Imported foodCosmetics Filing: The "Passport" for Foreign Trade Enterprises

As a seasoned foreign trade professional with 20 years of experience in import and export trade, I fully understand the importance of registration for imported food and cosmetics. It is like the "driver's license" in our industry—without it, even the best products cannot enter the Chinese market. According to the "Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Administrative Measures for the Safety of Imported and Exported Food," all overseas exporters or agents exporting food and cosmetics to China must complete the registration procedures.

Good news: The registration process has been greatly simplified:

• Full online processingNo more running around - complete it at home
• 5 working daysGuanteed processing time for efficiency
• Zero feesCustoms does not charge any registration fees

Registration essentials: Do you meet these conditions?

Before starting registration, confirm the following points:

• You must beAn overseas food and cosmetics exporter or agent
• PrepareBasic company informationName, address, contact person, etc.
• Ensure informationAuthentic and valid, customs will verify
• Commit to being able to contact relevant personnel through the filed information in case of emergencies

I remember serving a French cosmetics company where incorrect contact phone numbers led to the filing being rejected, causing a two-week delay. ThereforeDetails determine success, carefully verify every piece of information.

Step-by-step guide to completing registration application

The filing process is actually quite simple, just follow my steps:

Step 1: Register an account

Log in to the "Internet + Customs" integrated platform (http://online.customs.gov.cn), complete the registration in the "Enterprise Management and Inspection" section. It is recommended to use a corporate email for registration to facilitate receiving customs notifications.

Step 2: Fill out the application form

The form content includes:

• Basic company information
• Country/Region
• Types of products handled
• Contact information

Professional tip: Accurately fill in the product types, as this will affect subsequent customs supervision requirements. For example, the regulatory standards for food and cosmetics are quite different.

Step 3: Submit and wait for review

After submission, customs will complete the review withinWithin 5 working days. Upon approval, you will receive a filing number and be included in the list of overseas exporters published by customs. If rejected, make the necessary corrections based on the feedback and resubmit.

Post-registration considerations

Obtaining the filing number is not the end, but the starting point of compliant operations:

• Timely updates for information changes: Changes in address, contacts, etc., must be reported to customs within 30 days
• Maintain open communication channels: Customs may contact the company through the filed information
• Cooperate with customs inspections: May need to provide relevant product documentation

Last year, there was a case where an Italian olive oil exporter changed its CEO but did not update the filing information, leading to customs being unable to contact them and the products being detained at the port for 10 days. Such losses are entirely avoidable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the validity period of the filing?

A: Currently, there is no explicit validity period for the filing, but updates are required when company information changes.

Q: Can one company register multiple product categories?

A: Yes, truthfully fill in all food and cosmetics categories handled in the application form.

Q: What to do if the registration is rejected?

A: Carefully review the rejection reason, usually due to incomplete or inaccurate information. Correct and resubmit; it will not affect the final filing.

Professional advice: 3 tips to make registration smoother

Based on years of experience, I have summarized the following recommendations:

• Prepare materials in advance: Organize company information, product lists, etc., to avoid last-minute searches
• Use translated documents: Prepare professional translations for non-Chinese materials
• Consult customs hotline: Call 12360 Customs Service Hotline for assistance

Remember, filing is the first and most crucial step in importing food and cosmetics. Proper filing ensures smooth customs clearance and subsequent sales. If you encounter any issues during the filing process, feel free to consult us "veteran traders" at any time.