Professional One-Stop Full-Process Compliance Clearance and Qualification Filing Services for Import Food Agency

In 2026,the General Administration of Customs (GACC) continues to tighten regulatory policies for imported food.The review cycle for GACC Overseas Food Manufacturer Registration (Decree No.248) has been shortened,but the standards have been raised.Chinese labels for pre-packaged food must strictly comply with the latest GB 7718-2025 requirements.Many imported food enterprises,due to unfamiliarity with the rules,encounter issues such as inconsistent declarations and cargo detention during inspection.As an import food agency rooted in Shanghai Port,we help customers solve various pain points in the import process through proactive compliance review and full-link port collaboration.

Core Node Analysis of the Full Process of Import Food Agency

I.Customs Valuation: Avoid Exchange Losses and Declaration Risks

In 2026,Shanghai Customs further optimized the valuation mechanism for imported food,focusing on verifying related transaction pricing and the matching degree of import price ranges for similar products.Last year,a customer importing dairy products from New Zealand had customs valuation procedures initiated because their declared price was 15% lower than the average import price of similar products in the same period.If they had handled it on their own,they might have faced risks of tax supplement or even cargo detention.After we took over,we immediately collected third-party pricing reports for the batch,sales contract filing documents from overseas suppliers,and customs data of imports of the same category in the same period.We completed price negotiation within 3 working days,successfully passed the customs valuation,and avoided additional tax expenses of over 200,000 yuan.

Our proactive customs valuation services include: sorting out the procurement background of goods in advance,collecting import data of similar products,assisting customers in preparing pricing basis,ensuring the declared price meets customs requirements,and avoiding exchange losses and declaration risks.

II.Commodity Inspection Pre-Review and Chinese Label Filing

The Chinese label of pre-packaged imported food is a core link in inspection.The 2026 updated GB 7718 requires that the ingredient list clearly mark the specific names of all food additives,and the nutrition label must be completely consistent with the actual test results.Previously,a customer importing nuts had their cargo detained at Ningbo Port because the "sugar-free" label did not meet the requirements of the new national standard.We assisted the customer in contacting overseas suppliers to reprint compliant labels and completed Chinese label filing domestically.We completed inspection and release in only 4 days,avoiding terminal storage fees of 20,000 yuan per week.

Our label services cover: pre-reviewing the compliance of original foreign labels,providing domestic GB standard consulting,assisting in label filing and rectification,ensuring goods pass inspection at one time after arriving at the port.

III.Animal and Plant Quarantine and Access Qualifications

Foods such as meat,aquatic products,and fruits need to obtain animal and plant quarantine certificates (Phytosanitary Certificate) in advance,and overseas manufacturers must complete GACC registration.In 2026,imported food from RCEP member states can enjoy higher tariff reductions.For example,when importing beef from Australia,we helped customers apply for FORM E certificates of origin,enabling them to enjoy a 12% tariff discount,saving nearly 80,000 yuan in taxes for a single batch.

For special foods such as infant formula,an import license is required in advance.We have dedicated staff liaising with the special food registration window of the General Administration of Customs,and can complete material pre-review within 3 working days,which is more than half the time compared to enterprises handling it on their own.

IV.Import License Application: Simplify Processes and Improve Efficiency

In 2026,the customs optimized the online application process for import licenses,but many enterprises still have their applications rejected due to incomplete materials.Our team is familiar with the license application requirements for various types of imported food,and can sort out required materials in advance,including product formulas,production processes,overseas supplier qualifications,etc.ensuring one-time approval.Last year,a customer importing infant rice cereal spent 12 days applying for a license on their own without success.After we took over,we completed the pre-review and submitted the formal application in only 3 days,and obtained the license 5 days later.

• Pre-review and assistance for overseas factory GACC registration
• Document verification and agency services for certificates of origin (FORM E/CO,etc.)
• Assistance with customs valuation and compliant price declaration
• Chinese label filing and inspection rectification services
• Agency services for animal and plant quarantine certificates and accompaniment during quarantine inspection
• Remote declaration at national ports and collaborative logistics scheduling
• Exchange loss calculation and compliant foreign exchange settlement guidance

Hidden Risks to Watch Out for in Import Food Agency

• Bill of lading exchange fee traps: Some freight forwarders overcharge for extra fees such as bill of lading exchange fees and storage fees.We will list all fee details in advance to avoid hidden charges for customers.
• Demurrage risks: Terminal demurrage caused by failing to book inspection in advance can reach 0.5% of the cargo value per day.We will coordinate port resources in advance to reduce delays.
• Cargo detention due to non-compliant labels: Cargo detention caused by failing to pre-review labels will result in high storage fees and label modification costs.Our proactive pre-review can avoid such issues.
• Misuse of tariff preferences: Incorrect use of certificates of origin leads to overpayment of tariffs.We will verify the tariff policies of trading countries in advance to ensure maximum preferential benefits.

Relying on the geographical advantages of Shanghai Port,we can link customs declaration resources across national ports to provide cross-regional import food agency services for customers.Whether importing fruits from Southeast Asia,red wine from Europe,or dairy products from Oceania,we can provide one-stop compliant solutions.In 2025,we served more than 200 imported food enterprises in total,with customs clearance efficiency 30% faster than the industry average,and customer satisfaction reaching over 98%.

If you have any needs related to imported food,please feel free to contact our exclusive consultant,and we will provide you with a customized compliance solution.