Imported Aquatic Products: Customs Clearance Rules & Procedures

With the improvement of consumption levels and the continuous expansion of the catering market,imported aquatic products are becoming increasingly popular in the domestic market.To ensure the safety and compliance of aquatic products,China has strict regulations and requirements for the import of aquatic products.The following is a detailed introduction:

I.Definition of Imported Aquatic Products

Imported aquatic products mainly refer to aquatic animal products and their products for human consumption,covering various aquatic animals such as jellyfish,mollusks,crustaceans,echinoderms,and marine plant products,but do not include live aquatic animals and breeding materials of aquatic animals and plants.

II.Import Access Requirements

Imported aquatic products must originate from countries or regions that meet the assessment and review requirements and be included in the food catalog for export to China.This catalog is dynamically updated by the General Administration of Customs.(Visit → http: //43.248.49.223/）)

III.Requirements for Overseas Production Enterprises

Overseas production,processing,and storage enterprises exporting to China need to be recommended and registered by the competent authorities of their respective countries and approved by the General Administration of Customs before they can export to China.

The list of enterprises that have obtained registration in China can be inquired through the "Registration Management System for Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food" (Access → https://ciferquery.singlewindow.cn/).

IV.Qualification Requirements for Merchants

(1) Overseas exporters or agents need to file information.

(2) Domestic importers need to file with the customs at their domicile.

(3) Importers need to establish a food import and sales record system,as well as a review system for overseas exporters and overseas manufacturers.

The list of filed importers and exporters can be inquired in the "Filed List Inquiry" section on the homepage of the system.(Access → http://ire.customs.gov.cn/)

V.Quarantine Approval for Imported Aquatic Products

Some aquatic products need to go through quarantine approval when entering the country and obtain the Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit for Entry.

VI.Import Declaration Requirements

Importers or agents need to truthfully declare to the customs and provide relevant inspection and quarantine certificates.The relevant certificates need to have the seal and signature of the competent department of the exporting countrys government.Specific aquatic products also need to provide other special certificates.

VII.Requirements for Storage Places

Unreleased chilled aquatic products need to be stored in the designated supervision sites approved by the General Administration of Customs.

(Visit → http: //www.customs.gov.cn/customs/ztzl86/302310/2394720/4568183/index.html）)

VIII.Packaging and Labeling Requirements

The packaging of imported aquatic products should have clear Chinese-English or Chinese labels,indicating detailed information such as product name,specifications,production date,etc.The labels of prepackaged aquatic products also need to meet the requirements of national standards.

The above content is sourced from the Import and Export Food Safety Division.As a one-stop importService providers can provide customized import and export solutions for various industries.If you needimport-export agency services,please contact us for business consultation.Hotline: 139-1787-2118.