Under China’s Pet Feed Management Measures issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), pet food is defined as industrially processed products intended for consumption by dogs, cats, and other pets, and is classified as feed. This guide outlines clearance requirements for exporting pet food.
I. Qualifications Required for Pet Food Manufacturers Dedicated to Export Markets
Pursuant to regulations such as the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Feeds and Feed Additives and the Announcement on Adjusting Supervision Requirements for Import & Export Goods, the General Administration of Customs implements a registration system for feed manufacturers dedicated to export markets. All exported feed must originate from registered manufacturers targeting at export markets. However, manufacturers of exported feed and feed additives are exempt from Customs registration if the destination country or region imposes no registration requirements.
II. Registration Requirements for Pet Food Manufacturers Dedicated to Export Markets
(I) For factory premises, processes, equipment, and facilities:
1. Factory premises shall be away from industrial pollution sources and maintain appropriate distance from livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and residential areas;
2. The layout of factories and workshops shall be reasonable, with clear separation between production, living, and office areas;
3. Process design shall be rational and comply with safety and hygiene requirements;
4. Factory premises, equipment, and storage facilities compatible with production capacity shall be provided;
5. Facilities for the prevention and control of pests, such as rodents, flies, storage pests, and birds, shall be installed.
(II) A quality management institution and professional technical personnel suited to the products produced shall be staffed.
(III) Testing capability appropriate for safety and hygiene control shall be equipped.
(IV) Management systems as listed below shall be established and implemented:
1. Position Responsibility System;
2. Personnel training system;
3. Health check system for employee;
4. A quality management system established based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, conducting self-inspection and self-control through risk analysis;
5. Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures (SSOP);
6. Evaluation and acceptance system for qualified suppliers of raw and auxiliary materials as well as packaging materials;
7. Feed labeling management system and product traceability system;
8. Waste and wastewater treatment system;
9. Customer complaint handling system;
10. Emergency management system for quality and safety incidents.
(V) Compliance with export inspection and quarantine requirements separately formulated by the General Administration of Customs for each category of feed products is mandatory.
III. Documents Required for Registering a Pet Food Manufacturer Dedicated to Export Markets
(I) A completed Application Form for Inspection and Quarantine Registration of Export Feed Production, Processing and Storage Manufacturers;
(II) Relevant approval documents, such as review approvals, production licenses, and product approval numbers as required by the national authority for feed administration;
(III) A production process flowchart indicating critical technical parameters (except where confidential business information is involved);
(IV) A layout plan of the production facility, supported by photographs or video of key operational areas;
(V) A detailed list of products and raw materials to be covered under the registration.
IV. Registration Procedures for Pet Food Manufacturers Dedicated to Export Markets
Enterprises should submit applications and upload required documents via the integrated online service platform of "Internet plus Customs". Upon receiving the application, Customs shall form an evaluation team to assess the manufacturers dedicated to export markets who apply for the registration. Customs shall render a decision on registration approval or rejection within 20 days from the date of application acceptance. Approved registrations become effective immediately upon issuance of the Decision on Granting Administrative License, with a validity period of five years. Upon request, enterprises will also receive a Registration Certificate of Inspection and Quarantine of Enterprises Engaging in Production, Processing and Storage of Exported Feed. Applicants may check the status of their application through the Service Hotline 12360 or the online administrative approval platform of Customs.
V. Declaration Procedures for Export Pet Food
Owners of pet food to be exported or their agents shall declare to the local Customs authority through China International Trade Single Window. Customs exercises supervision over export pet food according to:
(I) Inspection and quarantine requirements of the importing country or region;
(II) Bilateral agreements, protocols, and memoranda;
(III) Chinese laws and regulations, mandatory standards, and relevant inspection and quarantine requirements;
(IV) Quarantine requirements as specified in the trade contract or letter of credit.
Upon passing on-site inspection, an electronic ledger and relevant inspection and quarantine certificates should be issued by Customs.
(by an author from Qingdao Customs)
