What is a GACC Certificate?
The GACC Certificate is a mandatory registration for foreign food manufacturers, exporters, and agents who wish to export food and agricultural products to China. The certification process ensures that the exporting company complies with Chinese food safety regulations, traceability standards, and product labeling requirements.
Without a valid GACC registration, products can be detained or even rejected at Chinese ports. Therefore, understanding the GACC Certificate and its procedures is essential for any business seeking long-term success in the Chinese market.
Why is GACC Certification Important?
China maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive food import regulatory systems. The GACC Certificate helps the authorities trace imported food items back to their source, ensuring accountability and safety.
Some key reasons for obtaining the GACC Certificate include:
Market Access – It is a legal requirement for food exports to China.
Product Safety Assurance – Demonstrates compliance with China’s hygiene and safety standards.
Supply Chain Transparency – Ensures traceability from production to export.
Brand Credibility – Enhances the exporter’s reputation among Chinese importers and distributors.
Who Needs a GACC Certificate?
The GACC registration applies to foreign manufacturers of food and agricultural products such as:
Processed foods
Dairy products
Meat and seafood
Beverages and alcohol
Health and nutritional supplements
Cereals, oils, and spices
Manufacturers from these sectors must register their production facilities with GACC before their goods can be legally exported to China.
Procedure for Obtaining a GACC Certificate
The process for obtaining the GACC Certificate involves several steps and coordination with regulatory bodies in both the exporting and importing countries.
Determine Product Category
Identify whether your product falls under the “high-risk” or “low-risk” category, as the procedure varies accordingly.Application Submission
Exporters must submit their application through the official GACC registration portal. The application includes company details, production facility information, and product specifications.Document Verification
Supporting documents such as food safety certificates, business licenses, and HACCP/GMP certifications are reviewed by GACC.Facility Audit (if required)
For high-risk food categories, GACC may conduct an on-site or remote audit of the manufacturing facility.Approval and Issuance
Upon successful verification, the exporter receives the GACC registration number. This number must be printed on all product labels and packaging exported to China.
Common Challenges in GACC Registration
Exporters often face difficulties during the application process due to:
Complex documentation requirements
Language barriers
Evolving GACC regulations
Delays in verification or approval
Partnering with a professional compliance consultant can simplify the process and ensure timely registration.
How Agile Regulatory Can Help
Agile Regulatory is a trusted compliance consultancy firm that provides GACC registration services for exporters and manufacturers. With in-depth knowledge of Chinese import regulations and experience in documentation handling, Agile Regulatory assists clients in:
Preparing and submitting complete GACC registration documents
Coordinating with authorities for facility audits
Ensuring labeling and packaging compliance
Providing renewal and amendment support for existing GACC Certificates
Whether you are a small food producer or a large exporter, Agile Regulatory ensures a seamless experience in securing your GACC Certificate and maintaining ongoing compliance with China’s import regulations.
Conclusion
The GACC Certificate is more than a regulatory formality—it is a gateway to one of the world’s largest consumer markets. By understanding the certification process and partnering with experts like Agile Regulatory, businesses can confidently expand their reach in China’s booming food import sector while maintaining full regulatory complianc
