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Kazakhstan Feed Wheat Flour Imports Face Stricter Chinese Customs Regulations

China Customs Strengthens Import Controls — Exporters Should Pay Close Attention to Compliance Requirements

On July 20, 2026, China Customs introduced new regulatory requirements for feed barley and wheat mixed flour (HS Code 23023000), further strengthening import supervision through stricter inspection criteria, overseas manufacturer registration, and declaration requirements.

Following the standardized declaration name introduced in March 2026, China’s regulatory framework for imported feed grain products from Central Asia continues to evolve. Both importers and overseas manufacturers are now facing higher compliance standards.

These new measures are expected not only to affect the export of Kazakhstan’s feed wheat flour products to China, but also to promote a more standardized and transparent import market for feed ingredients.

一、Testing Parameters Become Key Criteria for Product Classification

In March 2026, China Customs standardized the declaration name for feed wheat products, requiring products previously declared as “Feed Wheat Flour” to be uniformly declared as:Feed Barley and Wheat Mixed Flour

At the same time, overseas manufacturers were required to complete the necessary registration procedures before exporting to China, helping standardize import declarations from the source.

The latest regulatory update further strengthens technical inspection requirements by designating net ash content and starch content as important criteria for customs classification.

According to the current classification rules:

* Products with net ash content greater than 2.6% or starch content below 45% may be classified as Feed Barley and Wheat Mixed Flour.

* Products with net ash content of 2.6% or below may instead be classified as wheat grain.

These two classifications are subject to different import tariffs, quota management policies, and customs requirements.

The purpose of the new policy is to clearly define classification boundaries and prevent inconsistent product declarations from being used to circumvent regulatory requirements.

二、 Stricter Regulations Shift Competition Toward Compliance

In the short term, overseas suppliers will need to invest additional resources in:

* Product testing;

* Manufacturer registration;

* Documentation preparation;

* Import compliance review.

Smaller processing facilities that fail to meet testing requirements or lack the necessary qualifications may face restrictions on exports to China.

In the long run, however, stronger regulation will improve the quality of imported feed ingredients and create greater market opportunities for manufacturers with stable production capabilities and well-established quality management systems.

Competition in China’s imported feed market is expected to gradually shift from price competition to quality and regulatory compliance.

三、 Overseas Feed Manufacturers Should Prepare for GACC Registration

As China’s import supervision continues to strengthen, Chinese importers and trading companies should carefully verify the qualifications of overseas suppliers and ensure product compliance before importation.

For overseas feed manufacturers planning to export to China on a long-term basis, GACC registration is a key requirement.

GACC Registration for Overseas Manufacturers

Under China’s import feed regulations, overseas feed manufacturers exporting eligible products to China must comply with the registration requirements of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

In most cases, manufacturers must first be reviewed and officially recommended by the competent authority of the exporting country before obtaining GACC registration and eligibility to export to China.

四、 Compliance Has Become the Foundation for Entering the Chinese Market

As China’s regulatory system for imported feed products continues to improve, overseas manufacturers should incorporate compliance planning into every stage of their export strategy.

Key areas of focus include:

* China market access requirements;

* GACC registration for overseas manufacturers;

* Product standards and labeling compliance;

* End-to-end import compliance and risk management.

Early compliance planning is essential to ensure smooth and sustainable access to the Chinese market.