How to export Cod from the UK to China

Which route applies to cod, haddock and other white fish?

These fish fall within the aquatic-products recommendation route; confirm the commodity coverage in GACC’s registration system.

Under HS 0302-0304 (16 subheadings): HMRC recorded £4.8m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 16 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £312k, +1428.9%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £86k. January to July 2026: £542k against £125k in the same months of 2025 (+335.6%).

The largest listed UK export line to China was frozen haddock fillets under HS 030472, UK commodity line 03047200: £3.3m. Discuss the actual species and presentation with prospective importers: fresh or chilled fish, frozen fish and frozen fillets have separate tariff lines. These codes are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list.

Prepare the manufacturer’s application before committing stock

Under GACC Decree 280, the manufacturer applies itself or through an agent and must obtain its country’s competent-authority recommendation, supported by a plant audit, audit report and recommendation letter. The manufacturer must prepare its application and support that audit. This takes many months, not weeks, and the Chinese authority decides. Confirm the plant’s registration and product coverage in GACC’s registration system.

The overseas exporter or agent must file with GACC, and the Chinese food importer must file with its local customs office. Where entry animal and plant quarantine approval is required, the importer must obtain the permit before signing the trade contract. The manufacturer’s registration number must be entered correctly on the import declaration; customs will otherwise refuse the declaration.

Price against the fish’s Chinese tariff line

The 2026 Customs Import and Export Tariff gives every line below a 7% MFN rate; frozen cod 03036300 and frozen Alaska pollack 03036700 also have a provisional 2026 rate of 5%. Import VAT is generally 13%, with 9% for agricultural products; have the importer’s customs broker confirm the fish’s treatment and whether consumption tax applies. VAT uses customs value plus duty plus consumption tax. Border taxes increase landed cost and shape the importer’s offer.

Prepare fish-specific packaging and Chinese labels

Aquatic-product markings must include 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. Prepare artwork from the actual supply chain, including whether the fish is sea-caught, freshwater-caught or farmed.

Prepackaged fish needs a compliant Chinese label naming its origin and the domestic agent’s name, address and contact details. The manufacturer’s China registration number, or its home-authority-approved number, must appear on packaging. Check GB 2733-2015 for fresh and frozen animal aquatic products. GB 7718-2025 takes effect on 16 March 2027, so check artwork against current requirements and the incoming labelling standard.

Arrange the UK declaration and health certificate

For the UK export declaration, the declarant needs an EORI and the correct commodity code for the fish. Supply the value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing-list references. Certificate 7208 covers fish and seafood products for human consumption exported to China and is active; check its guidance for plant, product and ingredient limits before applying online. Give the carrier the invoice and required certificates.

Find and check a Chinese importer

Ask prospective importers to explain their food-importer filing, quarantine-permit arrangements and how they will verify your plant’s registration and product coverage. Agree the species, presentation, Chinese tariff line and label artwork before preparing stock. If a Chinese importer has already approached your brand, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

For this category, Cambridge China Bridge helps only with preparation, finding and checking Chinese importers and distributors, and coordinating licensed partners. We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China; the importer of record remains a licensed partner’s role, and the brand’s own filings stay the brand’s. See our export preparation service.