How to export jams from the UK to China

Start with the manufacturer and the import route

Jams, marmalade and fruit spreads take the manufacturer-application route under GACC Decree 280: the manufacturer applies itself or through an agent. Confirm the product in GACC’s registration system. The overseas exporter files with GACC; the Chinese importer files with local customs. Plan for approvals to take months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides. The UK-China food safety MoU established the cooperation mechanism required for batch registration; confirm availability for your manufacturer with the authority.

HMRC recorded £326k of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 200791, 200799 in 2025 (2024: £687k, -52.6%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £135k. January to July 2026: £161k against £182k in the same months of 2025 (-11.6%).

The largest listed UK export line was strawberry jams under 20079933, worth £116k within HS 200799. Citrus preparations sit under HS 200791; other cooked fruit preparations sit under HS 200799. The manufacturer-application route is identified for this category. Confirm any batch registration arrangement with the authority; registration and label requirements still apply.

Price against the Chinese tariff lines

The listed Chinese tariff lines have an MFN rate of 5%. Import VAT’s standard rate is 13%, with 9% applying to specified goods, including agricultural products. Have the importer’s customs broker confirm the applicable VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to these jams. VAT uses customs value plus duty plus consumption tax as its base. Border taxes increase landed cost and shape the importer’s offer.

Prepare the jar label before committing stock

For ordinary imports, prepackaged jams need a compliant Chinese label naming the place of origin and the domestic agent’s name, address and contact details. Packaging and labels must comply with Chinese law and national food safety standards. Put the manufacturer’s China registration number, or its home authority’s approved registration number, on the packaging.

GB 7718-2025 takes effect on 16 March 2027. Check artwork against both current requirements and that incoming standard before printing. The overseas manufacturer’s registration number must also be entered correctly on the Chinese customs declaration; customs does not accept declarations completed incorrectly.

Arrange the UK declaration for the actual recipe

Classify each jam before export rather than using the same commodity code for every flavour. Exports from England, Scotland or Wales need a GB EORI and an online export declaration. Give the declarant the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any required export licences or certificates.

Consider cross-border retail for consumer orders

The cross-border e-commerce retail import list includes 20079100, 20079910 and 20079990. Through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 retail channels, listed goods are supervised as personal-use articles, with first-import licence, registration and filing requirements disapplied, subject to the stated suspension and emergency-risk exceptions. This route serves consumer purchases; it does not supply jars for a distributor to resell.

The overseas business must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability. Consumers must accept a risk notice explaining possible differences from Chinese standards, possible absence of a Chinese label with an online Chinese e-label available, and the personal-use restriction. The overseas business retains primary responsibility for product quality and safety.

Find an importer and check the proposed arrangement

Ask a prospective jam importer which tariff line it will use, how it will complete its food-importer filing, and who will review the Chinese artwork. Establish whether it wants ordinary wholesale imports or cross-border consumer sales. If an importer has already approached your brand, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and any required cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners’ regulated roles in China; your brand’s own filings stay yours.

Use our export service to discuss finding and checking Chinese buyers for your jams. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.