China remains one of the largest and, at the same time, one of the most highly regulated markets for Kazakhstani food exporters. No shipment can clear Chinese customs unless the manufacturing enterprise is registered with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) through the CIFER system. In this article, we explain how GACC registration works, what changed with the introduction of Decree No. 280 on June 1, 2026, which documents are required, and how exporters can avoid common mistakes when entering the Chinese market.
What Is GACC Registration and Why Is It Required?
GACC (General Administration of Customs of China) is China’s customs authority. Since January 1, 2022, any overseas enterprise that manufactures, processes, or stores food products intended for export to China has been required to register and obtain a registration number. Without this number, a shipment will not be accepted for customs clearance and may be held at the border or returned to the sender.
Registration confirms that the production facility complies with China’s food safety requirements. Responsibility for accurate and timely registration lies with the manufacturer itself, or its authorized representative. For certain product categories, the competent authority of the exporting country must also be involved.
GACC Decree No. 280: What Changed on June 1, 2026?
For several years, the main regulatory framework was GACC Decree No. 248, together with Decree No. 249, which had been in force since 2022. On October 14, 2025, GACC published revised rules under Decree No. 280, which came into force on June 1, 2026, replacing Decree No. 248. For Kazakhstani exporters, this means that registration should now be based on the requirements of Decree No. 280.
Key Changes Introduced by Decree No. 280
- The list of higher-risk product categories has been reduced. Fresh vegetables, grains and oilseeds, dried beans, as well as unroasted coffee and cocoa beans, have been removed from the list of products requiring a recommendation from the competent authority. These categories can now follow the simplified self-registration route.
- Automatic renewal has been introduced. For most product categories, registration renewal is now automatic. The exceptions are meat products from terrestrial animals and edible bird’s nest products, which still require a separate renewal application.
- The renewal application window has been extended. Renewal applications may now be submitted 3–12 months before registration expires, compared with the previous period of 3–6 months.
- Requirements for storage facilities have been clarified. Cold-storage facilities for products of animal origin are subject to registration, while warehouses operating at ambient temperature no longer require registration.
Despite the change in regulation, the basic framework remains the same: registration is mandatory, applications are processed through CIFER, and the registration number must appear on the product packaging.
The CIFER System: How Registration Works
Registration is completed online through CIFER (China Import Food Enterprise Registration) at cifer.singlewindow.cn. The status and accuracy of existing registration data can be checked through the public query service at ciferquery.singlewindow.cn.
There are two registration routes depending on the product category.
| Registration Route | Applicable Product Categories | Who Submits the Application |
|---|---|---|
| Recommendation by the competent authority | Higher-risk categories, including meat, dairy products, fish and seafood, and others | The competent authority of the exporting country recommends the enterprise to GACC |
| Self-registration | Other categories of food products | The manufacturer or its authorized representative applies directly through CIFER |
Categories Requiring Recommendation by the Competent Authority
Higher-risk categories include, among others: meat and meat products, aquatic products, dairy products, edible bird’s nest products, bee products, eggs and egg products, edible oils and fats, filled flour products, cereals and processed cereal products, dehydrated vegetables, seasonings, nuts and seeds, dried fruits, foods for special dietary uses, and health foods.
The exact current list of product categories and their classification codes should always be checked directly in CIFER and against official GACC notifications, as the classification system may be updated periodically.
Documents Required for Registration
The required documentation depends on the product category and registration route, although the standard package generally includes:
- information about the enterprise and production facility, including address, capacity, and production flow;
- information about manufactured products and raw materials used;
- food safety management system documentation, such as HACCP or ISO 22000;
- information on permits and licenses issued in the country of manufacture;
- for higher-risk categories, confirmation and recommendation from the competent authority in Kazakhstan;
- photographs of the production facility and, where required, declarations and laboratory test reports.
All information must be submitted in English or Chinese. Discrepancies between the CIFER application, product label, and accompanying documentation are among the most common reasons for rejection.
Labeling: The GACC Registration Number on the Product Label
Once registration has been successfully completed, the enterprise receives a GACC registration number. Depending on the product category, this number must appear on the inner and/or outer packaging. Chinese customs authorities use it to identify the manufacturer during customs clearance.
The label must also comply with Chinese food labeling requirements, including the product name, ingredients, shelf life, storage conditions, and importer information in Chinese. Labeling errors are another common reason for shipment delays, alongside registration-related issues.
Common Mistakes Made by Kazakhstani Exporters
- Starting registration too late. The process, particularly for higher-risk categories requiring the involvement of a competent authority, may take weeks or even months. Registration should therefore begin well in advance rather than when a shipment is already prepared.
- Incorrectly determining the product category and, as a result, choosing the wrong registration route.
- Inconsistencies in information between the CIFER application, product label, and shipping documentation.
- Failing to comply with labeling requirements, including omission of the registration number from the packaging.
- Failing to monitor registration renewal deadlines and changes in GACC requirements.
Where to Start When Exporting to China
Before investing in the first shipment, a company should realistically assess its readiness to meet GACC and CIFER requirements: whether the product category has been identified correctly, which registration route applies, and whether the documentation and labeling comply with Chinese regulations. This helps reduce the risk of rejection and shipment losses at the border.
GPI Group specialists help Kazakhstani companies approach this process systematically. A convenient starting point is the Export Readiness for China assessment, which helps identify gaps in documentation, labeling, and registration procedures before shipments begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GACC registration mandatory for exporting food products to China?
Yes. Any enterprise that manufactures, processes, or stores food products intended for export to China must be registered through CIFER and obtain a GACC registration number. Without it, Chinese customs will not accept the shipment for clearance.
How Is Decree No. 280 Different from Decree No. 248?
Decree No. 280 came into force on June 1, 2026, replacing Decree No. 248. It reduced the number of higher-risk product categories, introduced automatic renewal for most product categories, and extended the renewal application window to 3–12 months before expiry. The fundamental principles of registration remain unchanged.
What Is CIFER and Where Do Companies Register?
CIFER (China Import Food Enterprise Registration) is GACC’s official online system for registering overseas food manufacturers. Registration is completed through cifer.singlewindow.cn, while registration status can be checked through ciferquery.singlewindow.cn.
How Long Does CIFER Registration Take?
The timeframe depends on the product category and registration route. Self-registration is generally faster, while applications for higher-risk categories involving the competent authority may take from several weeks to several months. Companies are therefore advised to begin the registration process well in advance.
Does the GACC Registration Number Need to Appear on the Label?
Yes. The registration number must appear on the product packaging so that Chinese customs can identify the manufacturer. The label must also comply with Chinese-language food labeling requirements.
Which Product Categories Require a Recommendation from the Competent Authority?
These are higher-risk categories, including meat and meat products, fish and seafood, dairy products, bee products, eggs, edible oils, foods for special dietary uses, health foods, and several others. The exact list should be checked in CIFER, as it was revised under Decree No. 280.
Can GPI Group Help with Registration and Export Preparation?
Yes. GPI Group advises Kazakhstani companies on GACC and CIFER requirements, helps determine the correct product category, prepare documentation, and adapt product labeling. The recommended first step is the Export Readiness for China assessment, which helps identify and address gaps before the first shipment.
