WhyExport foodmust raw material farms be registered?

As a veteran with 20 years of experience in foreign trade, I often encounter companies asking, "Why does our farm need to be registered before exporting?" This stems fromthe Food Safety Lawandthe Import and Export Food Safety Management Measures.

The core purpose of the registration system is to establisha fully traceable system:

• ensure export food raw materials comply with importing country standards
• build a quality and safety chain from farm to table
• enhance the credibility of Chinese food in international markets

Which food raw materials require registration?

According to the General Administration of Customs announcement, currently required registration categories include:

• aquatic products (such as farmed fish and shrimp)
• bee products (honey, royal jelly, etc.)
• livestock and poultry products (pork, poultry meat, etc.)
• poultry egg products
• others (vegetables, tea, rice, etc.)

Remember a 2018 case: a companys exported honey was returned by the EU due to unregistered farms, resulting in heavy losses. This is the price of unfamiliarity with policies!

Essential conditions for registration application

Based on my practical experience, farms must meet twomandatory conditions:

• obtain breeding licenses issued by agricultural authorities
• sign supply agreements with export food production enterprises

Special reminder: different categories have special requirements. For example, aquatic product farms need to provideWater Quality Test Report, bee product farms need to establishBeekeeping Log System.

Preparation techniques for application materials

Material preparation is key to successful filing. I have summarized aThree-Check Principle:

• Check completeness: Verify item by item against the checklist
• Check authenticity: All materials must be genuine and valid
• Check standardization: Seal and sign as required

Common Issues:

• Floor plans should usecolor printing, with clear labeling
• Quality control documents must beoperational, avoid using templates mechanically
• Contracts should specifyraw material purposes

Online application operation guide

Currently, filing can be processed through two platforms:

• Customs "Internet Plus Customs" Integrated Platform
• Chinas Single Window in International Trade

Operation Steps:

1. Register enterprise account (skip if already registered)
2. Select the "Enterprise Management and Audit" module.
3. Complete the filing application form and upload materials
4. Submit and wait for customs review

Tip: The system supports24-hourapplication submission, but its recommended to operate on weekdays. For issues, consult Customs Hotline 12360.

Post-registration considerations

Obtaining the filing number is not the end point but the starting point of quality management:

• Regularly update filing information (e.g., site changes)
• Maintain production records for at least 2 years
• Cooperate with customs routine supervision and inspection

I once served an eel farm that establishedan electronic traceability system, which not only successfully passed the filing process but also secured long-term orders from Japanese buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the filing process take?
A: Customs does not specify a clear timeframe, typically 2-4 weeks. With complete documentation, it may be faster.

Q: What is the validity period of the filing?
A: It remains valid indefinitely but requires annual review. Any changes in the farms conditions must be reported promptly.

Q: Can the filing be handled by an agent?
A: Yes, but an original power of attorney must be provided.

A final reminder to our foreign trade colleagues: The quality and safety of exported food ingredients is no trivial matter—filing is both a foundation and a safeguard. Rather than making amends afterward, its better to be fully prepared in advance!