8 October 2021
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Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to update industry regarding food establishment registration requirements for products exported to China and to advise industry to prepare information to provide to us.
Summary of changes and key points
Further to IAN 2021-41, we have received further information regarding the new registration processes for overseas food establishments, including storage facilities, issued by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).
Food establishments (including storage facilities) requiring department recommendation for registration with GACC (Foods listed in Article 7 of Decree 248)
- We will soon request information from all food processing and independent storage facilities exporting to China to assist with the registration of establishments that process or handle foods listed in Article 7 of Decree 248.
- The requested information will need to be provided within a tight timeframe (may be as soon as 23 October 2021) in order to complete Australia’s submission by 30 October 2021 and ensure that the registration process is completed by 1 January 2022. Late submissions may encounter delays in being registered and additional information may be required to support the registration process.
- We highly recommend that relevant businesses start gathering information in preparation for this request.
- Plant and plant products listed in Article 7 of Decree 248 include
- edible fats and oils
- edible grains
- milled grain products and malt
- fresh and dehydrated vegetables and dried beans
- unroasted coffee beans and cocoa beans
- nuts and seeds
- dried fruits.
- The complete list and description of foods listed in Article 7 has been issued by GACC and are provided in Attachment 1a.
- The required information for us to recommend an establishment for registration is provided in Attachment 1b.
- Where you have reviewed the descriptions of Article 7 foods in Attachment 1a and are still unsure whether the food processed, packed or stored at your establishment is listed in Article 7, we advise you to proceed with your request for registration and comply with these requirements.
Food establishments (including storage facilities) requiring self-registration with GACC (Foods not listed in Article 7 of Decree 248)
- Establishments involved in the export of food not listed under Article 7 of Decree 248 need to self-register with GACC.
- We understand that GACC has established a ‘Single window service system’, which is an online registration platform for establishments producing and exporting foods that fall under Article 9 of Decree 248 (that is, foods not listed under Article 7).
- We encourage applicable businesses to register as soon as possible.
- Exporters are encouraged to work closely with their importers or agent to continue to ensure compliance with China’s requirements.
- Attachment 2 provides a guide on how establishments can register using GACC’s single window service system.
Food that may not be in scope of Decree 248
- We understand that Decree 248 is not applicable to fresh fruit production and processing enterprises, orchards and exporters who do not directly export food products to China, and therefore these entities do not need to apply for registration. However, we have not yet been directly advised of this by GACC.
- We recommend businesses consider collecting information for registration, unless officially advised otherwise.
Background
- We issued advice in IAN 2021-41 of GACC Decree 248 – Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Producers of Imported Food.
- The department has recently gathered information issued by GACC that includes information about the implementation of Decree 248.
- The Decrees also notify changes to labelling requirements in Decree 249, Article 30 and Decree 248, Article 15.
- A summary of the Decrees may be obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture, Global Agricultural Information Network reports China: Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Producers of Imported Food - Decree 248
Further advice will be issued as it becomes available.
Contact information
Please provide questions or comments on the Decrees to your industry body for forwarding to us.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this IAN please email the Grain and Seed Export Program or the Horticulture Exports Program.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate; however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.