Core Operation Essentials and Compliance Guide for the Full Process of Imported Food Agency

In 2026,the compliance threshold for global food trade keeps rising.GACC has adjusted both supervision frequency and inspection standards for imported food.Many import enterprises without sufficient professional experience encounter cargo detention,port demurrage or even return during customs clearance.As an imported food agency deeply rooted in Shanghai Port,we have handled a large number of trade disputes caused by process negligence.Below we break down the core mandatory work items that imported food agencies must complete.

Core Service Modules of Imported Food Agency

1.Pre-qualification and Document Pre-review

This is the first step for imported food agencies,and also the most critical risk control link.In 2026,GACC updated the supporting detailed rules of the *Administrative Provisions on Registration of Overseas Production Enterprises of Imported Food* (Decree No.248),requiring all overseas production enterprises of imported food to complete registration and filing.Goods from unregistered enterprises will be directly denied entry.Agencies shall verify the registration status of overseas manufacturers in advance,and confirm that the products are included in the *List of Accessible Food* published by GACC.

Apart from enterprise qualification,document pre-review is equally important.Mandatory documents for imported food include: Certificate of Origin,Health Certificate,Animal and Plant Quarantine Certificate (for fresh produce,grain and oil products),commercial invoice,packing list,bill of lading,etc.In 2026,the Certificate of Origin issued by RCEP member states can enjoy up to 95% tariff reduction,but the goods description on the documents must be completely consistent with the actual goods,otherwise preferential tariff rates cannot be applied.We once handled a batch of durians imported from Thailand.The customer missed the variety code of durian during self-declaration,which caused customs price verification delay.After we assisted in correcting the information,customs clearance was completed within only 2 days.

2.Port Customs Clearance and Inspection Coordination

The port customs clearance link covers multiple procedures including customs price verification,commodity inspection sampling and inspection coordination.In 2026,the Shanghai Customs price verification system has realized data interconnection with cross-border payment platforms.If the declared price deviates from the average market price by more than 10%,the system will automatically trigger manual price verification.Agencies shall prepare transaction price proof,third-party test reports and other materials in advance,assist customs to complete price verification,and avoid demurrage fees caused by price verification delay.

The commodity inspection and inspection link mainly carries out sampling tests on food microbial indicators,additive content,label compliance and other items.In 2026,customs added a special inspection for food additives in the ingredient list of prepackaged food.If non-compliance with GB 7718-2026 (the 2026 updated national standard for prepackaged food labels) is found,the goods will be required to be rectified or returned.Agencies shall communicate with the commodity inspection department in advance,coordinate the inspection time and sampling ratio,and reduce goods detention time.

The above is the 2026 customs clearance data of the three major mainstream ports in China.Relying on the location advantage of the international trade center,Shanghai Port can provide nationwide cross-port declaration services,helping customers flexibly select the optimal customs clearance port.

3.Chinese Label Filing and Compliance Rectification

The Chinese label of imported prepackaged food is the key focus of commodity inspection.The 2026 national standard requires the label to clearly mark the food name,ingredient list,net content,production date,shelf life,importer information and other contents,and all food additives in the ingredient list must be varieties approved for domestic use.We once encountered a batch of olive oil imported from Spain.The customer used an emulsifier not approved for domestic use on the self-printed label.We assisted the customer to replace the label and complete the filing,avoiding goods return.

Agencies shall submit the label sample to the GACC label filing system in advance.Import can only be carried out after the application is approved,otherwise the goods cannot complete inspection after arriving at the port.

4.Follow-up Services and Risk Prevention & Control

After customs clearance is completed,the agency shall also assist the customer to complete follow-up procedures such as foreign exchange settlement and export tax rebate.In 2026,the supervision of foreign exchange settlement becomes stricter.Agencies shall ensure that all transaction documents meet the requirements of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange,and avoid exchange loss risks.In addition,for anti-dumping warnings from some countries,agencies shall make pre-plans for customers.For example,in 2026,the EU imposed anti-dumping duties on some nuts imported from Southeast Asia,and agencies can assist customers to apply for tariff exemptions or adjust procurement channels.

• Verify the GACC registration qualification of overseas production enterprises in advance,and confirm that the product is included in the customs access list
• Pre-review the consistency and compliance of all import documents,to avoid customs clearance delay caused by document negligence
• Carry out national standard audit for Chinese labels in advance,to ensure labels meet domestic regulatory requirements
• Coordinate port inspection and price verification procedures,to reduce the risk of port demurrage fees and compliance fines
• Complete subsequent foreign exchange settlement and tax rebate alignment,to ensure a closed loop of trade procedures

Hidden cost traps are common problems encountered by imported food enterprises,such as document exchange fees,demurrage fees,inspection fees,etc.Some freight forwarders may blur the charging standards in contracts.Agencies shall clarify all cost details in advance to avoid subsequent disputes.In 2026,Shanghai Port has implemented a public charging system,and agencies can assist customers to check all charging items to ensure transparency and compliance.

As a local imported food agency based in Shanghai,relying on the nationwide port interconnection network and global cooperation resources,we can provide customers with one-stop imported food agency services.We follow up every whole process from pre-stage qualification review to post-stage tax rebate settlement,helping customers avoid trade risks and realize fast entry of goods.