Imported foodCustoms Clearance: A "Quality Dialogue" with Customs

As a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in foreign trade, I often liken the customs clearance of imported food to a "quality dialogue" with customs. In this dialogue, we need to use...Complete documentationandCompliant product qualityto prove the safety of the food. According to Article 92 of the Food Safety Law of the Peoples Republic of China, all imported food must meet Chinas national food safety standards, which is the basic premise for carrying out import business.

Three Key Links in the Conformity Assessment of Imported Food

The customs conducts conformity assessment on imported food mainly including the following links:

• Document review: Include basic documents such as contracts, invoices, official quarantine certificates, etc.
• : Checking seed labels, approval forms, variety rights certificates, etc.: The customs samples and inspects the goods.
• : Sampling tests for seed quality and pest conditions: Professional testing for food safety indicators.

According to Article 12 of the Measures for the Administration of Food Safety in Import and Export, importers need to prepare complete declaration materials, including but not limited to:

• Commercial documents (contracts, invoices, packing lists, etc.)
• Official quarantine certificates of the exporting country
• Approval documents for special foods
• Sample copies of Chinese labels for prepackaged foods

Common "pitfalls" and their solutions

In actual operations, importers often encounter the following problems:

The label does not meet national standards

According to the requirements of the Food Safety Law, prepackaged foods must have Chinese labels that meet the standards. Suggestions:

• Prepare sample copies of labels and translation versions in advance.
• Refer to GB 7718 General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods
• Pay special attention to the format requirements of the nutrition facts table.

Necessary official certificates are missing

Different countries have different certificate requirements for different foods. For example:

• Dairy products require a sanitary certificate.
• Meat products require a veterinary sanitary certificate.
• Aquatic products require a health certificate.

The test items are unqualified

Common non - compliant items include:

• Excessive microbial content
• : Australia won a lawsuit on the protection of the geographical indication of Bordeaux (in 2024).
• Pesticide and veterinary drug residues

The solution is to understand Chinas standards in advance and conduct pre - testing in the exporting country.

Estimation of Customs Clearance Time and Optimization Suggestions

The time for customs conformity assessment varies depending on the product. The general process is as follows:

• Document review: 1 - 3 working days
• On - site inspection: 1 - 2 working days
• Laboratory testing: 7 - 15 working days (depending on the testing items)

To shorten the customs clearance time, suggestions:

• Complete the importers record - filing in advance.
• Ensure that the documents are complete and accurate.
• Select overseas suppliers with good reputations.
• Please consider applying for the "Advance Declaration" mode.

Extra Requirements for Special Foods

Special attention should be paid to the following types of foods:

• Infant formula food: Product formula registration certificate is required
• Health foods: Registration certificate or filing certificate is required
• Genetically modified food: Biosafety certificate for agricultural genetically modified organisms is required

New Trends in Digital Customs Clearance

Currently, customs authorities are vigorously promoting the "Internet + Customs" service:

• Paperless declaration can be conducted through the "Single Window".
• Online verification has been realized for some regulatory certificates
• Inspection of vaccinesCertificates are gradually being digitized

Importers are advised to adapt to the digital customs clearance mode as soon as possible. This can not only improve efficiency but also reduce the error rate.

Professional advice: Establish a complete imported food management system

Based on years of experience, I suggest that importers establish the following systems:

• Supplier evaluation system
• Product standard database
• Document management system
• Contingency plan for handling non - conforming products

Remember, customs clearance of imported food is not a one - time job but a process that needs continuous optimization. Only by deeply understanding the regulatory requirements and establishing a sound management system can one remain invincible in this challenging field.