Does old code have to be redone?
Order 280 of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) on registration of enterprises producing imported food abroad takes effect from June 1, 2026, replacing Order 248. The question many businesses ask is whether the old code can still be used.
Short answer: If the registration code under Order 248 is still valid, it can still be used. Businesses do not need to panic, and also do not need to pay anyone to "change the code". China Customs does not charge registration fees.
3 situations that cause code to crash
1. Expired code
The registration code must be valid at the time the goods are imported into China. Shipments arriving at the border when the manufacturer's code has expired may be rejected. Businesses should monitor expiration dates and prepare to renew early.
2. Change the address of the production facility or legal representative
According to Order 280, when an establishment changes its production address or legal representative, the enterprise must re-register. Many factories move locations or change directors but forget this step, only to find out when the shipment is detained.
3. Information does not match between documents
The name, address, and code on the registration system must match the packaging, certificate, and declaration. Even a small difference can cause the shipment to be delayed in customs clearance.
How to avoid
- Save a list of currently used codes (yours and the supplier's) with their expiration dates.
- Before changing any company legal information, check the impact on the registration code.
- Compare the "4 matches" before each batch: code - certificate - packaging - declaration.
- Only search and register through the official system of China Customs; Do not enter information or pay fees on third-party websites claiming to be "GACC".
Reference source: Center for WTO and Integration - "Proactively adapting to Order 280 when exporting food to China": https://trungtamwto.vn/tin-tuc/31992-chu-dong-thich-ung-voi-lenh-280-khi-xuat-khau-thuc-pham-sang-trung-quoc; Vietnam News (March 27, 2026): https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1778205/china-tightens-rules-on-imported-food-from-viet-nam.html.
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