Crab export Mainly blue crabs and flower crabs of the genus Portunus, delivered live or frozen and processed. To export crabs to China officially, the shipment must come from a facility registered with Chinese Customs through the introduction of Vietnamese authorities, with a valid certificate and matching information on all documents.
What is crab and how is it different from crab?
Crabs are a group of marine crustaceans with flat shells, both sides of the shell elongated into sharp spines, and the last legs are flat like oars to help them swim well. Compared to mud crabs, crabs have thinner shells, sweet meat and often live in sandy waters, farther from shore.
- Blue crab: The carapace is blue with white spots, the male has long, strikingly colored claws.
- Flower crab: Apricot has a pattern, medium size, popular for restaurants.
- Processed crab: Steamed and frozen whole crabs, shelled crab meat, cut crab pieces.
Crab quality standards for export
Crabs are weaker than crabs and can easily die during transportation, so the initial selection stage is very important. Buyers often check the following criteria:
- Live crabs are healthy, have quick reflexes, and have enough claws and swimming legs.
- The shell is firm, not squishy (little meat), no strange smell.
- Uniform size according to number of fish per kg or weight per animal.
- For frozen goods: microbiological criteria, heavy metals, and residues according to the requirements of the importing country.
Preserving live and frozen crabs
Live crabs are often cooled slowly to reduce activity, layered in foam boxes with clean moisturizing materials, with ice separated to prevent direct contact. The time from packing to delivery should be as short as possible.
Processed crabs are steamed or pre-processed, quickly frozen and kept in a continuous cold chain from warehouse to refrigerated container.
| Product form | Popular specifications | Control point |
|---|---|---|
| Live crab | Styrofoam box keeps moisture and cools slightly | Survival rate, transit time |
| Frozen whole crabs | Steamed or fresh, frozen, bagged and cartoned | Cold chain temperature, glazing |
| Crab meat | Box or bag, quick freezing | Microbiology in meat separation |
What does it take to export crabs to China?
Seafood imported into China is under the management of China Customs (GACC). Order 280 on registration of foreign food production enterprises takes effect from June 1, 2026, replacing Order 248; The registration code under Order 248 is still valid and can still be used.
The facility must be registered
Facilities that hold, prepare, process or pack crabs must have a valid registration code. Seafood belongs to the group that must be reviewed and introduced by the Vietnamese competent authority (NAFIQPM), businesses do not register themselves instead of this step. If the production address or legal representative is changed, the facility must re-register.
Species and product form must be permitted
Crab species and product types (live, frozen, processed) must be on the list that China allows import from Vietnam. Businesses should check again before signing the contract.
Deed and information match
Each lot needs a deed issued by a Vietnamese authority. The facility name, registration code, species name, volume on the deed, label, invoice and declaration must match. China Customs does not charge registration fees; Only use the official site customs.gov.cn or singlewindow.cn.
Other markets and general documents
Markets such as Korea, Japan, the US or the EU all have their own requirements on traceability, residue and labeling, businesses should check with competent authorities before each new application. Document sets usually include contracts, commercial invoices, packing slips, bills of lading, deeds and certificates of origin when needed.
What stages does Andwind support?
Andwind supports reviewing facility registration conditions, preparing documents to work with competent authorities, declaring customs, completing quarantine procedures and arranging appropriate transportation for live crabs or cold goods.
Frequently asked questions
Do live crabs need a GACC registration code?
Have. Crabs are aquatic products, so relevant establishments need to be registered through referral from Vietnamese authorities. Without a valid code, the shipment may be refused customs clearance.
Are live crabs or frozen crabs easier to export?
Frozen crabs have less risk of loss and can be shipped by sea, while live crabs require short transportation times. The choice depends on the buyer and the cold chain capacity of the business.
What is the impact of having the wrong species name on the deed?
Information mismatch between the certificate, label and declaration is a common reason why shipments are detained. Businesses should carefully compare all documents before exporting.
Conclude
Crabs are a valuable commodity but are sensitive to preservation. Select goods carefully, keep the cold chain stable and prepare registration documents and certificates according to regulations to help the crab batch clear customs smoothly.
Need advice on procedures, codes or shipping? Contact Andwind – Zalo 0967948685 · andwind.vn