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CANADA CHINA 2026 · AGRI-FOOD · 01 APR 2026

China Exempts Food Imports From GACC Rules Until June 1

China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) has temporarily exempted cross-border food retail imports from registration requirements until June 1, 2026, giving Canadian exporters a brief reprieve.

TRADEINTELDESK· 01 APRIL 2026· 750 WORDS
KEY FIGURES
Until June 1, 2026
Exemption Period
This is the deadline for Canadian food exporters to complete GACC registration.
75 days
Days Until Enforcement
The window of opportunity to prepare for full compliance.

China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) announced a temporary exemption for cross-border food retail imports from registration requirements, effective immediately until June 1, 2026. This exemption applies to all food products entering China through cross-border e-commerce channels.

What Does the GACC Exemption Cover?

The exemption covers all food products sold via cross-border e-commerce platforms. Canadian exporters must still comply with all other existing import regulations, including labeling and safety standards. The exemption does not apply to bulk shipments or traditional import channels.

Why Is June 1, 2026 the Critical Deadline?

GACC will enforce full registration requirements for all food imports starting June 1, 2026. Exporters who fail to complete registration by this date will face shipment rejections at Chinese ports. The temporary exemption provides a 75-day window for compliance preparation.

How Should Canadian Exporters Prepare?

Canadian food exporters must use this temporary exemption period to complete GACC registration. The process includes submitting product formulas, safety certifications, and manufacturing facility details. Delaying registration risks supply chain disruptions when enforcement begins.

Submit registration documents through GACC's official portal at http://english.customs.gov.cn. Do not wait until May – processing times may exceed three weeks. Exporters without Chinese-language staff should engage a local compliance agent immediately.

SO WHAT

Canadian food exporters must complete GACC registration before June 1, 2026 to avoid shipment rejections. Start the process now at http://english.customs.gov.cn – processing takes three weeks. Delaying registration risks losing Chinese market access.

SOURCES
Canada China Agri-Food Canada-China-2026 Regulatory Compliance Policy Tariffs
Frequently Asked Questions

Does the exemption apply to bulk food shipments?

No. The temporary exemption only covers food products sold through cross-border e-commerce platforms, not traditional bulk imports.

What documents are needed for GACC registration?

Required documents include product formulas, safety certifications, and manufacturing facility details. All documents must be translated into Chinese.

Can I still ship after June 1 if registration is pending?

No. Any shipments arriving after June 1, 2026 without completed registration will be rejected at Chinese ports.