I.Export foodWhy has filing become a "mandatory course for customs clearance"?

As a seasoned foreign trade professional with 20 years of experience, I'm often asked, "Why is registration mandatory for exporting food?" Simply put, it's like an "international passport" for food enterprises. Article 99 of the Food Safety Law clearly stipulates that food manufacturers for export must register with customs—a crucial safeguard ensuring the safety of "Made in China" food products.

After the State Council canceled the licensing requirement and changed it to filing in 2020, the process has been greatly simplified. But note:Exporting food without filing is illegal, and may face cargo return or even administrative penalties. Last year, we encountered a company that had an entire container of mushroom sauce detained at the destination port due to lack of filing, resulting in losses of up to $200,000.

II. Practical Handbook for the "Three-Step" Filing Application Process

According to the latest regulations, the entire filing process is as convenient as "online shopping":

• Step 1: Prepare materials - Only need to fill out the Filing Application Form, but note that the form version must be the latest format from customs
• Step 2: Online submission - Submit anytime via the "Internet + Customs" platform 24/7.
• Step 3: Wait for review - Customs promises to complete within 5 working days (actual experience: usually 3 days for complete materials)

Specifically reminded:Company addressIt must exactly match the business license. Last year, a company was required to resubmit their application and delayed for a week because the registered address was written as "XX Road" while the license stated "XX Street."

III. Analysis of the "Hidden Exam Points" in Customs Review

Although filing has been changed to formal review, based on our experience serving 300+ companies, customs will focus on:

• Whether a food safety control system has been established (HACCP system certification is a plus)
• Whether the food protection plan is complete (especially for companies exporting to the US)
• Whether the production site complies with the Hygiene Requirements for Export Food Production Enterprises,

It is recommended that companies conductthree checksbefore applying: check system documents, check on-site hygiene, and check record ledgers. A frozen vegetable company was required to supplement materials due to incomplete disinfection records in the changing room.

IV. Post-Filing "After-Sales Service" Guide

Obtaining the filing number is not the end; these follow-up matters require attention:

• Change management: Changes to company name/address/legal representative must be applied for within 15 days, or it may affect exports
• Annual report: Some customs require submission of annual self-inspection reports (e.g., Shenzhen Customs)
• On-site inspection: Customs may conduct surprise inspections after filing; it is recommended to maintain readiness for inspection at any time

Last year, a company did not update its filing after restructuring, and the system automatically intercepted the export, almost missing the shipping schedule. Remember:The filing certificate is like a drivers license, and information changes must be updated promptly.

V. Quick Q&A on common issues

Q: Can branches share the parent companys filing number?
A: No! Each independent production address requires separate filing, just like each branch of a chain restaurant needs a separate license.

Q: Is there a validity period for filing?
A: The current regulations do not set an expiration date, but enterprises that do not engage in exports for an extended period may be placed on a "dormant" list.

Q: Do cross-border e-commerce companies need to register?
A: If it is a direct export by a production enterprise, registration is mandatory; if it is an export by a trading company after procurement, the actual production enterprise must register.

Finally, heres a tip for everyoneCustoms clearance secretsCalling the 12360 Customs hotline for consultation is often more efficient than searching for information online. Remember, compliance filing is the "starting line" for food exports—only by crossing this threshold can you go further in the international market!