China: GACC Changes Policy on Packaged Food Labels for First Shipments

On April 22, 2019, the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) issued a Public Notice concerning the Oversight of Labels for Imported and Exported Pre-packaged Foods (GACC Public Notice [2019] No.70). According to the notice, beginning on October 1, 2019, companies are no longer required to file imported food labels with GACC before the first shipment. The new regulation will reduce the administrative burden on traders shipping packaged food to China. However, upon detection of any labelling non-conformities, GACC may take action pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations, including detaining, destroying or rejecting the non-compliant shipment. This report contains an unofficial translation of the GACC Notice.

China: GACC Changes Policy on Packaged Food Labels for First Shipments