How to export flour from the UK to China

Match your flour to the import route

Flour and milled grain products cover HS 1101-1103 (7 subheadings). For ordinary food imports, the manufacturer needs GACC registration through the competent-authority recommendation route. Confirm the product's registration category in GACC's registration system before preparing the application; the Chinese tariff line also determines which duty rate and e-commerce listing apply.

Under HS 1101-1103 (7 subheadings): HMRC recorded £27k of UK goods exports to mainland China under 7 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £19k, +44.3%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £86k. January to July 2026: £22k against £11k in the same months of 2025 (+101.5%).

The largest listed UK export line to mainland China under HS 110290 was 11029030 Oat flour £22k in 2025. This is an HS-code total, so use it as market context when discussing your flour with prospective buyers.

Price against the exact Chinese tariff line

The listed Chinese tariff lines have the MFN rates below. Their spread makes classification central to your quotation: customs duty and import VAT add to the importer's landed cost and shape the price it can offer. Have the importer's customs broker confirm the applicable Chinese line.

The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13% and includes agricultural products in its 9% list. Have the broker determine which treatment applies to your flour and whether consumption tax applies. Import VAT is calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax, multiplied by the applicable VAT rate.

Prepare the mill's registration and filings

GACC Decree 280 requires registration of overseas food manufacturers, processors and storage enterprises. For the recommended category 谷物制粉和麦芽, the manufacturer applies itself or through an agent and obtains its country's competent-authority recommendation, supported by a plant audit report and recommendation letter. Plan for approvals to take months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides the outcome.

Put the manufacturer's China registration number, or the number approved by its home authority, on the flour packaging. The overseas manufacturer's registration number must also be entered correctly on the import declaration, otherwise customs will not accept it. Separately, the overseas exporter or agent files with GACC, and the food importer files with its local customs office.

Align the pack and UK export paperwork

For prepackaged flour, prepare a Chinese label showing the place of origin and the domestic agent's name, address and contact details; Chinese instructions are required where applicable. Food without a compliant Chinese label may not be imported. Check artwork against current requirements and GB 7718-2025, which takes effect on 16 March 2027.

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify the flour under the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any export licences or certificates required for the shipment.

Check bonded e-commerce eligibility by line

The retail import list covers only part of this range, all restricted to online bonded goods. Wheat flour 11010000 and wheat groats/meal 11031100 share a 20kg annual allowance per person. Maize flour 11022000 shares that allowance with 11042300. Short/medium-grain rice flour 11029029 has a 20kg annual allowance; other cereal flour 11029090 is also listed.

Eligible retail imports receive personal-use supervision without first-import licence, registration or filing requirements, subject to epidemic-area suspensions and emergency risk handling. The overseas seller must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration and truthful declarations, sharing civil liability. Consumers must accept a risk notice covering possible differences from Chinese standards, absent Chinese labels and personal use without resale.

Find an importer ready for your flour

Check that a prospective buyer can work with your exact tariff line, registration number and Chinese label artwork before agreeing supply. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. See our export-to-China service.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The regulated roles, including the importer of record and the cross-border e-commerce agent where required, stay with licensed partners in China; your own filings stay yours.