Unlike the previous practice, which had a fixed list of product categories, registration will now be based on a risk assessment related to the specific country, enterprise, and product. Importers will be assigned a risk level that will determine how the registration process will proceed, what documents will need to be provided, and what evaluation and inspection procedures will be applied.
The registration period for foreign producers will remain at five years, with the possibility of automatic renewal for another five years, except in the following situations:
- if the product falls into the list of exceptions where renewal is not possible;
- if the company rectifies non-compliances related to violations;
- if the import of the relevant products is temporarily suspended.
Additionally, the period during which foreign companies can apply for registration renewal has changed. The new rules allow applications to be submitted 3-12 months before the registration period expires.
There is also a plan to create a catalog of products for which registration will be carried out based on the official recommendation of the competent authority of the exporting country. The General Administration of Customs of China has the right to make changes to the registration requirements based on risk assessments or when new data on the safety of imported products becomes available.
For countries whose food safety systems have already been recognized by China, the registration mechanism through authorized bodies will remain in place.
