How to export scallops from the UK to China

Scallops, oysters and mussels: approval before orders

These shellfish take the aquatic-products recommendation route: the manufacturer must apply and obtain its country's competent-authority recommendation, audit report and recommendation letter for the plant. Confirm the product scope in GACC's registration system. GACC Decree 280 requires overseas food manufacturers to register. Approval takes months, not weeks, and the Chinese authority decides. Where quarantine approval is required, the importer must obtain the permit before signing the trade contract.

The UK export figures below cover goods under HS 0307-0307 (28 subheadings). These headings extend beyond the shellfish named in this guide.

HMRC recorded £256k of UK goods exports to mainland China under 28 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £3.9m, -93.4%). January to July 2026: £404k against £134k in the same months of 2025 (+200.8%). The largest UK export line was 03079200, frozen molluscs, at £134k (13.4万英镑); that broader line is not a measure of scallop sales alone.

Match the product form to the Chinese tariff line

The HS6 groups distinguish live, fresh or chilled, frozen, and smoked, dried, salted or brined goods: oysters use 030711/030712/030719, scallops use 030721/030722/030729, and mussels use 030731/030732/030739. The table gives their Chinese tariff lines and MFN rates. Have the importer confirm the precise line before agreeing a landed-price calculation.

Duty and import VAT add to landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer. The VAT Law sets a standard import rate of 13% and a 9% rate for agricultural products; the importer's customs broker confirms the applicable treatment and whether consumption tax applies to this product. Import VAT uses customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax, multiplied by the applicable VAT rate.

Prepare aquatic-product markings and standard checks

Prepare markings showing the commercial and scientific names, specification, production date, batch, shelf life, storage conditions, production method and production area. They must identify every producing and processing business by name, registration number and address, and state that the destination is the PRC. Production method must distinguish sea catch, freshwater catch or farming.

GB 2733-2015 covers fresh and frozen animal aquatic products; arrange a check of its applicability to your shellfish. Packaging, labels and marks must comply with Chinese law and national food safety standards, with Chinese instructions where required. Registered manufacturers must put their China registration number or home-authority-approved number on the packaging.

Resolve certificate 7469 before planning dispatch

The UK health certificate named for bivalves for human consumption is certificate 7469. GOV.UK lists it as on hold, meaning it is not currently available. Confirm the available certificate route before committing stock or transport, and check the guidance notes for plant, product and ingredient limits. A manufacturer's registration does not resolve the certificate's availability.

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI number and classify the goods correctly. The export declaration needs the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing-list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any required export licences or certificates. Agree with your declarant who will submit the declaration and provide those details.

Check the bonded retail option product by product

The cross-border retail list includes Chinese lines 03071190, 03071200, 03072199, 03072210, 03072290 and 03072910. Each carries the restriction to online-shopping bonded goods. This is partial coverage: do not treat the whole shellfish range as listed, or assume these entries permit direct retail imports outside the bonded route.

Listed goods imported through the qualifying retail channel are supervised as personal-use articles, without the first-import licence, registration or filing requirements. Exceptions apply to goods from suspended epidemic areas and goods subject to emergency handling for major quality or safety risks. Confirm the exact product and channel before selecting this route.

The overseas retail business carries primary responsibility for quality and safety and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability. Consumers must accept the prescribed risk notice before ordering, including that purchases are for personal use and may not be resold. This channel therefore cannot supply a distributor's resale stock.

Find and check the Chinese importer before committing stock

Give prospective buyers the species, product form, plant details, proposed markings and certificate position so they can assess the intended import route. 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. The overseas exporter and Chinese food importer must also complete their respective filings.

For these shellfish, our help is limited to preparation, finding and checking a Chinese importer, and coordinating licensed partners in China for registration and label work. The importer of record and any required cross-border retail agent remain licensed partners' roles; the manufacturer's application and the brand's own filings remain their own. Use our export preparation service to organise that work.