China tightens animal-food imports: Vietnam issues compliance guide

The newly standardized protocols focus on product classification, processing facility requirements, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) audit procedures, and the validity terms of export registration codes.

Products subject to competent authority registration

Under the updated framework, China requires specific categories of animal-derived foods to be audited and officially recommended by Vietnam’s competent authority prior to registration. These product categories include:

• Meat and meat products (including poultry and processed meats).
• Eggs and egg products.
• Milk and dairy products.
• Edible bird’s nests and derived products.
• Honey and bee products.
• Natural casings (animal intestines).

Critical industry note: Unlike other categories, the registration codes for meat (including poultry) and bird’s nest products will not be automatically renewed. Exporters within these sectors must proactively complete periodic renewal procedures to maintain market access.

Additionally, China’s food safety oversight has expanded beyond processing plants. The registration mandate now covers cold storage facilities housing terrestrial animal and seafood products, representing a major tightening of cold-chain import controls.

Compliance requirements and registration dossiers

To secure a GACC export registration code, Vietnamese establishments must demonstrate full compliance with a stringent set of standards:

• Legal status: Facilities must operate legally under the direct supervision and monitoring of Vietnam’s competent veterinary authority.
• Quality management systems: Businesses must establish and maintain an effective food safety management system that strictly aligns with China’s national food safety standards (GB standards).
• Official recommendation: Facilities must undergo audits by the Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary Medicine (or regional veterinary offices) to obtain a satisfactory evaluation report and an official recommendation letter addressed to the GACC.

Registration dossier specifications

Dossiers can be submitted to the GACC either directly by the enterprise or through an authorized agent, in English or Chinese. Key documentation includes:

1. Valid business licenses.
2. A formal declaration of compliance with Decree No. 280.
3. Information on authorized representative personnel.
4. Inspection/audit reports accompanied by the official recommendation letter from Vietnam’s competent authority.

Note: The GACC reserves the right to request further technical clarification regarding production processes and actual facilities where necessary.

GACC audit procedures and 5-year code validity

Upon receiving the application, Chinese customs authorities will review the dossiers based on product-specific risk profiles. The GACC may employ a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Document/dossier reviews.
• Video-based virtual inspections/interviews.
• On-site facility audits.

Approved facilities will be granted a unique export registration code for customs clearance. In cases of rejection, the GACC will provide a written explanation outlining the grounds for refusal.

Once approved, the export registration code is valid for five years.

The GACC will publish and maintain the list of approved and registered enterprises on its official online portal.

Vietnam’s Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary Medicine advises all exporters to thoroughly study the new regulations to prevent supply chain disruptions.

For assistance or troubleshooting during the implementation phase, businesses can contact the Animal Quarantine and Community Veterinary Division of the Department.