New Registration Process for Exporting to China

All wineries exporting to China are required to register with the China’s General Administration of Customs. The facility registration applies to all wines leaving a U.S. port on January 1, 2022. Wineries can self-register and the registration number must be listed on the customs declaration. In addition, for any wines produced after that date, the registration number must be listed on the inner and outer packaging. Wines produced in 2021 or earlier, do not need to have the registration number on the labels. 

Wine Institute held a webinar with local expert, Edison Tang, Chief Operating Officer of Food-Coordinate, to explain the details about the registration process; access the webinar recording and the Power Point presentation. Further questions about the process can be directed to Tang via email at edison.tang@food-coordinate.com . 

As you fill out the registration website, there are some important links to review which will make the process easier. This information represents our knowledge of the registration process at this time. We advise you to keep in close contact with your importer.  

Registration Website 

To start the registration process, you will need to create a login name and password here. The website has occasional outages. If this happens, please try again after few hours. 

Background Information and Guide 

The U.S. Office of Agricultural Trade in Beijing has prepared a “GAIN” report on Decree 248 with background information and a registration guide with screenshots. Wineries can self-register, meaning it is not required to follow the processes listed for “Article 7” products listed in the guide. 

HS Codes 

Harmonized System (HS) Codes classify goods traded internationally. You will need to know the HS Code of the wines you are exporting. The U.S. codes have a search tool, accessed here. China’s HS Codes could be slightly different, it is recommended to confirm the codes with the importer in China. The HS Codes are also frequently listed on the customs declaration. 

FEI Lookup Tool 

In the registration process, China will request a number associated with the U.S. Competent Authority. Because the registration is related to food safety, it is recommended to use the  FDA Facility Establishment Identifier (FEI) number. You can search for the winery’s FEI number here. Website registration is required. Wineries may use the FEI number on the customs declaration forms and on the inner and outer packaging, or the number generated in China’s registration process can be used. 

Additional Resources

Vino Joy Dec. 31, 2021 article