GACC Registration for China Exports: Process, Documents and Compliance Guide

China is one of the world's largest food import markets. Indian food businesses from spice manufacturers in Delhi to grain processors across NCR have real opportunities to supply Chinese buyers. But since January 2022 a GACC registration applies to every overseas food facility that wants to export to China

Without it your shipment will not clear Chinese customs. It will either be returned or destroyed at the port

This guide breaks down the GACC registration process for food exporters in Delhi what it is, who needs it, what documents are required and how to complete it

What GACC Registration Actually Is

GACC stands for the General Administration of Customs of China. Under GACC Decree 248 every overseas food manufacturing or processing facility that exports to China must register on a dedicated platform and receive a unique registration code. This code your GACC certificate must be printed on the inner and outer packaging of every product before it leaves India.

The registration is facility-specific, not company-specific. If your business has two production units and both export to China, both units must register separately.

Read MoreGACC Approval Process in Rajasthan India 2026

Who Needs to Apply

The Two Registration Pathways

This is where Indian exporters often get confused. There are two routes to a GACC China registration, and the one you take depends entirely on your product category.

Pathway 1 Government Recommendation (High-Risk Categories)

If your product falls under one of the 18 high-risk food categories including dairy, meat, seafood, aquatic products, casings, bee products, eggs, and edible oils you cannot apply directly to GACC. Your facility must be recommended by India's competent authority. For most food exporters in Delhi, this means APEDA or FSSAI, depending on the product. You submit your application to the relevant Indian authority first. They verify your documents and facility then forward your case to GACC. GACC reviews it and issues the GACC certificate if everything is in order

Pathway 2 Direct Self-Registration on CIFER (Low-Risk Categories)

For products outside the high-risk list spices, grains, tea, packaged snacks, processed foods, confectionery you can apply directly through the CIFER portal at cifer.singlewindow.cn. No government intermediary is required. This route is faster and works well for most Delhi-based food exporters in the processed foods segment.

Documents Required for GACC Registration

• Business registration certificate

• IEC (Import Export Code)

• FSSAI licence

• GST certificate

• Factory layout and floor plan

• HACCP or ISO 22000 certificate

• Product list with HS codes

• Production flow chart

• Hygiene SOPs

• Lab test reports

• Product labels and packaging samples

• Chinese importer details

• Signed commitment letter

Step-by-Step GACC Registration Process

• Confirm your product category and which pathway applies

• Ensure your facility holds valid FSSAI, IEC, HACCP/ISO 22000 certifications

• For high-risk categories, submit your application to APEDA or FSSAI for recommendation to GACC

• For low-risk categories, create a facility account on cifer.singlewindow.cn

• Complete the online application form with all facility, product, and management system details

• Upload all required documents in the formats specified by the portal

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• GACC reviews the application and may request additional information

• On approval, your unique GACC registration code is issued

• Print the registration code on all product packaging before exporting

• Confirm your registration details annually on the CIFER portal to keep it active

GACC Registration Fees and Validity

GACC registration fees from the Chinese government side are zero registration on the CIFER portal carries no official government charge. Costs you will actually pay are for compliance preparation, document translation into Chinese, HACCP or ISO 22000 certification (if not already held), and professional assistance if you use a consultant.

The GACC certificate is valid for five years. Annual confirmation of details on CIFER is mandatory missing this can result in cancellation. Renewal should be initiated three to six months before expiry.

Product Categories Commonly Requiring GACC Approval

Conclusion

GACC registration in China is not optional. Every Indian food exporter shipping to China needs it the only variable is which pathway applies to your product. Getting your documents in order early, choosing the right registration route, and maintaining annual compliance on CIFER are what keep your exports running without interruption.

For Delhi-based food businesses that want the GACC registration process handled correctly from the start should contact experts. Agile Regulatory manages the full process from eligibility check to CIFER filing and follow-up with APEDA or FSSAI where required

Read MoreGACC Registration Guide for Indian Exporters 2026

FAQs

1. Is GACC registration the same as a GACC certificate of origin? 

No. The GACC certificate under Decree 248 is a facility registration code for food manufacturers. A GACC certificate of origin is a separate trade document issued for certain product categories to certify where goods were produced. Both are different requirements.

2. Can a Delhi-based trader register without owning a factory? 

The GACC food registration applies to the production facility, not the trading company. If you are a trader, your supplier's manufacturing unit must hold the registration. Products from unregistered facilities will not clear Chinese customs.

3. How long does GACC approval take? 

For self-registration on CIFER (low-risk categories) approval typically takes 20 to 45 working days after a complete application is submitted. Government-recommended applications for high-risk categories may take longer depending on APEDA or FSSAI review timelines