I. Why Do Foreign Plant Product Companies Need Registration?

As a professional with 20 years of experience in foreign trade, I am often asked by international clients: "Why do our plant products need to be registered to enter the Chinese market?" This is actually an important protective measure by China Customs.

According to Article 17 of the Implementation Regulations of the Law of the Peoples Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine, China implements a registration system for foreign production, processing, and storage facilities exporting plant products to China. This system has three main purposes:

• Ensuring the biosafety of imported plant products
• Preventing risks of invasive alien species
• Protecting domestic agricultural production safety and consumer health

II. Key Time Nodes for Registration

In practice, many foreign enterprises are most concerned about processing timelines. According to Customs regulations:

• Commitment processing period: Within 20 working days after receiving the list of recommended enterprises from foreign authorities
• Special circumstances: May be extended by 10 working days with approval from responsible personnel
• Exceptions: Excluding cases involving first-time quarantine access matters for China

From my years of experience,early preparation and complete documentationare key to shortening review time. Enterprises are advised to allow at least 3 months preparation before formal application.

III. Key Points for Preparing Application Materials

Application materials are the core of registration. Requirements vary by application type:

1. Essential Materials for First-Time Applications

• Relevant national laws, regulations and standards (animal/plant epidemics, pesticide residues, etc.)
• Structure and personnel of competent authorities
• Basic enterprise information (name, address, official approval number)
• Detailed product information (name, materials, purpose, etc.)
• Evaluation questionnaire from competent authorities

2. Other application materials

• Renewal application: Same materials as registration
• Modification application: Change certificate issued by exporting country authorities
• Cancellation application: Cancellation application issued by exporting country authorities

Special Reminders: All materials must be authentic, complete and valid, otherwise applications may be returned or delayed.

IV. Complete Registration Process Analysis

According to Customs regulations, the registration process has three main stages:

1. Recommendation stage

Foreign enterprises must first pass review by their national authorities, who then recommend qualified enterprises to Chinas General Administration of Customs. This is the first and crucial step.

2. Review stage

GACC will thoroughly review recommendation materials and may:

• Consult with exporting country authorities
• Dispatch experts for on-site inspection

3. Registration stage

Qualified enterprises will receive registration, with results:

• Notified to exporting country authorities via official letter
• Published on GACC website

V. Three Keys to Successful Registration

Based on my experience assisting foreign enterprises with registration, three keys to successful approval are:

• Understanding Chinese quarantine requirements in advance: Researching Chinas access standards for similar products
• Close coordination with national authorities: Ensuring completeness and authority of recommendation materials
• Establishing robust quality control systems: This is key to passing on-site inspections

Finally, I remind international enterprises that registration is just the first step - ongoing compliance with Customs supervision is required. For inquiries, call 12360 Customs hotline.

May this article help foreign plant product enterprises successfully enter Chinas market. Remember: compliance is the foundation of international trade, and preparation is key to success!