When declaring the import of inbound food and meat, the following enterprise registration numbers must be provided to the directly affiliated customs:
(1) the registration number of the overseas production enterprise;
(2) the registration number of the overseas exporter or agent (provided when the manufacturer and exporter are different);
(3) the registration number of the domestic importer.
It is not allowed to import food and meat products from manufacturers that have not registered in the imported food registration system.
Before the sea freight arrives at the port, the importer can make a pre-declaration. Once the goods arrive at the port, the bill of lading is exchanged, the goods are picked up, and the container is transported to the customs designated supervision warehouse. The customs animal inspection department unpacks the container, takes samples, and tests them. Usually about 2 weeks, the goods pass the inspection, and the port customs issues the “Inbound Goods Inspection and Quarantine Certificate”.
The goods are placed in the supervision warehouse and await the test results.
After the customs declaration is completed and the customs releases the goods, the “Inbound Goods Inspection and Quarantine Certificate” issued by the port customs is obtained before the goods can be picked up and sold on the market. For example, if imported fresh and frozen meat products pass the inspection and quarantine, an “Inbound Goods Inspection and Quarantine Certificate” will be issued, and the company can carry out production, processing, sales, and use of the meat.
The “Inbound Goods Inspection and Quarantine Certificate” will indicate the container number, production batch number, manufacturer name and registration number, shipping mark and other information of the imported meat products for easy traceability.
The customs implements a risk warning and rapid response system for quarantine of meat imported to China to promptly control the risks or potential risks found. If the inspection and quarantine fails, an inspection and quarantine notice will be issued. In any of the following circumstances, the products will be returned or destroyed:
(1) There is no valid import animal and plant quarantine license;
(2) There is no relevant certificate issued by the official agency of the exporting country or region;
(3) The imported meat products are produced by unregistered production enterprises;
(4) The items involving personal safety, health and environmental protection fail.
After inspection and quarantine, if the items other than personal safety, health and environmental protection are unqualified, they can be technically processed under the supervision of the customs. Only after they are qualified can they be sold or used.
Determine the HS code, the import tariff rate and the import VAT rate, and estimate the customs import taxes and fees. After completing the formal customs declaration, the customs will issue the “Import Goods Tariff/VAT Payment Receipt”. After the enterprise pays the tax, the customs will release the goods.
In summary, after the customs releases the imported goods, they will be allowed to be sold only after obtaining the “Inspection and Quarantine Certificate of Entry Goods” issued by the directly affiliated customs.