1. Why are your imported animal and plant products always "held up" by customs?

In my 20 years of foreign trade experience, Ive seen too many companies stumble due to unfamiliarity with registration systems. In 2018, a client importing beef from South America discovered upon arrival that the supplier hadnt completed registration, resulting in the entire shipment being returned with losses reaching $2 million

According to Article 17 of the Implementation Regulations of the Law of the Peoples Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine,All foreign production, processing, and storage facilities exporting animal and plant products to China must complete customs registration.This seemingly simple procedure actually contains hidden complexities:

• Time costThe statutory processing time is 20 working days, but it may take longer for products being exported to China for the first time.
• Documentation requirements: Requires 7 types of key documents issued by the exporting countrys authorities.
• Implicit thresholds: Enterprise facilities and management systems must comply with Chinese standards.

II. Analysis of Three Core Registration Points

1. Application Requirements: Not all enterprises can "get on board."

Last year when assisting an Australian dairy factory with registration, we identified gaps in their HACCP certification. It took 3 months of rectification to meet standards, which reminds us:

• Enterprises must comply with both exporting country and Chinese standards.
• Products must be approved for free sale in the exporting country.
• A complete traceability system is required.

2. Application Materials: Missing Even One Could "Derail the Process"

The most commonly overlooked requirement isthe evaluation report from the exporting countrys competent authority.In 2019, a Southeast Asian aquatic product company had their application rejected due to missing this original document.

The complete documentation checklist includes:

• Animal epidemic prevention regulations of the exporting country (Chinese and English versions).
• Description of the official laboratory testing system.
• Enterprise registration information and product sales certification.

3. Application Process: Three-Step Strategy

Among the 12 cases handled last year, companies that adopted the "pre-review - rectification - formal submission" strategy saw a 40% increase in approval rates.

1. Recommendation stage: Screening by the exporting countrys competent authority.
2. Review stage: Customs may dispatch experts for on-site inspections.
3. Registration stage: Approved enterprises are published on the General Administration of Customs website.

III. Practical Experience Sharing from a Veteran Foreign Trade Professional

1. Time Management: Allow Sufficient Buffer Period

We recommend initiating registration 6 months before signing trade contracts because:

• Document preparation typically requires 2 months on average.
• Official reviews may request supplementary materials.
• First-time exports to China face stricter scrutiny.

2. Material Preparation: Pay Attention to These "Devilish Details"

A case we handled last week: A Brazilian beef factory faced issues due to unclear product usage descriptions caused by translation errors. Remember:

• All foreign language documents require professional translation
• Company addresses must be precise down to the house number
• Product ingredients must list all raw materials

3. Follow-up Management: Registration is not a "once-and-for-all" solution.

In 2017, a New Zealand milk powder factory failed to declare changes in its production line, resulting in the suspension of its registration qualification. Note:

• Company information changes must be reported within 30 days
• Annual audits by the exporting countrys competent authority are required
• Export suspension requires active application for deregistration

IV. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is the registration valid?
A: Typically 2-3 years, subject toCustoms Announcement.

Q: Can small businesses handle the process themselves?
A: Yes, but professional agents are recommended. Our case studies show a 35% higher approval rate with professional agents versus self-application.

Q: Can we reapply after rejection?
A: Yes, but previous issues must be resolved. Last year, a Chilean cherry packaging factory passed on its second attempt after rectifications.

最后提醒：海關(guān)總署網(wǎng)站（http://online.customs.gov.cn）可查詢最新注冊企業(yè)名單，有任何疑問歡迎撥打12360咨詢。記住，合規(guī)永遠(yuǎn)是進(jìn)出口貿(mào)易的第一要務(wù)！