the dedicated GACC online platform.
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Registration with the China Customs is done online.
There are 2 different platforms depending on whether the applicant is an exporting trader or a producer (manufacturer, farm or wine, processing plant, warehouse).
Exporters can complete these formalities themselves or use the services of a service provider.
Upon registration, the applicant will receive a GACC Registration Certificate from Chinese Customs (see example). Valid for 5 years.
The company is registered as an authorized exporter in China. Before shipping, you can ensure that the required Chinese markings also comply with labeling regulations.
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Decree 249 concerns the Administrative Measures on Import and Export Food Safety. It sets the requirements for exporting food to China. It covers the registration of production facilities and the traceability of quality records by both the importers and exporters. Finally, it covers some quarantine measures, inspection(s) and mandatory labeling on the packages.
3.2. Regulatory changes expected in 2025 or 2026
In January 2025, a draft revision of Decree 248 was published for public consultation. The consultation closed on February 19, with adoption expected in 2025 or early 2026. The current status is that the rules in force in 2022 therefore still apply, but among the expected evolutions:
a. A simplification of the categories subject to official recommendation, with a reduction from 18 to 11 product families requiring validation by the authority of the exporting country. 7 categories would also become self-declarable: beehive products, edible oils and fats, vegetables & dried beans, seasonings, green coffee beans & cocoa beans, special dietary foods and health foods.
b. Recognition of foreign systems: certain countries could obtain recognition of their food safety systems, facilitating the grouped transmission of applications.
c. Clarification of exemptions and no registration required for the following cases:
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Cross-border e-commerce
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Samples, gifts, trade shows
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International courier services
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Duty-free sales
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Embassy and consulate use
Finally, the GACC certificate would remain valid for 5 years after approval. As a reminder, the entry into force of these alleviations is forecasted by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. In the meantime, the provisions of the 2022 decree remain fully applicable.
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4. SC licenses to produce and permits to import and sell food in China in 2025
Chinese authorities require that all actors in the sector, whether manufacturers, importers, or distributors, must obtain specific licenses and health permits before producing, importing, or selling food products in China.
These procedures are now under the supervision of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), following the reorganization and consolidation of the former CFDA.
Please note that the licensing and permit procedures with SAMR are distinct from the GACC registration procedures required for foreign food producers and exporters under Decrees 248 and 249.
4.1. Five types of approvals to be obtained for each business model
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A Food Business License (食品经营许可证) is required for all companies involved in the importation, wholesale, retail, or catering of food and beverages in China. This license ensures compliance with hygiene, traceability, and labeling rules.
- A SC Manufacturing License (SC标识) that is mandatory for any company manufacturing or processing food in China. It authorizes the operation of Central kitchens, food processing workshops, bakery kitchens, beverage production units, any other site preparing or modifying food. The SC license is tied to a unique 14-digit code printed on any product packaging, enabling traceability of the site and its operator. It somes as an addition to the regular business license and must be renewed periodically.
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Infant Formula Ingredient Registration Certificate : It is required for producers and importers of infant formula and related ingredients. Since 2023, products have to meet stricter standards for formulation, labeling, and source traceability. Product-specific files must be submitted to SAMR for approval.
- Health Food Registration or Filing (保健食品注册或备案) is required for producers or importers of dietary supplements, functional food, or health foods (保健食品).
- Domestic manufacturers must obtain a product registration certificate (for new ingredients) or file for known products.
- Imported products must undergo an import health food registration procedure with SAMR, which includes toxicological and clinical test reports.
- Health Certificate (健康证) for individuals working in food production, catering, and distribution. They must undergo annual health checks and hold a Health Certificate issued by local health authorities. This includes chefs, factory staff, food handlers, and delivery personnel. Companies are responsible for managing valid documentation for all staff involved in food handling.
4.2. Examples of Distribution Licenses and Production Licenses
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The license shown here is an example of a food distribution license.
The license shown was issued to a 100% foreign-owned LLC company (ex WFOE). It is authorized to sell prepared, packaged and frozen food.
It contains: company name, address, name of legal representative, type of business and business scope, valid for 2 years, renewable. |
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The permit shown here is an official duplicate of a Catering License for the preparation and sale of bakery and pastry products.
It was issued to open one of the Shanghai domestic branches of a foreign-owned bakery and pastry shop.
The company is authorized to prepare and sell bread, cakes, pastries, sandwiches and beverages on site.
Valid for 3 years, renewable. |
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Each food product must be meticulously classified according to its exact nature to ensure up-to-date conditions for sale and distribution to Chinese consumers.
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. Our services related to allowing sale of sensitive commodities in China
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