Exporting to China

This page provides guidance on how to export seafood products to China, including Chinese trade regulations and market access barriers.

General guidance

Requirements for exporting to the Chinese market include:

Export health certificates (EHC): China requires specific EHCs for different products and can be strict on the format and wording they accept; the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) are well placed to assist with this. You can find the available formal EHCs on Gov.uk.
Commercial invoice: A commercial invoice must be provided including the Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, agreed International commercial terms, transaction value, product quantities, and detailed descriptions of the goods.
Packing list: Providing an itemised breakdown of the contents, including weights, dimensions, and packaging details.
Bill of lading, consignment note, or airway bill: Acts as proof of shipment and provides details about the transportation method and consignment.
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing documentation: Includes a validated catch certificate (CC) to confirm compliance with the illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing regulations. Catch certificates must specify the fishing vessel, species, volume, and fishing zones.
Certificates of origin: Where applicable, these documents establish the origin of the goods.
Customs declaration: all information about your shipment and the documentation will be evidenced on your export declaration.

Registering with the Chinese authorities

To export food products to China you must first register with the Chinese authorities, this process must be done annually.

An application must be submitted to the General Administration of Customs China (GACC). You will require information such as proof of food business operator (FBO) registration, applicant statement of compliance and product packaging photos.
Legislation and news from the GACC can be found via the GACC webpage along with information about food safety measures, customs procedures, and trade data.
Submit your application via the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) CIFER portal.
If your business is only a trading company, such as a distributor, and not the manufacturer of the exported products, then there is a separate registration process. Applications must be submitted through a separate China Import Food Enterprises Registration portal. If you require further guidance on this registration process, please contact regulation@seafish.co.uk for a detailed guide on the process.

Food safety requirements

China imposes strict food safety measures on food products coming into China, you must ensure that your products comply with seafood standard tests before exporting.

Products destined for China should be tested for heavy metals and other contaminants to ensure they allowed entry to the Chinese market, more information about the seafood standards tests can be found via the GACC online portal.

Advice and support from Seafish

Our Regulation experts can provide bespoke advice and support to your business. They have been responding to issues raised with us by businesses and individuals throughout the seafood supply chain and are working with government, local authorities and industry groups to find solutions.

For further assistance email regulation@seafish.co.uk.