China’s new registration and labelling rules for imported food products start 1 January 2022
China’s new registration and product labelling requirements for imported food products (including wine) take effect on 1 January 2022. These requirements apply to all countries, including Australia.
What does this mean for wine?
The changes means that, from 1 January 2022:
- wine production and storage facilities handling wine exported to China must be registered with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) through China’s International Trade Single Window System before the product will be cleared for import to China
- wine and wine products packaged/bottled or loaded into bulk tanks/vessels in preparation for export after 1 January 2022 will be required to bear the registration number issued by GACC, and
- customs clearance documentation for product shipped from 1 January 2022 will be required to include the GACC registration number and exporters are encouraged to liaise with their importers to ensure this occurs.
Wine production and storage facilities impacted
Impacted facilities are encouraged to self-register as soon as possible to avoid delays or trade disruptions when the new requirements take effect.
This may include:
- the facility at which packaging/bottling occurred (for packaged/bottled product), or
- the place from which product was transferred to the bulk tanks/vessels in which it is exported (for bulk product).
Self-registration
If your facility is impacted, you will need to self-register your business through China’s International Trade Single Window System. Prompt registration is encouraged to avoid delays or trade disruptions when the new requirements take effect.
The China International Trade Single Window System is owned and operated by GACC and Australian Government departments have no control over the information submitted. You are encouraged to work closely with your importer and seek assistance from GACC to navigate the system.
Please note that the self-registration process may require a substantial amount of information and time to complete. You may be required to provide information that is not readily accessible.
Labelling
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) understands that GACC intends to enforce product labelling requirements to food products (including wine) on or after 1 January 2022.
To reduce the risk of clearance delays after 1 January 2022, the department recommends that impacted businesses start applying their GACC-issued registration number (or other recommended number) to labels as soon as possible.
For wine and wine products, this means:
- bottled/packaged product will be required to include the registration number on individual bottles
- bulk tanks/vessels in which product is exported must also bear the registration number, and
- the registration number must appear on Chinese customs declaration documentation relating to wine and wine product that leaves Australia after 1 January 2022, regardless of when the product was bottled or loaded in bulk tanks/vessels.
Support for those impacted
Included below are links to Australian Government resources to assist those impacted. However, please note, the Single Window registration system is owned and administered by GACC and the Australian Government does not have oversight of the information submitted. The advice below may change if China provides further information or the Single Widow is modified.
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