Changes in China’s Food Import Regulations: A New Era for Overseas Manufacturers

On June 1, 2026, a significant transformation will occur in China’s food import management with the introduction of the revised “Administrative Provisions on the Customs Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food in the People’s Republic of China” (Decree No. 280). This decree replaces the previously implemented Decree No. 248, which was in effect since 2022. The announcement was made during a conference centered on food safety and quarantine regulations, organized by the Vietnam SPS Office alongside the Hung Yen Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment.

Key Adjustments in Decree No. 280

Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of the Vietnam SPS Office, emphasized that the new decree includes seven crucial points that impact all businesses exporting agricultural products and food to China. The modifications reflect a noteworthy adjustment in China’s regulatory environment concerning food imports, promoting an atmosphere conducive to international trade.

One of the most dramatic shifts in Decree No. 280 is the elimination of a previous requirement that mandated Chinese customs authorities to evaluate the food safety management systems of exporting countries before granting import permissions. This old protocol can be cumbersome, adding layers of complexity for foreign businesses. The new decree transitions to a “risk-based classification management” model, which is designed to streamline processes and establish a more dynamic regulatory framework.

A Systemic Shift towards Risk-Based Management

The move to a risk-based model signifies a substantial systemic change, pivoting away from an administrative approach to one that evaluates the risk levels associated with various product groups and the overall food safety situation in each exporting nation. Mr. Nam notes that this new mechanism not only alleviates the procedural burdens on businesses but also empowers China to uphold high safety standards. The outcome? Developing countries, like Vietnam, will find expanded market access opportunities, creating a win-win scenario in international agricultural commerce.

Streamlining the Renewal of Export Registration Codes

Another progressive aspect of Decree No. 280 lies in the renewal procedures for export registration codes. Previously, businesses were required to initiate renewal processes 3 to 6 months prior to the expiration of their codes. The new regulation significantly simplifies this by automatically extending the registration for an additional five years for compliant facilities—eliminating re-submission of documents.

However, it’s important to note that there are exceptions. The automatic renewal does not apply to products that fall under certain restrictions, businesses undergoing rectification due to violations, or in instances where China temporarily halts imports from a particular country. Despite these exclusions, the new mechanism is expected to greatly reduce administrative costs, showcasing China’s confidence in the existing management systems and adherence to regulations by exporting businesses.

Introducing a “List-Based Registration” Mechanism

In a further effort to enhance efficiency, Decree No. 280 also incorporates a “list-based registration” mechanism specifically for countries that have established bilateral cooperation agreements on food safety with China. Under this framework, businesses can simply be listed as recognized entities instead of navigating through individual application processes. This revised approach drastically cuts down on review times and spurs countries towards fostering mutual recognition negotiations in quarantine and food safety sectors.

The result is a more transparent and stable agricultural trade landscape, where businesses can operate with increased clarity and confidence. By promoting this level of cooperation, China not only signals its commitment to high safety standards but also its willingness to engage constructively with international partners.

Through these detailed adjustments, Decree No. 280 sets the stage for a much more flexible, efficient, and collaborative environment for businesses in the food and agricultural sectors, fostering a progressive dialogue in global trade practices.