How to export Food ingredients from the UK to China

Confirm food status before starting registration

Food ingredients: yeast, enzymes and starches may follow different routes depending on whether the product is food or a food additive. GACC Decree 280 excludes additive manufacturers; confirm their applicable route with the authority. For food, confirm the category in GACC’s registration system before the manufacturer applies itself or through an agent. The UK food safety MoU established the cooperation mechanism needed for simplified batch registration; confirm with GACC whether that route is available for your manufacturing site. Allow months, not weeks for approval; the Chinese authority decides. For brewing ingredients, see exporting malt and hops from the UK to China.

Under HS 1302-3507 (8 subheadings): HMRC recorded £24.0m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 8 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £12.6m, +90.5%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £676k.

January to July 2026: £15.6m against £9.0m in the same months of 2025 (+74.1%). These are UK exports under HS 1302-3507 (8 subheadings). The largest UK export line in 2025 was 35051090, modified starches, at £12.6m; this is the HS-code total.

Price against the Chinese tariff line

The 2026 Customs Import and Export Tariff separates agar, vegetable thickeners, yeast, baking powder, modified starches and enzymes. The table shows MFN rates, with the provisional 2026 rate also shown for 35051000. Duty and import VAT increase landed cost and shape the price your importer can offer. VAT is generally 13%, subject to the 9% list and special rules, on customs value plus duty plus consumption tax. Your importer’s adviser confirms VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies.

Prepare the Chinese pack artwork

Imported prepackaged ingredients need compliant Chinese labels and Chinese instructions where required. Include origin and the domestic agent’s name, address and contact details. For registered food manufacturers, packaging must carry the China registration number or the number approved by the home authority. Check artwork against current requirements and GB 7718-2025, which takes effect on 16 March 2027, before committing to a packaging run.

Give your UK declarant a precise specification

Classify the ingredient before export: active yeast falls under HS 210210, inactive yeast under 210220, baking powder under 210230 and modified starches under 350510. HS 350790 covers enzymes and prepared enzymes not elsewhere specified, excluding rennet and its concentrates; confirm the code for your exact enzyme product. For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and arrange the export declaration. Give the declarant value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates.

Use cross-border retail only for eligible consumer goods

The cross-border e-commerce retail import list partially covers these ingredients: 21023000 for baking powder and 35079090 for other enzymes and enzyme preparations. Confirm the exact product and Chinese tariff line before choosing this route. Listed goods entering through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels receive personal-use supervision, without first-import licensing, registration or filing requirements, subject to the stated emergency and suspended-area exceptions.

This route cannot supply ingredients for resale. Consumers must accept a risk notice covering differences from Chinese standards, possible absence of a Chinese label and access to a Chinese electronic label. The overseas business carries primary product safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability.

Find and check an importer before committing stock

Choose an importer that can discuss your ingredient’s intended use, Chinese tariff line and label requirements before agreeing an order. 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 service.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and, where required for cross-border retail, the cross-border e-commerce agent remain with licensed partners in China. Your own filings remain yours. We check with licensed partners.

For the food route, establish who is the manufacturer, exporter and importer before preparing the paperwork. The overseas exporter or agent files with GACC, while the importer files with its local customs office. Give the importer the manufacturer’s registration number for the customs declaration: customs does not accept a declaration that omits the required entry.