GACC Issues New Measures for the Implementation of Decree 280 in China
7. May 2026China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) has published Announcement No. 2026/27, providing further details on the implementation of Decree 280, which will enter into force on June 1, 2026. The new measures mainly affect the registration and supervision of high-risk food products intended for the Chinese market and provide additional clarity for international food manufacturers and exporters. Food products usually require GACC registration in order to be approved for import and sale in China.
A key element of the announcement is the first official list of products classified as dynamic high-risk foods. The affected product categories include:
- Meat and meat products
- Casings and casing products
- Bird’s nests and bird’s nest products
- Honey products
- Eggs and egg products
- Edible oils and fats
- Stuffed pastry products
- Edible grains
- Grain milling products and malt
- Dehydrated vegetables
- Spice mixtures
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruits
- Foods for special dietary purposes
- Health foods
- Dairy products
- Seafood
The classification as high-risk food products generally results in stricter registration, supervision, and customs clearance requirements.
Changes Compared to Decree 248
The new announcement also removes several categories of primary agricultural products from the scope of Decree 280. The removed categories include:
- Oil seeds
- Preserved vegetables
- Dried beans
- Raw coffee beans and cocoa beans
Manufacturers of these primary agricultural products will no longer fall under the requirements of Decree 280.
Instead, affected companies will be required to register in accordance with GACC Announcement No. 2025/219 concerning the registration of overseas enterprises for imported agricultural products. This adjustment may significantly impact producers of primary agricultural commodities, as administrative procedures and compliance responsibilities will change accordingly.
Stricter Requirements for Registration and Customs Declarations
In addition, the announcement introduces for the first time a list of food products that will no longer qualify for automatic registration renewal. The affected categories particularly include:
- Meat and meat products
- Bird’s nests and bird’s nest products
Companies operating in these sectors may therefore face additional reviews or renewed application procedures before their registrations can be extended.
Furthermore, the GACC has introduced more detailed requirements regarding customs declarations for imported food products. The updated rules are intended to strengthen traceability and import controls and may result in additional documentation obligations for exporters and importers.
The publication of Announcement No. 2026/27 demonstrates China’s continued efforts to strengthen food safety controls and regulatory oversight of imported food products. Manufacturers and exporters are advised to review their product classifications and registration obligations in advance to ensure continued market access and compliance with the new GACC requirements.
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