GACC Registration Certificate

What to Keep in Mind for GACC Registration for Indian Exporters?

It's not just about paperwork when it comes to China's food safety, quality, and traceability standards. The key points that you need to keep in mind for the GACC registration for Indian exporters are as follows:

• A registered business enterprise (LLP, partnership, or company).
• A valid import-export code.
• FSSAI license — state or central: make sure it's not a registration.
• Food safety management systems like HACCP, ISO 22000, or FSSC 22000.
• Food traceability in place — to track progress from raw materials to end products.
• A recommendation from the FSSAI and the relevant authorities (pathway 1 only).
• An EIA or MPEDA permit for seafood, dairy, and meat exporters.
• Compliance with Chinese rules for pesticide and contaminants maximum limits.
• Proper protocols for pest control and allergen management.
• Microbiological testing is needed if required by your food item.

Who Are GACC Registered Exporters and Establishments?

Any business looking to export food-related goods to China should get approval. The list of businesses and entities that are GACC registered exporters and establishments is as follows:

• Overseas Food Manufacturers
• Processors
• Warehousing Facilities
• Aquaculture Firms
• Dairy Processing Plants
• Plant-based and agricultural food exporters
• Producers of animal products like dairy and meat
• Dry and cold Storage facilities
• Grains, Seafood, Nuts, Spices, Oilseeds, and Packed Food Businesses
• Dietary and Health-Related Food

How to Get a GACC Certificate for Food Export Under Pathway 1?

Unlike direct online filing, the process is a little different for high-risk products. Check out how Corpbiz will help you get a GACC certificate for food export under Pathway 1, as explained below:

1. Step: Categorize Your Products
   Check whether your goods need additional recommendations from an authority like FSSAI, EIA, or APEDA for specific high-risk foods. Very important step, as it determines your actual timeline for the GACC approval, which could go for 30-90 days.
2. Step: Compliance Upgrade
   If your products are under the high-risk category, then you need to match hygiene, HACCP regulations, and lab testing protocols as per China's food safety protocols.
3. Step: Prepare Your Documents
   In this stage, all you need to do is gather your paperwork, like incorporation paperwork, business/FSSAI license, your food safety management systems, photographs, a list of all products, and a declaration Form.
4. Step: Application
   We'll send your application documents to the FSSAI, EIA, or any related authority for GACC food registration under the risky food category.
5. Step: Examination
   The recommending authorities/GACC will review your application and may follow up for additional documents or seek clarification if they have any questions — but you don't worry about anything, Corpbiz will handle everything for you as your compliance partner.
6. Step: Inspection
   You can also expect a site visit or an audit if you're dealing with seafood, dairy, or meat-related items.
7. Step: Recommendation to the GACC and Review
   After the site inspection, the government authorities will recommend your company to the GACC. The latter would review your documents and schedule a physical visit to your facility or an online inspection via video conferencing.
8. Step: Grant of the GACC License
   You will receive approval by the authorities if they are satisfied with your factory's production capacity, hygiene, and safety management for high-risk food items as per their standards.

What are the Types of Pathways for GACC Registration Certificates?

Want to know which registration is suitable for your food export to China? Contact Corpbiz and check the eligibility within minutes. The types of pathways for GACC registration certificates are as follows:

• Pathway 1: Recommended by the Government
  If you're a high-risk food manufacturer or producer, then you need to get approval through the recommendation of the FSSAI, EIA, MPEDA, or APEDA. All you need to do is submit your application to these authorities, who would, in turn, review your papers and forward your documents to the GACC.
• Pathway 2: Self-Registration on the CIFER Portal
  Food items that aren't a part of the 18 high-risk list, like chocolates, tea, and packaged snacks, then you can apply for the GACC license through the CIFER portal. Very simple registration — used by mid-range producers and food processors. Just upload your documents and complete the Form to get the registration number.

GACC Approval Under the Pathway 2 Registration Via the Online CIFER Portal

You don't need extra approval for food items like nuts, seeds, snacks, or packaged items. A simple online filing through the CIFER portal is enough for the GACC approval under the Pathway 2 registration.

• Make sure your product doesn't come under the 18 categories.
• Create an account with the CIFER to start the process.
• Fill out the form with your documents, especially the compliance declaration.
• Submit it and wait for approval.
• The GACC will check your application and approve your registration.
• Receive your certificate/ID number. You can now display the number on your inner and outer packaging.