Hainan Streamlines Import Procedures as China's New Overseas Food Manufacturer Rules Take Effect
Release Time：2026-06-08 Source：hiHainan
China’s updated regulations on the registration and administration of overseas manufacturers of imported food officially took effect on June 1, 2026. These new requirements aim to optimize customs clearance and strengthen full-chain food safety, according to customs authorities.
According to Haikou Customs, the overhaul introduces four major policy shifts designed to streamline trade while maintaining strict safety standards:
Shift to Dynamic Risk Management
The regulatory model has transitioned from a rigid, fixed list to a dynamic, risk-based catalog. Six categories of primary agricultural products—including oilseeds, coarse grains, and fresh vegetables—have been removed from the mandatory official recommendation registration directory. This reduces administrative burdens on low-risk exporters while allowing for precise, risk-stratified oversight.
Streamlined Renewal Processes
Aside from high-risk categories such as meat and bird's nest products, eligible overseas companies’ registration validity will be automatically extended for five years. For those requiring manual renewals, the flexible application window has been expanded to 3 to 12 months prior to expiration, offering businesses a more predictable operating environment.
Fast-Track ‘List-Based’ Access For countries and regions with food safety management systems formally recognized by China, a streamlined ‘list-based’ registration process will allow competent authorities in those areas to submit company lists directly, significantly accelerating market access. Comprehensive Full-Chain Supervision To close regulatory gaps, the new rules expand supervision to include overseas cold storage facilities that store land animal derived foods and aquatic products. This ensures complete accountability across the entire international supply chain. To ensure a seamless transition, Haikou Customs has advised domestic importers to coordinate closely with overseas partners and take the following steps: Verify Risk Categories: Identify whether products fall under high-risk or general-risk categories to apply the correct registration protocols. Monitor Validity Status: Pay close attention to registration expiration dates, particularly for high-risk items such as meat and bird's nest products in order to complete renewals or modifications in time. Standardize Labeling and Declarations: Ensure Chinese registration numbers are accurately declared during customs entry and properly affixed on both inner and outer product packaging to prevent clearance delays.