The Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) has just issued Document No. 500/XNK-NH dated May 13, 2026, regarding the implementation of the Regulations on the Management of Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Enterprises Imported into China by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) (Order 280).

According to the Import-Export Department, on March 18, 2026, GACC issued Notice No. 27 of 2026 providing guidance on the implementation of provisions related to Order 280. This information was forwarded to relevant agencies by the Import-Export Department in Document No. 315/XNK-NH dated March 31, 2026.

The Import-Export Department stated that, for risk assessment documents related to Order 280, the product must have an official letter of introduction from the competent authority when registering the business code. The review is conducted based on the level of food safety risk, the percentage of imported shipments that fail to meet requirements, serious food safety incidents that have occurred, and conformity with international practices.

Furthermore, the exclusion of automatic registration code renewal will be considered in cases where business information requires manual updating and verification; where the assessment of the management system by the competent authority and the business must be carried out manually; or when unforeseen incidents related to the product occur at the national, industry, or regional level.

Notably, according to the product categories and assessment conclusions, 17 out of 18 food groups imported into China require business registration in the form of a letter of introduction from a competent authority. Frozen fruits are exempt from this requirement, except for certain products with specific requirements under the protocol.

Regarding the renewal mechanism, most product groups are allowed automatic renewal. However, meat and meat products, and bird's nest and bird's nest products are not eligible for automatic renewal due to being assessed as high-risk.

The Import-Export Department also noted that the detailed risk analysis for 18 groups of food imported into China focuses on aspects such as raw materials, production and processing procedures, transportation and storage, violations, and international management practices.

Specifically, bird's nest products require control over risk factors such as nitrite, aluminum, and disease. Vegetable oils pose potential risks of pest contamination, genetic modification, acid value, and peroxide value. Baked goods with fillings pose risks related to food safety, transportation, and storage.

For rice, the category "cereals for food" has been adjusted to "rice group". Risks noted include the risk of pest contamination, food safety risks, heavy metal residues such as cadmium, and genetically modified rice.

In addition, dried vegetables are at risk of detecting sulfur dioxide, food additives exceeding permissible levels, and heavy metal residues. Spice powders pose risks of mold, excessive acidity and peroxide values, Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria, Salmonella, and ethylene oxide (ETO). Grains and seeds pose risks to food safety and pest spread.

For dairy products, the risks include the potential for zoonotic disease transmission and pathogenic microorganisms such as Listeria and Salmonella. Meanwhile, seafood is susceptible to risks related to aquatic animal diseases, veterinary drug and pesticide residues, microorganisms, parasites, excessive levels of contaminants, and inappropriate labeling.

Source: Vietnam.vn