Have you ever been confused by the complicated process of importing pastries? From clarifying the definition of pastries to complying with strict food safety standards, and then to the cumbersome import procedures, every link is crucial. Cakes and pastries are very common in our lives. But if you want to import these delicious foods from overseas, then you need to understand the definition of pastries, import safety standards, and the specific import process. Today, we will analyze in detail all the necessary steps for importing pastries, helping you easily meet the challenges and smoothly carry out import business!

Pastriesare foods made from one or several of the main raw materials such as cereals, legumes, tubers, oils, sugars, eggs, etc., with or without the addition of other raw materials, through processes such as modulation, shaping, and cooking. In addition, before or after cooking, pastries can be added with other ingredients such as cream, egg white, cocoa, jam, etc. on the surface or inside of the product.

According to different production processes, pastries can be divided into two categories:

• Hot - processed Pastries: Pastries with baking, frying, steaming, stir - frying, etc. as the final cooking process.
• Cold - processed Pastries: Pastries that are processed a second time at normal or low temperatures after various heating and cooking processes.

When importing pastry - type foods, importers need to comply with the following national food safety standards to ensure the safety and compliance of imported foods:

• National Food Safety Standard - Cakes and Breads (GB 7099 - 2015)
• National Food Safety Standard - Biscuits (GB 7100 - 2015)
• National Food Safety Standard - Standard for the Use of Food Additives (GB2760 - 2014)(To be repealed on February 8, 2025)
• National Food Safety Standard - Standard for the Use of Food Additives (GB2760 - 2024)(To be implemented on February 8, 2025)
• National Food Safety Standard - General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB7718 - 2011)
• National Food Safety Standard - General Rules for the Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB28050 - 2011)
• National Food Safety Standard - Limits of Pathogenic Bacteria in Prepackaged Foods (GB29921 - 2021)

These standards cover aspects such as the production, packaging, labeling, use of additives, and limits of pathogenic bacteria of cakes, ensuring that imported foods comply with Chinas food safety regulations at all stages.

Registration of Overseas Manufacturers

Overseas manufacturers of imported food products should submit registration applications to the General Administration of Customs either independently or through agents, along with the corresponding application materials. Registration applications can be completed by logging into the Imported Food Overseas Manufacturer Registration Management Application System, or by accessing through the China International Trade Single Window Standard Edition application.

The list of enterprises already registered in China can be queried through Imported Food Overseas Manufacturer Registration InformationQuery link.

Filing of Food Importers

Food importers of imported cakes and biscuits need to file at the customs where the enterprise is registered. The filing can be completed through the following three methods:

• Through international tradeEnter the Port Law - Enforcement Declaration module, click Enterprise Management and Enterprise Qualification in sequence. On the new page, select Filing Application, click Filing of Food - related Enterprise Qualifications in sequence, fill in the filing information and upload the relevant application materials.“: Enter the Port Law Enforcement Declaration module, sequentially click Enterprise Management, Enterprise Qualifications, select Filing Application on the new page, then click Food Enterprise Qualification Filing, fill in the filing information and upload the relevant application materials.
• ThroughSubmit a paper application to the local customs:“: Enter the Enterprise Management and Inspection module, select Imported Food Importer Filing, fill in the filing information and upload the relevant application materials.
• Filing of Overseas Exporters or AgentsOverseas exporters or agents also need to file. The filing process can refer to the importer filing process, and the filing can be carried out through the Single Window of international trade or Internet + Customs. According to the customs notice, before September 5, 2024, overseas exporters or agents of imported foods that have been filed with the customs will be assigned an 18 - digit unified code, and the original enterprise filing number will no longer be used.

Import Stage

Overseas exporters or agents also need to complete filing, and the filing process can refer to the importer filing process, conducted through the international trade Single Window or Internet + Customs. According to customs notice, before September 5, 2024, overseas exporters or agents of imported food already filed with customs will receive an 18-digit unified code, and the original enterprise filing number will no longer be used.

Establishment of Import and Sales Record System

According to Article 98 of the Food Safety Law of the Peoples Republic of China, importers must establish an import and sales record system for foods and food additives, and record in detail the name, specifications, quantity, production date, production or import batch number, shelf - life, information of overseas exporters and purchasers, etc. of foods and food additives, and keep the relevant vouchers. This is to ensure the traceability of products and guarantee food safety.

Establish Import and Sales Record System

According to Article 98 of the Food Safety Law of the Peoples Republic of China, importers must establish an import and sales record system for food and food additives, detailing the name, specifications, quantity, production date, production or import batch number, shelf life, information of overseas exporters and purchasers, etc., and retain relevant documentation. This ensures product traceability to guarantee food safety.

Although importing pastries involves multiple steps and strict safety standards, as long as you carefully follow the relevant regulations and meticulously prepare every aspect, successful customs clearance is just around the corner. Through the detailed guide in this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the definition, standards, and procedures for importing pastries, avoid common misunderstandings, and ensure that every batch of goods can smoothly enter the Chinese market. We hope this article can provide practical support for your import business and help you stand out in the fierce market competition! If you need more professional advice or assistance, you are welcome to contact ourZhongShen International Tradeexpert team at any time. We will wholeheartedly serve you and help your business thrive!