Complete Process for Agency Import of Food and Daily Necessities: Key Points of Customs Valuation and Pre-inspection

I.Core Compliance Thresholds for Agency Import of Food and Daily Necessities

Agency import of food and daily necessities involves multiple stages such as customs supervision,inspection and quarantine,and label filing.Any oversight in a single link may lead to cargo detention at the port or fines.In 2026,the General Administration of Customs updated the "Regulations on the Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food," adding anti-dumping duty verification for EU honey and Southeast Asian fruit products.Three core preparations must be completed in advance:

• Customs Valuation Baseline: The transaction price must comply with the "transaction value of identical goods method." In 2026,Shanghai Customs reduced the tolerance for valuation deviation of prepackaged food to ±8%.A batch of imported biscuits triggered inquiry because the declared price differed by 12% from the filed data of the same period.Mr.Jiao’s team used the international bill of lading and certificate of origin as evidence,ultimately completing the valuation at a reasonable range price.
• Pre-inspection Checklist: Phytosanitary and quarantine requires submission of officially issued "Phytosanitary Certificate" or "Health Certificate." Imported edible oil containing genetically modified ingredients requires an additional "GMO Test Report" to avoid 3-5 days of port detention due to missing quarantine certificates.
• Chinese Label Filing: GB 7718-2026 added the "Food Additive Usage Guide." For example,compound sweeteners must specify specific ingredients.A batch of imported seasoning sauce had its label filing rejected for failing to indicate the usage amount of "caramel color (0.05g/kg)," resulting in a 7-day delay for label redesign.

II.Practical Operations and Risk Avoidance in Customs Valuation

Customs valuation is the first checkpoint for agency import.In 2026,Shanghai Customs implemented the "Intelligent Pre-review System for Valuation." Enterprises need to prepare three types of key materials in advance:

Practical suggestion: For first-time imported food,it is recommended to opt for the "pre-classification + pre-valuation" dual pre-review service,which can reduce the probability of customs negotiation by 30%.

III.Key Differences Between Pre-inspection and Phytosanitary Quarantine

Pre-inspection focuses on label and packaging compliance,while phytosanitary quarantine targets food containing animal or plant ingredients.Their regulatory changes in 2026 are as follows:

• Core Requirements for Pre-inspection:
• Labels must include five mandatory items: "ingredient list (including food additives),net content,country of origin,importer,shelf life";
• The nutrition facts table must correspond to the GB 28050-2011 standard,with "energy,protein,fat" as mandatory labeling items;
• Non-prepackaged food must provide a "production process flow chart" and "raw material source certificate." For instance,a batch of imported handmade chocolate experienced delayed label filing due to missing raw material source proof.
• Special Requirements for Phytosanitary Quarantine:
• Meat,dairy products,and fruits require an "Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit." Meat products additionally need a "transport route certificate" (e.g.full cold-chain temperature control records);
• 2026 added quarantine for "imported food contact materials." For example,plastic bottles must comply with the GB 4806.7-2016 standard.A batch of imported jam was detained by quarantine authorities because its plastic lid was not tested for migration levels.

IV.Import Licenses and Full-chain Risk Alerts

Import licenses are categorized into "food" and "non-food." Two new considerations were added in 2026:

• Food License: Must be applied for 30 working days in advance.Key materials include:
• "Registration Certificate for Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food" (2026 added the requirement for "enterprise HACCP certification");
• Proof of the foreign manufacturer’s filing with GACC (can be verified via the "Internet + Customs" platform);
• The importer’s business license and food business license must have completed the addition of relevant business scope items.
• Non-food Daily Necessities License: Cosmetics require an additional "Filing Certificate for Imported Non-special Use Cosmetics." In 2026,daily necessities claiming "medical effects" are strictly scrutinized for "medical advertising claims." A batch of imported essential oil was deemed in violation of the "Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations" because its packaging was labeled "soothes muscles," facing a fine of 100,000 yuan.

Risk Alert List:

V.Practical Case: 48-hour Full Process from Customs Declaration to Release

Situation: A Southeast Asian enterprise plans to import infant complementary food (containing rice flour,fruit puree) to Shanghai and needs to complete customs clearance within 48 hours.

Task: Ensure label compliance and avoid tariffs and exchange loss.

Actions:

With 20 years of agency experience at Shanghai Port,Zhongshitong has cumulatively completed compliant imports for over 1,200 enterprises.It can provide "global supply chain full-link" services,offering end-to-end control from overseas procurement to domestic distribution.