China’s GB Standards (Guobiao National Standards) are mandatory for all imported foods. They cover safety, quality, additives, contaminants, and labeling to ensure compliance at customs.

Key GB Standards for Imported Food:

• GB 7718-2025 — General rules for prepackaged food labeling (effective March 2027; covers ingredients, allergens, importer details).
• GB 28050-2025 — Nutrition labeling rules (energy, protein, fat, carbs, sodium).
• GB 2760 — Permitted food additives and usage limits.
• GB 2762 — Maximum levels of contaminants (heavy metals, mycotoxins).
• GB 5009 series — Testing methods for microbes, nutrition, etc.
• Product-specific GBs (e.g., dairy, aquatic products, food contact materials).

Imported prepackaged foods require Chinese labels matching GB rules. Overseas manufacturers must register with GACC (Decree 280 effective June 2026). Non-compliance leads to rejection at ports like Shanghai. Always verify latest updates via SAMR/GACC.

Verifying ingredients ensures compliance with China’s strict food safety rules before export.

Steps to Verify Food Ingredients for China:

1. Check GB 2760 for permitted additives and maximum levels.
2. Confirm nutrition fortifiers against GB 14880.
3. Ensure no unapproved novel ingredients (requires NHC pre-approval if new).
4. List ingredients in descending order by weight (per GB 7718).
5. Declare allergens clearly.
6. Conduct GB-compliant testing in accredited Chinese labs (contaminants, microbes, nutrition).
7. Include GACC registration number on labels and declarations (mandatory from June 2026 under Decree 280).

Use official databases or consultants for accurate translation and compliance. Wrong ingredients can cause full shipment rejection at China customs.

Label compliance is a top reason for food import holds or rejections at Shanghai Customs, one of China’s busiest ports.

Why It Matters:

• Legal Requirement — Food Safety Law and GB 7718/GB 28050 mandate accurate Chinese labels with product name, ingredients, nutrition facts, shelf life, importer details, country of origin, and GACC number.
• Customs Checkpoint — Shanghai authorities check documents and physical labels during inspection. Errors (missing info, inaccurate translation, non-matching text) trigger detention, rework, return, or destruction.
• Risk Control — Ensures consumer safety, allergen awareness, and prevents misleading claims.
• Practical Impact — Non-compliant labels delay clearance, add costs, and risk post-market recalls. Pre-approve labels before shipping to Shanghai.

With GACC Decree 280 (June 2026), declaration fields for registration numbers are stricter. Proper label compliance speeds up Shanghai port clearance for imported foods.

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