If you are planning to send food or agricultural products to China for the first time, clarifying the following eight items before starting buyer discussions will speed up the process and prevent costly surprises.
1. Product analysis
Your product's category, processing status (raw / semi-processed / processed), and commercial potential with respect to the Chinese market should be evaluated.
2. HS code / product category
The correct tariff position and GACC product category match is the foundation for all subsequent steps — a mismatch leads to the wrong application route.
3. Producer facility check
The facility's registration requirements, existing certifications (ISO 22000, HACCP, BRC, etc.), and inspection status should be reviewed.
4. GACC / CIFER eligibility
The registration requirement and application route (competent authority recommendation / direct registration) are clarified at this stage.
5. Document preparation
Analysis reports, certificates, labeling, and packaging information should be prepared in a form suitable for the application.
6. Application / follow-up
The application process should be monitored regularly, and deficiency notices should be responded to promptly.
7. China importer coordination
Declaration, permit, and product acceptance processes on the importer's side should be coordinated — even if the producer's registration is complete, the product will wait at customs if the importer's steps are incomplete.
8. Pre-shipment inspection
Shipment should not be planned until label, packaging, document, and loading checks are complete.
How should you use this checklist?
These eight items do not have to proceed in strict sequence — for example, document preparation and importer coordination can be carried out in parallel. However, proceeding before product analysis and category matching (items 1–2) are clarified increases the risk of following the wrong application route.
Next step
If you would like to evaluate these eight items one by one for your own product, you can use the Pre-Assessment Tool or request consultation directly.
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.