New memorandum of understanding (MoU) enables batch registration of UK food manufacturers with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC)
in ChinaTrade barrier summary
China’s GACC required certain overseas food manufacturers to register before exporting to China. Under GACC Decree 280, exporting countries with an established food safety cooperation mechanism with China may use a simplified batch registration process, which reduces processing times and administrative requirements. The UK previously did not have a mechanism, meaning that UK food manufacturers had to apply through the individual registration route, which was slower and more resource intensive. This affected UK exporters across multiple food sectors whose products required GACC manufacturer registration.
This barrier was resolved on 29 January 2026, when a food safety MoU between the UK and China came into effect, establishing the required cooperation mechanism. As a result, UK businesses exporting food products that require manufacturer registration are expected to benefit from shorter processing times, lower administrative burdens and fewer delays to market entry, compared with businesses in countries that do not have access to GACC’s batch registration system.
Sectors affected
- Agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and pets
- Food and drink
Resolved
Yes - January 2026
Date reported
6 January 2026
Last updated
1 April 2026
Public ID
PID-GDQMQ9
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