GACC Registration: Process, Required Document, Benefits, Fees

Overview of GACC Registration 

China is the second largest product importer globally, providing a beautiful market for foreign investment. Nevertheless, entering this vast market demands compliance with certain regulatory factors, the foremost being approval from GACC- General Administration of Customs China. This GACC registration process helps to ensure that more goods that seek to be imported into China meet the country's standards and requirements. In this all-inclusive guide, what GACC registration is, how it's done, what documents are needed, the advantages you stand to gain, and the fees involved will be outlined in detail. 

The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) is the government agency through which all goods entering or exported from China are regulated. GACC ensures that products imported into the country meet Chinese standards and that the safety and legalities of products are met.

It has become mandatory for many industries, including foods, drugs, electronics, cosmetics, and overall manufacturing, to register with GACC.

• Confirm that products are harmless in China for use or consumption.
• Protect the quality of the imported merchandise.
• Check on conformity to regulations and standards in China (Chinese National or GB Standards)

Product Categories That Need GACC Approval

The products are subjected to GACC registration in India includes:

• Dairy, meat, seafood, and any food and beverages that comes with it.
• Cosmetics and personal care items
• Medical equipment and pharmaceuticals
• Health products
• Electronics and machinery

They need to be completed because GACC may demand that other PTs be registered depending on different situations or changes in the regulation.

GACC Registration Process: The Seven-Stage Model

To register your products with GACC, there are procedures that you must follow, which depend on the type of product you want to register in the various industries. Below is a general guide for GACC registration online:

1. Find out Whether Registration is Compulsory

As expected, before beginning the registration, it is vital to check if your product needs GACC registration. In some instances, only the particular categories of products will require registration, while in others, the products require certifications from the respective local authorities. You can directly approach your customs administration and trade promotion organizations or the official website of GACC for further procedures to know whether your product is eligible for registration. 

2. Original Application and Supporting Document

After understanding that your product has to be registered with GACC, it is crucial to file for the said purpose.

• Special features of the product
• Certificates of safety and quality (ISO, HACCP and others)
• Details of the production facility
• GB standards regarding the Chinese national standards
• About 90% of all the documentation needs translation into Chinese and has to meet the technical specifications provided by GACC. 

3. Products Testing and Certification

Some products may require certification in accredited labs to ascertain their compliance with Chinese standards. Food and pharmaceutical products could entail special safety checks on the constituents and the containers. After testing, test results must be forwarded together with the registration documents to GACC. In some circumstances, these results prove that this product does not threaten the consumers and complies with the set standards. 

4. GACC Review and Approval

GACC will review the application and all supporting documents after submission. A completed review can take as little as several weeks or as long as several months, depending on the product type and current workload. In the course of the evaluation, GACC may request the submission of more information, an on-site testing or inspection may be carried out, or they may order further testing. Only once all requirements are fulfilled will GACC issue the registration approval, and the specified goods shall be permitted to export to China. 

5. Customs Clearance

After that, one can export goods to China after the product has been registered. As for the present stage, the registration number will be indicated whenever the goods are shipped under customs documents. After the product is manufactured, it must meet the GACC registration, and only Chinese customs will approve it for import into the country. 

Benefits of GACC Registration 

Contrary to legal requirements for companies involved in exports to China, participating in Food Export Licenses to China gives certain valuable advantages.

Non - Compliance with the Chinese Regulations

Companies registering with GACC ensure they are legal within Chinese law, saving them from possible legal dilemmas or punishments. It also helps to avoid fluctuations in the company's operations and guarantees an effective long-term strategy in the Chinese market. 

Market Access

A GACC registration is essential because a fore with any can only legally bring products into China with it. GACC registration unlocks the largest consumer market in Asia, making markets and prospects available to numerous businesses. 

Faster Customs Clearance 

Moreover, products that bear a valid registration number of GACC will go through the customs of China much more smoothly, hence cutting short the possibility of delays. Only authorized goods will likely be completed on time, accepted, or fined on the border.

Increased Credibility 

Clearing GACC registration means you have complied with the safety and quality criteria that the Chinese authorities, consumers, and business associates expect from your firm. This makes you more believable and trustworthy within the market.

Operational Business Expansion

GACC registration is the basis for further business in China, as many local distributors or retailers prefer cooperating with a proven, compliant company.

Fees and Costs Incurred Before Getting GACC Registration

The fee for almost all procedures of GACC registration highly depends on the kind of product that needs registration, the difficulty level of a particular application, and whether additional services such as testing and on-site inspection are necessary for the registration process.

Below is an outline of the standard fees associated with GACC registration:

1. GACC Registration Fees 

GACC itself does not charge high fees for the entire process of registering products or services. However, some of the costs may accrue depending on the registered product type and if third parties for their services (agents or translators) are involved.

2. Translation and Agent Fees 

Every document prepared for GACC should be in Chinese language only. You will be charged here, especially if you need business translations.

Furthermore, hiring a local agent to register the company's undertaking is also necessary. There are usually charges that the Agent is likely to claim, such as the following: The charges may be expressed about the total import value or by-product. 

3. Product Testing Costs

Products that must be tested are subjected to laboratory analysis, and the costs associated with the tests are schedule-dependent on the product type. For example, some foods need microbiological analysis, and others may require analyses of conformity to electrical safety standards. 

4. Inspection Fees 

Manufacturers might have to bear the cost incurred by GACC officials to travel and stay at the manufacturing sites for products that warrant on-site evaluations.

5. GACC Renewal Fees

All GACC registrations must be renewed occasionally based on the type of product in question. Firms need to incorporate the renewal costs and any other expenses possibly incurred for testing and inspection to meet legal requirements.

Food and Agricultural Products

For food products, GACC Decree No. 248 has brought new elements requiring overseas manufacturers and processors of food and storage facilities to register with GACC to export food products to China. This includes documents on food safety management and the home country's food regulatory authority recommendation.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices are subject to a rigorous examination, which has to include the fulfillment of the mentioned GACC and NMPA requirements. Such records as clinical trials, safety data, and efficacy reports may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a GACC Registration Number?

Starting in 2022, the GACC registration number for manufacturers will transition from a 10-digit format to an 18-digit format (e.g., CTHA 24022110201234). The first letters indicate the country code. This new 18-digit GACC registration number must be displayed on the Chinese labels of imported food products.

Q2. What is GACC in China?

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) serves as the central authority for customs in China, playing a vital role in border control and regulation.

Q3. What Does GACC Registration?

To export food and beverage products to China, overseas manufacturers must register with the GACC. As of January 1, 2022, Chinese importers are required to present the GACC registration number to customs officials in order to clear their goods.