China Import Feed & Feed Additives: Key Compliance Updates
China has introduced several important regulatory changes for imported feed and feed additives since 2025.
For overseas manufacturers planning to enter the Chinese market, the following requirements are particularly important.
1. Risk-Based Inspection
Under GACC Announcement No. 257 of 2025, imported feed and feed additives are classified into four risk levels (I–IV). Different risk levels are subject to different inspection and quarantine measures.
2. Some Products No Longer Require Quarantine Approval
GACC Announcement No. 77 of 2024 cancelled quarantine approval requirements for certain products, including some plant-based feed materials and feed-grade fish meal.
However, products must still come from approved countries/regions and GACC-registered overseas establishments, and remain subject to inspection and quarantine requirements.
3. Feed Additives: GACC + MARA
Feed additives are subject to two key requirements:
* GACC registration for overseas manufacturers
* MARA import registration for applicable feed additives
Products requiring MARA registration must obtain an Import Feed/Feed Additive Registration Certificate before being legally sold or used in China.
4. Chinese Label Compliance
Imported feed products must comply with China’s GB 10648 Feed Label standard.
Common issues include inconsistent production dates, incomplete information, or Chinese labels being covered or incorrectly displayed.
5. Importer Records & Traceability
Importers must maintain business records for imported feed. Under GACC Order No. 283, effective November 1, 2026, the required record-retention period will increase from 2 years to at least 3 years.
Companies should also maintain effective product traceability and recall procedures.
6. Animal-Origin Feed: Market Access
Animal-origin feed, including fish meal, fish oil, meat meal and certain pet food products, must meet China’s specific market-access requirements.
The exporting country/region and overseas manufacturing establishment must meet the relevant GACC requirements before shipment.
7. Inspection at Import
At the port of entry, GACC may verify documents, product information, packaging and labels, and conduct sampling and laboratory testing according to the applicable inspection requirements.
What Should Overseas Manufacturers Do?
Before exporting feed or feed additives to China, manufacturers should confirm:
① Is the country/region approved?
② Is the manufacturing establishment GACC registered?
③ Does the product require MARA registration?
④ Does the Chinese label comply with applicable standards?
China’s feed market continues to offer opportunities for international manufacturers, but market access and regulatory compliance should be addressed before shipment.
