How to export yoghurt from the UK to China

Which route applies to yoghurt and fermented milk?

Yoghurt and fermented milk fall under HS6 040320 and 040390. For ordinary commercial imports, prepare for the dairy manufacturer registration route requiring competent-authority recommendation; confirm the product scope in GACC's registration system. The largest UK export line to mainland China under these codes was 04039011, at £153k in 2025. These are HS-code totals, which can include other products.

HMRC recorded £395k of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 040320, 040390 in 2025 (2024: £69k, +467.8%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £2.4m. January to July 2026: £213k against £138k in the same months of 2025 (+54%).

Prepare the manufacturer's application and export documents

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 report and recommendation letter. The manufacturer must prepare its application and support the audit. Plan for months, not weeks: the Chinese authority decides. Check the plant's registration and product scope before committing stock.

The registered manufacturer's China registration number, or its home-authority-approved number, must appear on the packaging; its registration number must also be entered correctly on the import declaration. The overseas exporter or agent files with GACC, and the importer files with local customs. Where entry quarantine approval is required, the importer must obtain the permit before signing the trade contract.

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, arrange a GB EORI, the correct commodity code and an export declaration covering value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing-list references. Certificate 6288 covers milk or milk products exported to China. Check its guidance notes for plant, product and ingredient limits before treating your yoghurt as eligible.

Price against the Chinese tariff line

The listed Chinese tariff lines have the following MFN rates. Confirm which Chinese line fits the yoghurt's composition or the fermented product; the UK export line does not settle the Chinese classification.

Import VAT has a standard rate of 13%, with 9% for listed goods including agricultural products. Have the importer's customs broker confirm the applicable rate and whether consumption tax applies to this product. VAT uses the customs value plus customs duty plus any applicable consumption tax. These border charges add to landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer.

Check the fermented milk standard and packaging

The national food safety standards list includes GB 19302-2025 for fermented milk. Have the importer and its licensed partners check the yoghurt against the applicable standard before finalising the product specification and artwork. Under GACC Decree 249, imported food packaging, labels and marks must comply with Chinese law and national food safety standards; instructions must be in Chinese where required.

Consider bonded cross-border retail separately

The cross-border retail import list includes 04032010, 04032090 and 04039000, each restricted to online bonded goods. That remark matters: the listing does not support a direct-shipping route for these lines. Check the chosen yoghurt and bonded operation with the cross-border partner before allocating stock.

Qualifying cross-border retail goods are supervised as personal-use articles, with first-import licence, registration and filing requirements disapplied subject to the stated risk exceptions. The overseas business retains primary product quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability. Consumers must accept a risk notice, and the goods may not be resold.

Find and check a Chinese importer before committing

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached your yoghurt brand, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. For discussions with prospective buyers, see our guide to working with Chinese importers.

For this category, our help is limited to preparation, finding and checking a Chinese importer, and coordinating licensed partners. We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and any cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners' roles in China; the manufacturer's application and the brand's own filings stay theirs.

Use our export preparation service for importer checks and coordination of the preparation work.