Spices and aromatic herbs (including bay leaf, thyme, sage, and rosemary) form a group with high potential in the Chinese market. However, in this group, the scope of registration varies depending on the product's origin and processing status.
Why are origin and processing status decisive?
There are two separate questions in the spice group. The first is market access: for some raw products, imports into China are only possible under a protocol signed by the two countries. The conditions for Turkish bay leaves were published in GACC Announcement 2026/142; only product from registered orchards and facilities approved by China is accepted. The second is facility registration: seasoning powders are on the list of foods requiring a competent-authority recommendation in GACC Announcement 2026/27, so for ground and blended products the application runs through Türkiye's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Your product's category should be checked by HS code in the registration system.
Analysis requirements
The analyses that stand out in the spice group include:
- Pesticide residue analysis — proof that agricultural spraying practices remain within residue limits.
- Microbiological analysis — given that drying and storage conditions can affect product safety.
- Mold/mycotoxin screening may also be requested for certain products.
Labeling
A Chinese-language label, ingredient list, and origin declaration are mandatory for packaged spice products. For blend products (e.g., mixtures of multiple spices), the proportion and origin of each component may need to be declared separately.
Facility registration
Whether the facility carrying out drying, grinding, or packaging is subject to GACC/CIFER registration should be assessed according to the product category. In contract manufacturing situations, determining which facility must be registered is a critical question that needs to be clarified before shipment.
Next step
If you would like to clarify the registration scope and analysis requirements for your spice product, request consultation.
Source note: this content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for official sources. Before applying, check current GACC/CIFER announcements and the relevant official systems.